You’re ready to launch a new website or redesign an old one, but you’re stuck at square one: finding inspiration.
At Perfect Afternoon, a Michigan-based web design agency, we specialize in creating websites that blend design with functional features and helpful content. With over 25 years of experience in web development, digital marketing, and branding, we know that discovering the right design ideas is a foundational part of a successful website project.
READ MORE: The Essential Guide to Website Redesign
What Are Current Trends In Website Design?
Web design continues to evolve with trends that balance aesthetics and user experience. Clean, minimalist layouts remain a favorite, offering clarity and ease of navigation. Dark mode is gaining popularity, not just for its sleek look, but also for its ability to reduce eye strain. From an SEO perspective, responsive design is a non-negotiable item that must constantly be reviewed.
There is no point in building a site that only looks pretty; it must be delivered promptly, too. We also see bold color palettes, asymmetrical layouts, and immersive multimedia, like video backgrounds and subtle animations, bringing websites to life in dynamic new ways.
And what about the rise of AI? With AI Overview becoming more pervasive, improving content quality that helps inform user decisions is paramount. This content may no longer be served on your site, but if you can leapfrog rivals by answering Google’s questions, that opportunity needs to be grabbed with both hands.
Find five handy website design idea tips below to get started:
Reflect on Websites You Admire
Start by collecting examples of websites you find visually appealing and easy to use. These don’t have to be in your industry.
Look for things like:
- Clean, modern layouts
- Easy navigation
- Bold or subtle use of color
- Fonts that match the tone of the business
Are you unsure what appeals to you exactly? That’s totally fine. Our team can help you evaluate your list and identify the UX and brand elements that stand out.
See What’s Possible in Showcase Platforms
There are a few great places to browse real design work:
- Awwwards: Award-winning, innovative site layouts
- Dribbble: Beautiful visual and UI elements
- Behance: Full project breakdowns, from concept to code
These platforms don’t provide templates; they’re jumping-off points. We often use moodboards and curated examples from these resources during the early phase of a design engagement.
Learn from Competitors, Then Go Further
Your competitors’ websites offer valuable insights. Look at what layout trends are common? What’s working in terms of calls-to-action or trust-building? More importantly: What opportunities are they missing?
When we partnered with a regional dental clinic, they showed us competitor sites with long pages and no real booking strategy. We reimagined their homepage with simplified service sections and strong “Schedule Now” buttons, leading to a 35% increase in conversions within two months.
Let Your Brand Do the Talking
Great web design starts with great branding. If you don’t have a full visual identity yet, our branding team can help.
Whether you’re starting with a loose color palette or a full-fledged brand book, we translate that into web-ready assets, like fonts, image treatments, iconography, and more, that create a memorable, user-friendly experience.
If you’re unsure how visuals and layout influence user experience, check out Google’s UX Playbooks for industry-specific guidance and examples.
Turn Inspiration into Action
The best part? You don’t need to do this alone. At Perfect Afternoon, we help clients bring their design ideas to life through:
- Strategic design discovery sessions
- Moodboards that reflect your vision
- Wireframes that map user journeys
- Full mockups with your branding baked in
Another client, a startup in the wellness space, came to us with a Pinterest board and zero content. We helped them organize their thoughts, define their visual language, and launch a site that now attracts thousands of monthly visitors.
Start Your Website Design Journey with Us
Whether you’ve saved a dozen screenshots or are staring at a blank page, we’re ready to help you craft a site that fits your brand, supports your goals, and looks fantastic doing it. Browse our portfolio to see how we’ve helped others like you.
Want to discuss your vision? Let’s chat. We’ll help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.