Design Inspiration

The 2025 Colors of the Year (So Far)

Designing Your Brand and Website with Impact

When it comes to branding and web design, color is more than just a visual element—it’s a powerful communication tool that can influence perception, evoke emotions, and guide user behavior. The right color scheme can elevate your brand, making it more memorable and impactful. Whether you’re refreshing your existing brand or building something new, understanding the latest color trends can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level.

In 2025, the selected colors of the year are not just about trends; they reflect broader cultural sentiments and design movements. As we dive into each of these colors, consider how they might align with your brand’s message and the experience you want to create for your users.

What is the 2025 Color of the Year?

The idea of a single “Color of the Year” is a bit of a myth. In reality, several key players in the world of design and paint—like Pantone, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin-Williams—each crown their own Color (or Colors) of the Year. These choices are more than just about what looks good; they reflect broader cultural and design trends that are expected to influence everything from branding to website design in the coming year.

These companies employ expert colorists and trend forecasters who study everything from art and fashion to current events and societal shifts. Their goal? To pinpoint the colors that will resonate most in the year ahead, shaping not just home décor but also how brands present themselves in the marketplace.

Here’s a list of the 2025 Colors of the Year that have been announced so far:

1. Behr – Rumors
2. HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams – Quietude
3. Valspar – Encore
4. Dutch Boy – Mapped Blue
5. Stainmaster Paints – Truffle
6. Minwax – Violet
7. Little Greene – Mochi

These colors represent a mix of calming hues, earthy tones, and vibrant pops of color, each with potential to make a significant impact in branding and web design. The diversity in these selections allows for flexibility in creating color schemes that resonate with various brand personalities and target audiences.

Why Colors Matter in Branding and Web Design

Color is one of the most powerful tools in a designer’s toolkit. It’s not just about aesthetics—color has the power to evoke emotions, convey messages, and influence behavior. When chosen thoughtfully, color can strengthen a brand’s identity, make a website more engaging, and even guide users’ actions.

In web design, color psychology plays a crucial role. For instance, blue is often used by financial institutions because it conveys trust and stability. Red can create a sense of urgency, making it a popular choice for call-to-action buttons. By understanding the psychological impact of colors, you can create a visual brand that not only looks good but also connects with your audience on a deeper level.

The 2025 Colors of the Year: How to Use Them in Your Brand and Website

Several major paint companies have already revealed their 2025 Color of the Year. Let’s explore how you can incorporate these colors into your brand’s visual identity and website design to create a memorable and impactful online presence.

Behr: Rumors

Behr’s “Rumors” is a rich ruby red that commands attention without overwhelming the senses. In branding, red is a color that evokes passion, energy, and urgency. It’s perfect for brands that want to make a bold statement and leave a lasting impression. In web design, “Rumors” can be used as an accent color to draw attention to key elements like buttons or calls-to-action. Pair it with neutral tones like white or grey to create a balanced look that’s both dynamic and elegant.

HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams: Quietude

“Quietude” is a soft, sage green with subtle blue undertones, designed to create a calming, peaceful environment. Green is often associated with growth, harmony, and stability, making it an excellent choice for brands in the wellness or environmental sectors. On a website, “Quietude” can be used as a background color to create a serene and inviting space that encourages users to stay and explore. It pairs beautifully with natural textures and materials, reinforcing a sense of tranquility and balance.

Valspar: Encore

Valspar’s “Encore” is a deep, tranquil blue that evokes a sense of peace and reflection. Blue is universally associated with trust and dependability, which is why brands in the tech and finance industries often use it. “Encore” can be used in web design to create a sense of security and professionalism. Consider using it as a primary color in your website’s palette, especially in headers or navigation bars, to create a cohesive and trustworthy online presence.

Dutch Boy: Mapped Blue

Dutch Boy’s “Mapped Blue” is a medium-toned blue with subtle yellow undertones, giving it a warm and inviting feel. This color is ideal for brands looking to balance modernity with approachability. In web design, “Mapped Blue” can be used to create a welcoming and user-friendly interface. It’s particularly effective in spaces where you want to convey both professionalism and warmth, such as service-based businesses or community-focused organizations.

Stainmaster Paints: Truffle

“Truffle” by Stainmaster Paints is a rich, earthy brown that exudes warmth and comfort. Brown is often associated with reliability and strength, making it a great choice for brands that want to convey stability and dependability. In web design, “Truffle” can be used as a background color to create a cozy and grounded feel. It’s particularly effective when paired with lighter colors like beige or cream, which can help soften its intensity while maintaining its welcoming vibe.

Minwax: Violet

Minwax’s “Violet” is a soft and elegant shade that brings a subtle hint of luxury and tranquility. Purple is often associated with creativity, wisdom, and spirituality, making it a great choice for brands in the creative industries. On a website, “Violet” can be used to add a touch of sophistication and elegance, especially in areas where you want to inspire or evoke emotion. Pair it with neutral tones like grey or white to create a balanced and harmonious look.

Little Greene: Mochi

“Mochi” by Little Greene is a warm, inviting neutral with a soft, creamy undertone. Neutrals like “Mochi” are versatile and timeless, making them a staple in both branding and web design. This color can serve as the foundation of your website’s color palette, providing a backdrop that allows other colors to shine. “Mochi” is perfect for creating a clean, minimalist look that feels both modern and comfortable, making it a great choice for brands that want to convey simplicity and elegance.

Wrap Up Your Brand or Workspace in Color

Choosing the right color scheme is more than just a design choice—it’s a strategic decision that can significantly impact your brand’s perception and your website’s user experience. Whether you’re looking to inspire creativity, evoke trust, or create a calm and inviting environment, these 2025 colors of the year provide a great starting point. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and let your colors do the talking!

Looking to refresh your brand or website with the latest trends? Cider House Media offers expert design services to help bring your vision to life. Let’s make your brand as vibrant as these colors of the year!

---

[mk_button dimension=”flat” size=”large” url=”https://ciderhouse.media/web-development/small-business-websites/” align=”left” button_custom_width=”350″ bg_color=”#ff6330″ btn_hover_bg=”#8bc541″]Explore Our Creative Services[/mk_button] READ MORE

9 Stunning Color Schemes for Business Inspiration

When it comes to creating a captivating brand or workspace, color isn’t just a visual element—it’s a powerful tool for communication. The colors you choose can set the tone for your brand’s identity, influence customer perceptions, and even boost productivity in your office. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right palette? We’ve put together nine inspiring color schemes that look incredible and serve distinct purposes, whether you’re revamping your office or giving your brand a fresh new face.

1. Passion in Bloom

This vibrant color scheme is a burst of energy, featuring deep reds, magentas, and oranges balanced with a soft yellow. Perfect for businesses looking to evoke passion and creativity, these colors work well in creative industries or marketing agencies. Picture this in a brainstorming room, where ideas are meant to flow freely. The combination of warm, energetic hues invites enthusiasm, making it easier to ignite new ideas and inspire innovation.

2. Sunshine and Teal

This palette is a refreshing take on tranquility, combining deep teals with a pop of golden yellow. It’s ideal for businesses that want to convey calm, reliability, and a touch of optimism—think wellness centers, spas, or even tech companies focusing on user experience. The coolness of the teal tones balances the warmth of the yellow, creating a harmonious environment that’s both soothing and invigorating.

3. Rustic Serenity

The earthy greens, mustard yellow, and soft blush in this palette capture the essence of a peaceful, rustic retreat. Perfect for eco-friendly brands or businesses that emphasize sustainability, this color scheme brings the outside in. Imagine these colors in a reception area, where visitors can feel instantly at ease. The natural tones promote a sense of balance and well-being, making it a great choice for environmentally-conscious brands.

4. Wildflower Meadow

Bright yellows paired with rich reds and deep blues create a vibrant, playful atmosphere in this color scheme. It’s a perfect fit for businesses that thrive on creativity, like advertising agencies, design firms, or educational institutions. The lively colors are energizing and inviting, making them great for collaborative spaces or areas where brainstorming and innovation are key.

5. Lavender Fields Forever

This palette of soft purples, peach, and sunset orange is calming and serene, making it ideal for wellness brands or businesses in the beauty industry. The gentle colors evoke a sense of calm and relaxation, perfect for spaces where you want to create a peaceful environment. These colors can be beautifully incorporated into brand packaging, website design, or even a calming office lounge area.

6. Moody Botanicals

For a more dramatic effect, this palette combines deep burgundy, slate gray, and mustard yellow. It’s perfect for brands looking to convey sophistication and depth—ideal for luxury goods, law firms, or high-end restaurants. The dark tones create a sense of mystery and allure, while the mustard yellow adds a touch of unexpected warmth. This color scheme would look stunning in a client meeting room, creating an environment of both seriousness and subtle opulence.

7. Golden Fields

With rich navy blues, warm golden browns, and dusky grays, this palette is all about stability and trust. It’s perfect for financial services, law firms, or any business that wants to project a sense of reliability and professionalism. These colors are grounded and timeless, ideal for a conference room where important decisions are made. The warm gold tones add just the right amount of friendliness to balance the more serious blue and gray hues.

8. Ethereal Elegance

This palette of soft pinks, lavenders, and deep purples brings a touch of elegance and femininity to any space. It’s an ideal choice for beauty brands, fashion boutiques, or any business wanting to appeal to a sophisticated, style-conscious audience. The ethereal combination of these hues can make any space feel luxurious and inviting, perfect for creating a boutique-style office or store layout.

9. Midnight Bloom

This dramatic palette combines deep, moody blues with vibrant orange and maroon tones. It’s ideal for brands that want to make a bold statement, like modern tech startups or innovative design firms. The contrast between the dark and vibrant tones creates a dynamic energy that’s perfect for a creative studio or an open-plan office space. The colors are powerful and inspiring, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking and bold ideas.

Wrap Up Your Brand or Workspace in Color

Choosing the right color scheme is more than just a design choice—it’s a strategic decision that can significantly impact your brand’s perception and your workspace’s atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to inspire creativity, evoke trust, or create a calm and inviting environment, these color schemes provide a great starting point. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and let your colors do the talking!

READ MORE

Our Top 24 Web Design Trends for 2024

Here are the 24 web design trends 2024 that we’ll be watching this year.

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1609771688580{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;padding-top: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #efefef !important;border-radius: 20px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1609771531185{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

1. The Rise of Minimalism
2. The Return of Skeuomorphism
3. The Power of Parallax
4. The Beauty of Blended Backgrounds (Gradients)
5. The Elegance of Exaggerated Design Elements in Web Design
6. The Importance of Interactivity in Web Design
7. The Magic of Motion in Web Design
8. The Impact of Immersive Experiences
9. The Future of Flat Design
10. The Return of the Grid
11. The Power of Whitespace
12. The Beauty of Simplicity

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1609771539002{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

13. The Importance of Mobile-first Design
14. The Rise of Chatbots
15. The Power of Personalization
16. The Importance of Voice Search
17. Big, Bold Fonts
18. Website Load Time and Page Speed
19. Captivating Hero Images
20. Vintage-inspired Web Design
21. Illustrations
22. Dark Mode
23. Monochromatic Web Designs
24. Detailed Footers

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

What web design trends look like in 2024

If the past is any indicator, we can expect some amazing things! Here are just a few of the trends we think will be big in 2024:

Introduction

While many web design trends come and go, some remain incredibly popular year after year. In this series, we’ll explore the most popular web design trends for 2024, so you can stay ahead of the curve.

Usability is always a top priority in web design, but in 2024, we’ll see an increased focus on making websites easy to use on mobile devices. Responsive design will continue to be popular, allowing a website to adapt to different screen sizes. We’ll also see an increase in the use of colors and fonts that are easy to read on mobile devices. User experience is key. This is most definitely a web design trend that is a worthwhile follow.

Another significant trend in 2024 will be the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on web design. With AI, we can create realistic 3D images, which can be used on websites and in other marketing materials. We can also use AI to create personalized user experiences by analyzing a user’s behavior and preferences.

Websites will also become more interactive in 2024 as we see the rise of voice search and virtual reality (VR). Voice search is a newer technology that allows users to search for information using their voices instead of typing keywords into a search engine. Conversely, VR is an immersive experience that enables users to interact with a website in a three-dimensional environment, making it a pivotal aspect of web design trends for 2024.

1. The Rise of Minimalism

What is minimalism? In web design, minimalism is a style that utilizes the bare minimum of design elements to achieve its goal. This can include using simple designs, fewer colors, clean lines, and open space.

Why is minimalism becoming more popular? In a world where we are continually besieged with images and messages, minimalism provides a much-needed respite. It allows us to focus on what is essential and eliminates distractions. Additionally, minimalist designs are often easier and faster to load, which is vital in our increasingly mobile world.

What minimalism trends can we expect to see in 2024? We anticipate a continued embrace of clean lines, fewer colors, open space, and simple designs. Moreover, developers will continue to focus on creating fast-loading websites that work well on mobile devices. This is a  web design trend that should make everybody happy!

Examples (clockwise from top left): 1. Lights 2. Marc Hanslin 3. Studio Nido Architecture 4. Adami

2. The Return of Skeuomorphism

Skeuomorphism, a design philosophy that imitates the physical world in digital interfaces, is poised for a significant resurgence in web design trends for 2024. Defined by its approach to mimic real-world counterparts, skeuomorphic design elements blend familiarity and innovation, making them visually appealing and functionally intuitive.

Why Skeuomorphism is Gearing Up for a Comeback:

• Growing Digital Comfort: As digital devices become more ingrained in our daily lives, there’s a growing appreciation for designs that echo the physical world. This trend, already observed in audio and video software with interfaces inspired by tangible equipment, is ripe for web design adoption.
• Ease of Use: Skeuomorphism shines in simplifying complex interfaces. By presenting digital elements that mirror their physical equivalents, users find them more intuitive and approachable. This is especially true for websites that aim to replicate real-world experiences or functionalities.
• Playful and Engaging: When executed with finesse, skeuomorphic designs can inject a sense of fun and creativity into websites. This playfulness can transform a mundane interface into an engaging and memorable user experience.
• Comforting Familiarity: In an ever-evolving digital landscape, skeuomorphic elements offer a touch of familiarity and nostalgia. This connection can be comforting to users, fostering a sense of ease and connection with the website.

Despite its relative scarcity in current web design trends, we believe skeuomorphism has untapped potential. In the right context, skeuomorphic elements can significantly enhance a website’s design, user interface, and overall user experience. They offer a unique blend of the familiar and the innovative, making them ideal for web designs that aim to stand out while remaining user-friendly. Looking ahead, skeuomorphism could be a game-changer in how we approach web design, offering a harmonious balance between digital innovation and real-world reliability. This is a web design trend that we’re excited about pushing forward in 2024!

In this example, we showcase the Rhodes V-Rack, a prime illustration of skeuomorphic design in action. The V-Rack, designed with an exceptional focus on precision, takes its cues from the iconic Rhodes MK8 Analogue Preamp and FX circuit. Renowned for its imaginative and resonant sound, this software interface embodies the spirit of the original equipment in a digital format, exemplifying how skeuomorphism can bridge the gap between the tangible and digital realms.

3. The Power of Parallax

In web design, the parallax effect is a scrolling technique that creates an illusion of depth on a website. We create this effect by making the background image move slower than the foreground image, giving the impression that the background is further away.

While this scrolling effect has been around for a while, it continues to gain popularity in web design. If done tastefully, this web design trend will continue to grow in popularity over the next few years.

There are many reasons why designers are drawn to parallax scrolling. For one, it can add excitement and dynamism to a website. Additionally, we can use parallax to tell a story or create a narrative flow on a website. As more and more designers experiment with this technique, we are likely to see even more creative uses for it in the future.

Here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about incorporating parallax scrolling into your web design. First, make sure that your website’s content is well-suited for this type of scrolling. If your content is too heavy or text-heavy, it probably won’t work well with parallax scrolling. Second, be careful to do it sparingly. Too much parallax scrolling can overwhelm users and make your website difficult to navigate.

If used properly, parallax scrolling can be a powerful tool for creating an immersive and engaging user experience. As we move into 2024 and beyond, we are likely to see even more designers experiment with this trend and push the boundaries of what’s possible with parallax scrolling.

Source: 1. Moooi  2. Cann 3. Louie Sellers 4. Dogstudio

4. The Beauty of Blended Backgrounds (Gradients)

Gradients are colors that shade into each other, usually starting with a light color and gradually getting darker. They’re often used in web design and can add a subtle touch of refinement to a site.

There are many different ways to use gradients in web design. We can use them as background images, buttons, text, and more.

One of the benefits of using gradients is that they can add depth and dimension to a design. They can also be used to create a sense of movement.

Another benefit is that we can use gradients to add interest to an otherwise plain design. When used correctly, they can help your website stand out from the rest.

If you’re considering using gradients in your web design, here are a few tips:

• Start with two colors that you want to blend. You can use a color picker tool to find colors that go well together.
• Choose the direction you want the gradient to go in. Gradients can go from left to right, top to bottom, or diagonally.
• Decide how light or dark you want the gradient to be. The more colors you use, the more gradual the transition will be.
• Experiment! Gradients are all about trial and error. Be bold and try out different combinations until you find something that looks awesome.

Source: 1. Piccolo Design 2. Memory Work 3. Haiku Haiku 4. Ava Dupree

5. The Elegance of Exaggerated Design Elements in Web Design

In the world of web design trends, what is old often becomes new again. We have seen a retro wave in the past few years, with designers looking back to the 1950s and 1960s for inspiration. Looking back in history has led to a revival of laissez-faire design, which celebrates simplicity and function over form. However, as we move deeper into this decade, we are starting to see a new web design trend emerge: exaggerated design elements.

This emerging trend is all about making a statement with your design. It involves using exaggerated proportions, bold colors, and unexpected illustrations to create an eye-catching and memorable look. This design style is often used in advertising and branding, as it can effectively grab attention and convey a message.

However, this web design trend is not just restricted to commercial applications. We are starting to see more and more websites adopt this style of design as well, especially as we advance into 2024. This is likely due to the fact that exaggerated design elements can help a website stand out in an increasingly saturated online landscape.

If you want to make a statement with your web design, consider incorporating some exaggerated elements into your site. Here are some things to keep in mind when doing so:

• Use proportion wisely: Exaggerated design elements can easily veer into caricature when not used in moderation. As such, it is crucial to use proportion wisely when incorporating this web design trend into your web design. Ensure that the overall look of your site remains balanced and professional.
• Be careful with color: When used judiciously, bold colors can add visual interest to your site. However, if overdone, they can quickly become overwhelming and off-putting. If you decide to use bold colors in your web design, be sure to use them sparingly and choose shades that complement each other well.
• Use illustration sparingly: Exaggerated illustrations can be a great way to add personality and charm to your website. However, too much illustration can quickly become overwhelming and muddle your message. When using illustration in your web design, less is more. Choose simple illustrations that support your overall message without taking away from it.

Source: 1. Grosse Lanterne 2. MetaMusique 3. Van Holtz Co

6. The Importance of Interactivity in Web Design

Interactivity has always been an important aspect of web design, but it is becoming even more critical as we move into the future.

As the world becomes increasingly digital, people crave more interaction and engagement from the websites they visit. To keep people engaged, web designers need to start incorporating more interactivity into their designs. Static, one-dimensional websites are no longer going to cut it in 2024.

Interactive web design is all about creating a website that reacts to and responds to user input. When a user visits a website, they should be able to interact with the site’s content in some way, shape, or form. This type of design helps create an engaging, interactive experience for users that results in increased visitors and more time spent on website pages.

Interactive design websites typically have features that allow users to interact creatively with content. Here are some of the benefits of implementing an interactive design style on your website:

• Enhanced User Experience: By creating an engaging experience for users, you can improve their overall satisfaction and loyalty. With interactive elements and rich content, your website can become more memorable and encourage users to stay longer and explore more areas of your site.
• Increased Engagement: Interactive websites keep users engaged by providing unexpected elements such as movement, animation, parallax scrolling effects, technology integration such as social media links, and more. These elements help boost engagement rates as well as lead conversions from visitors into customers.
• Greater Potential for SEO Benefits: Interactivity encourages valuable metrics such as bounce rates and average time spent on a page. These metrics are essential factors when it comes to SEO rankings, which gives you all the more reason to use interactive design features on your site!

The bottom line is that by investing in improved user experience through interactive design features, you’ll be able to stand out from the competitors’ crowd while enjoying many additional benefits, such as driving better leads with improved SEO ranking chances!

So if you want your website to be successful in 2024, make sure you start incorporating some interactive elements into your design! This is a web design trend we are keeping a close eye on.

Source: 1. Tree by Tree 2. Delve Architects 3. Gucci Beauty 4. Whiteboard

7. The Magic of Motion in Web Design

At Cider House, our designers are constantly exploring innovative ways to captivate and engage viewers. We are always looking for the best (and most helpful) web design trends. One of the most effective strategies we’ve found is incorporating motion into web design.

Adding motion to a design can guide a viewer’s eye, add depth and dimension, and infuse life into static elements. When used judiciously, motion can add just the right touch of enchantment to a web design, making it both engaging and memorable.

Here are some compelling examples of motion design in action:

1. Interactive Backgrounds: Websites with subtle animated backgrounds can create an immersive experience. For instance, a travel site might feature a gently moving seascape, offering a serene and engaging backdrop.
2. Hover Animations: Simple animations that activate when a user hovers over elements like buttons or images can enhance user experience. For instance, a button might appear to depress when hovered over, providing immediate visual feedback.
3. Storytelling through Scroll: Websites that utilize motion to unfold a story as the user scrolls can be particularly captivating. For example, a history site might use parallax scrolling to reveal different historical events in a chronological sequence.
4. Data Visualization: Dynamic graphs and charts that animate to reveal data can make information more digestible and engaging. A finance website, for instance, could use animated graphs to illustrate market trends.

If you’re looking for some motion design inspiration, these examples demonstrate how movement can be employed effectively to add impact and create a more dynamic user experience. As we move further into 2024, integrating motion into web design not only aligns with current trends but also opens up new avenues for creativity and user engagement.

Sources: 1. DesignPlusMotion 2. HandyWritten 3. Cartier Discoveries 4. Little Website Co.

8. The Impact of Immersive Experiences

One of the most impactful, can we say, “immersive” web design trends we anticipate for 2024 is experiential sites. These sites leverage animation and transitions to create an immersive scrolling experience that takes users on a journey. Web graphics will also play a significant role in these sites, with designers using bold visuals to guide users through the experience.

Micro-interactions will also be vital in creating these immersive web experiences. By adding small animated elements to websites, designers can introduce an additional layer of interactivity and engagement. These micro-interactions can range from simple animations when a user scrolls down a page to more complex interactions that allow users to control the flow of information on a site.

Here are some examples to illustrate how experiential sites and micro-interactions can enhance user experience:

1. Storytelling Websites: Websites for books or movies might use animations that mimic the unfolding of a story as users scroll, bringing the narrative to life.
2. Educational Sites: An interactive timeline on a history website, where scrolling triggers animations that depict historical events, can make learning more engaging.
3. E-commerce Experiences: An online store could use subtle animations when users hover over products, offering a more tactile and interactive shopping experience.
4. Portfolio Websites: Creative professionals can use micro-interactions on their portfolio sites, such as animated thumbnails that expand or change on hover, providing a sneak peek into their work.
5. Interactive Guides: A travel website might include an interactive map that animates to show travel routes or destinations as users explore different options.

In 2024, integrating experiential elements and micro-interactions into web design is one of the more fascinating web design trends we’ll be watching in 2024, offering opportunities for deeper engagement and a more memorable online presence.

Source: 1. Lewa House 2. Melbourne Showroom

9. The Future of Flat Design

Flat design is a minimalist design style that focuses on usability. It features clean, open space, crisp edges, bright colors, and 2-dimensional/flat illustrations.

Flat design became popular in the early 2010s as a reaction to the skeuomorphism trend, which involved making digital objects look like their real-world counterparts (e.g., buttons that look like they’re 3D). Full circle, right?

While flat design has been around for a while, it’s recently seen a resurgence in popularity. In 2023, we saw an increase in flat design style websites, and we expect this web design trend to continue in 2024 and beyond.

Here are some predictions for the future of flat design:

1. More businesses adopting flat design: Many companies will likely embrace a flat design style for their websites and digital products. This style is user-friendly, visually appealing, and straightforward. Moreover, its compatibility with responsive design ensures your website looks good on all devices.
2. Evolution into a more sophisticated style: Flat design is expected to evolve and become more intricate. We anticipate designers experimenting with new techniques, such as strokes and shadows, to introduce more depth and intrigue. We may also see increased use of animations and micro-interactions.
3. Flattened skeuomorphism elements: A trend towards flattened versions of skeuomorphic elements is expected. For example, instead of a button that looks 3D, we may see a button with subtle shadows that give the illusion of dimensionality.

If you’re considering redesigning your website or creating a new digital product, flat design is worth exploring. It’s user-friendly, visually appealing, and straightforward – perfect for today’s users who desire quick, easily digestible information.

Source: 1. HPC Trading Co. 2. Infographic Design 3. Wizeline

10. The Return of the Grid – Say Hello to the Bento Grid

Grid systems are back, and they are here to stay! Designers have been using grid systems for years, but they fell out of popularity for a while. However, now they are making a comeback and being used more than ever.

There are many different types of grid systems, but the most popular one is the 12-column grid. This grid type is perfect for creating great responsive designs that work on all devices. Another benefit of using a grid system is that it helps to keep your elements aligned and organized. This technique makes your design look clean and professional.

The Bento Grid

When looking at web design trends for 2024, we’re looking at the Bento Grid becoming even more popular. This innovative approach to layout design transcends the conventional 12-column grid, offering a fresh perspective that aligns with the modern user’s browsing habits and aesthetic preferences.

The Bento Grid, inspired by the Japanese Bento Box, is characterized by its compartmentalized yet cohesive structure. It segments web content into distinct blocks or ‘compartments,’ each serving a specific purpose. This method not only creates a visually engaging layout but also enhances the user experience through its organized and intuitive navigation. Unlike the rigid structure of the traditional grid system, the Bento Grid offers a dynamic and flexible approach, allowing for a more creative and user-focused design.

This grid style is particularly effective in showcasing a variety of content types in a harmonious layout. It’s ideal for websites that require a balance between imagery and text, such as portfolios, e-commerce sites, and digital magazines. The Bento Grid’s adaptability also makes it a perfect fit for responsive design, ensuring a seamless user experience across different devices.

Moreover, the Bento Grid aligns with the current web design trend towards minimalism and clean design in digital spaces. It allows for ample white space, ensuring that each content element stands out, thereby reducing clutter and improving content readability. This approach not only elevates the aesthetic appeal of a website but also contributes to better user engagement and retention.

As we move into 2024, the Bento Grid is set to revolutionize web design, offering a blend of aesthetic appeal and functional design. It’s a trend that acknowledges the evolving needs of the digital audience, making it a crucial tool for designers aiming to create impactful and user-friendly websites, making this one of our favorite web design trends for 2024.

Source: 1. Vercel 2. Diego 3. AOKI – Horizontal Portfolio 4. Schoool

11. The Power of Whitespace

Simply put, whitespace is the space between elements on a page. In web design, it’s used to group content, separate sections, and add visual interest. And when used correctly, whitespace can significantly impact your site’s overall look and feel.

While whitespace is often associated with “empty” space, it doesn’t have to be. Well-designed whitespace should be active and purposeful. Here are a few examples of how you can use whitespace to improve your web design:

1. Create a Visual Hierarchy: Utilize whitespace to guide the viewer’s eye through the layout, emphasizing key content areas and creating a clear, logical flow of information.
2. Add Interesting Patterns and Textures: Instead of viewing whitespace as merely blank space, consider it as an opportunity to add subtle patterns or textures that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the site without overwhelming the content.
3. Help Users Focus on Specific Elements: Strategically placed whitespace can draw attention to specific elements, such as call-to-action buttons or featured products, by isolating them from other content.
4. Enhance the Overall User Experience: Adequate whitespace can make a website feel open, fresh, and modern. It allows users to easily navigate and digest information, reducing cognitive overload and improving readability.

In 2024, as digital experiences continue to evolve, the role of whitespace in web design becomes more critical. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a user-friendly interface that enhances content visibility and accessibility. Whitespace can be a powerful tool in achieving a balanced, well-structured web design that resonates with users’ expectations making this a web design trend to watch in 2024.

Source: 1. Basecamp 2. Ocean Cleanup 3. Florian Schulz 4. Built by Buffalo

12. The Beauty of Simplicity

Simplicity is one of the most important principles of web design. It can be defined as the quality or state of being calm and uncluttered. A simple website is easy to use and understand, with short and snappy navigation lists, well-organized content, and icons representing hidden functionality.

Why is simplicity so important? In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information and choices, simplicity helps us focus on what is most important. It also makes our lives easier by reducing cognitive load and increasing efficiency.

In the past, we often achieved simplicity through minimalism, prioritizing function over form. While minimalism is still an important part of simplicity, today, we also focus on creating beautiful and user-friendly interfaces.

As we move into the future, we can expect to see more simple websites focusing on delivering a great user experience. Sometimes we all have a tendency to overcomplicate things. Keeping things simple is a web design trend we can get behind. If you want to stay ahead of the pack, start thinking about how to make your website (and maybe your life) more simple and more user-friendly.

Source: 1. Kim Dero 2. Lulu and Isabelle Studio  3. Ollivere 4. Leen Heyne

13. The Importance of Mobile-First Design

The year 2024 marks the 17th anniversary of the release of the first iPhone. iPhone changed how we think about computing, and it ushered in the era of mobile devices. Talk about a web design trendsetter – the iPhone changed everything about web design and create a shift consciousness in regards to browsing the web.

Mobile devices are now ubiquitous and are used for a wide range of activities, from checking email to playing games to watching movies. Our use of mobile devices has had a profound effect on web design. In the past, designers would create a website and then optimize it for mobile devices. This process is no longer good enough.

Mobile-first design is a strategy where web design is created for mobile devices first and then scaled up to larger screens. This strategy has several key advantages:

1. Improved User Experience on Mobile Devices: Since more users are accessing websites via smartphones and tablets, mobile-first design ensures that the website is optimized for these smaller screens, offering a better browsing experience for a large portion of the audience.
2. Enhanced Performance and Speed: Mobile-first designs often lead to faster loading times as they encourage the use of optimized images and minimalistic design elements. Faster loading times enhance user experience and can contribute to higher SEO rankings.
3. Streamlined Focus on Content: By focusing on the essential elements of a website first, mobile-first design often leads to a more content-focused and user-centric site. This helps in delivering a clear and concise message to the audience.
4. Increased Reach and Engagement: With the growing number of mobile users, a mobile-first approach can help reach a wider audience. Mobile users are more likely to engage with a website that is optimized for their devices.
5. Better SEO Rankings: Google has switched to mobile-first indexing, meaning it predominantly uses the mobile version of the content for indexing and ranking. Sites optimized for mobile have a better chance of ranking higher in search results.
6. Simplified Maintenance and Consistency: Having a single responsive site that adapts to various devices, rather than separate mobile and desktop versions, simplifies maintenance and ensures consistency in content and design across all platforms.
7. Future Scalability: Starting with a mobile-first design makes it easier to adapt and scale the website for future devices and screen sizes. It allows for flexibility in design and functionality as technology evolves.
8. Enhanced Social Media Integration: Mobile users are more likely to share content on social media, and mobile-first designs can integrate better with social media platforms, increasing the potential for viral content and social engagement.

By prioritizing mobile-first design, businesses and designers can create websites that are not only visually appealing and functional on smaller screens but also strategically aligned with the current usage patterns and search engine requirements.

14. The Rise of Chatbots

In recent years, chatbots have become increasingly popular as a way to communicate with website visitors. A chatbot is a computer program that mimics human conversation and is often used to provide customer service or lead generation.

There are many benefits of using a chatbot on your website, including the following:

• 24/7 availability: Chatbots can answer questions or provide information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Providing support 24 hours a day is especially beneficial for businesses with international customers or operating in multiple time zones.
• Quick responses: Chatbots can provide faster answers than human customer service representatives. Why? Because chatbots don’t need to take breaks, eat, or sleep!
• Cost savings: Chatbots can be less expensive than traditional customer service channels like call centers.

As chatbots become increasingly common, ensuring that your chatbot is designed for success is crucial. Here are some tips:

• Keep it simple: The best chatbots are designed to handle simple tasks like providing information or answering FAQs. If you make your chatbot too complex, it will likely fail.
• Use natural language processing (NLP): NLP is a field of artificial intelligence that enables computers to understand human language. Using NLP, you can train your chatbot to understand the different ways that people might ask the same question. This “training” will make your chatbot more effective at providing the correct answer.
• Use data: Chatbots can collect valuable data about your customers, including their preferences and interests. You can use this data to improve your marketing and sales strategies.

If you’re considering adding a chatbot to your website, there are many different platforms you can choose from, including Microsoft Bot Framework, Amazon Lex, and Google Dialogflow.

15. The Power of Personalization

Personalization is one of the most powerful tools a website owner has available. By definition, website personalization is the process of tailoring the content and design of a website to an individual user’s preferences. In other words, it’s creating a unique experience for every person who visits your site.

Why should I go to the trouble of personalizing my website when I can create great content that appeals to everyone? The answer is simple: because it works. A study by Adobe found that 78% of consumers are more likely to buy from a retailer that offers personalized experiences.

Think about the last time you were on a website and felt like the company really “got” you. Did they recommend products based on your previous purchase history? Or did they show you relevant content based on your location? Whatever it was, it made you feel good, and more importantly, it made you want to come back.

That’s the power of personalization.

Ready to take a deep dive into website personalization? Watch the video below.

16. The Importance of Voice Search

Google says that 20 percent of mobile searches are voice searches. In addition, Comscore says that 50 percent of all searches will be voice searches by 2020. So, voice search is not only widely used, but it’s on the rise.

Now is the time for businesses to start optimizing for voice search if they want to stay ahead of the curve. But what exactly is voice search? Voice search is a type of search where you use your voice to find what you’re looking for online.

For example, instead of typing “pizza delivery near me” into a search engine, you would say, “Hey Siri, find me a pizza place that delivers.” Then, Siri would bring up a list of nearby pizza places that deliver.

These results may not seem like a big deal, but it’s actually a game changer for businesses. That’s because people use different language when speaking than when they type.

For example, when people type into a search engine, they might use abbreviations or acronyms (ex: “Pizza place in NYC that delivers late night?”). But when people speak their searches, they use natural language (ex: “Find me a pizza place in New York City that delivers late at night”).

Businesses need to optimize their websites for natural language if they want to be found via voice search. The process can be tricky because it involves understanding how people speak and what they’re likely to say when searching for your business.

Here are a few tips on how to optimize your website for voice search:

-Use long-tail keywords: Long-tail keywords are longer and more specific than traditional keywords (ex: “Pizza delivery near me” vs. “What is the best pizza delivery near me?”). Since people tend to use natural language when doing voice searches, long-tail keywords are more likely to be used in a voice search than traditional keywords.

-Use structured data markups: Structured data markups help Google understand your website better and make it more likely that your website will appear in relevant searches. If you want your website to show up in voice search results, you need to make sure your website has structured data markups.

-Think locally: When people do voice searches, they often include location information (ex: “Pizza delivery near me”). If you want your business to appear in voice search results, you must ensure your website is optimized for local SEO.

Following these tips will help ensure that your business shows up in voice search results and that you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to web design trends.

Source: Pexels

17. Big, Bold Fonts

As we move into 2024, we’ll likely see more big, bold fonts in web design. This web design trend has been slowly building over the past few years and shows no signs of slowing down, aligning with the web design trends for this year.

There are a few reasons for this trend. First, big text is attention-grabbing. In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with information, big fonts can help your message cut through the noise.

Second, big fonts are easy to read, even on small screens. With more and more people accessing the web on their phones, this is a valuable asset.

And finally, we can use big fonts to create a sophisticated look. When used sparingly and in conjunction with other design elements, they can give your site a high-end feel.

If you’re considering using big fonts in your web design, there are a few things to remember. First, don’t go overboard — too much big text can be overwhelming. Second, choose your fonts carefully. Some fonts are better suited for large text than others. And third, consider using big fonts for headlines or short blocks of text rather than for your entire site.

Big fonts are a powerful tool that can help you grab attention, improve readability, and create an upscale look for your website. Used judiciously, they can take your site to the next level, especially in the context of the evolving web design trends for 2024.

Source: 1. Basic Moves 2. Corentin Bernadou 3. Demo Festival 4. Florian Monfrini

18. Website Load Time and Page Speed

Websites are slow to load. The average website load time is 19 seconds (YIKES!). That’s a long time, especially considering that 40% of people will abandon a website that takes longer than 3 seconds to load. And if we talk about mobile, a whopping 53% of visits are abandoned if a mobile site takes longer than 3 seconds to load.

And according to Google, a 1-second delay in page load time can result in a 7% loss in conversions. So, seconds make a difference when it comes to website load time and page speed.

Several factors contribute to slow website loading. One is large images. Images that are not properly sized or compressed can take longer to load. Another factor is code bloat. Bloat happens when too much unnecessary code is on a page, which can make the page slower to load. And finally, third-party plugins and scripts can also slow down a website.

There are several ways to improve website speed and page load times. One is to optimize images before you upload them to your website. This includes sizing them properly and using image compression tools to reduce the file size without sacrificing quality. Another way to improve website speed is to minify code. Minifying code involves removing unnecessary characters, such as whitespace, comments, and redundant code. Finally, you can improve website speed by loading third-party plugins and scripts asynchronously or using a content delivery network (CDN).

By following these tips, you can ensure that your website loads quickly and provides an enjoyable experience for your visitors. No one want to wait for a website to load. This is one web design trend we can get behind, for sure!

19. Captivating Hero Images

The term “hero” is used in web design to refer to a large, full-width image with significant visual impact. A hero image is a large web banner, often featuring text, placed prominently on a web page, generally in the front and center. Hero images are usually accompanied by text, a headline or tagline, and sometimes a call to action.

The use of hero images has become increasingly popular in recent years as designers have become more aware of the importance of visual impact on web pages. Hero images are typically large and full-width, often the first thing visitors see when they load a web page. As such, hero images play an important role in creating an immediate visual impact that can grab visitors’ attention and encourage them to stay on the page. For small businesses and solopreneurs (like, for instance, a massage therapist), they are a great way to introduce yourself.

Source: Massage by Leisa

There are many different ways to use hero images on your website. One common web design trend is to use text-only hero images, which can effectively grab visitors’ attention and make your content more readable. Another trend on websites is to use video hero images, which can add excitement and energy to your website. You can also use animated hero images, adding movement and interest to your website.

Choosing the right hero image for your website depends on many factors, including the overall design of your site, the message you want to convey, and the target audience you are trying to reach. When selecting a hero image, it is important to remember that it should be relevant to your content and message. It should also be visually appealing and engaging to catch visitors’ attention and encourage them to stay on your site.

When done correctly, hero images can be an excellent way to grab visitors’ attention and make your website more visually appealing. Common mistakes made when using hero images include using an image that is too small or irrelevant. It is also important to ensure that your hero image is placed prominently on your website to stand out among other elements on the page.

Source: 1. Fauxmaggio Vegan Cheese 2. Grenier Financial Advisors 3. On The Edge Gutters 4. Garfield Goodrum Design Law

20. Vintage-Inspired Web Design

One of the most popular web design trends in recent years is vintage or retro style. This throwback aesthetic is inspired by the design of old posters, ads, and other graphics from the early to the mid-20th century.

While vintage graphic design can be applied to any project, it is particularly well-suited to websites. That’s because a vintage website can have a lot of personality and charm that modern designs often lack. Plus, a well-designed vintage website can be unique and eye-catching.

It makes sense to keep a few things in mind if you’re thinking about creating a website with a vintage-feeling design. First, your website will need to have a strong visual component. Your web pages should be filled with interesting graphics and images. You’ll also want to use colors indicative of the era you’re trying to recreate.

Another vital element of vintage web design is typography. When choosing fonts for your website, make sure they are appropriate for the era you’re trying to recreate. For instance, if you’re designing a website about the 1930s, you might want to use a font that was popular during that time.

If you keep these things in mind, you can create a vintage-inspired website that is both stylish and fun.

Source: 1. Jack Daniels 2. St. Louis Browns Historical Society 3. Pask House 4. 100 Years of Georgia’s First Democratic Republic

21. Illustrations

Illustrations are becoming increasingly popular in web design to add personality and style to a site. We see more and more sites using illustrations in place of traditional photos, and we think this trend will continue to grow in 2023.

What are illustrations?

Illustrations are drawings, paintings, or photographs used to enhance the look of a design. Common styles include realistic, cartoon, and minimalist. Another plus? You can use illustrations on websites, in magazines, or books.

Why use illustrations?

Illustrations can add visual interest to a design and help target a specific audience. They can also convey ideas or messages that might be difficult to communicate with words alone.

How to use illustrations in web design

There are many ways to incorporate illustrations into web design. Common techniques include:

1. Using them as backgrounds.
2. Adding them to menus or buttons.
3. Using them in place of photos.

When choosing illustrations for your website, it’s important to consider your site’s overall tone and style. You want the illustrations to complement the rest of the design, not clash with it.

Source: 1. Atomic 2. Belazor Technologies Inc 3. PuzzleBreak 4. Wave to Table

22. Dark Mode

What is dark mode?

Dark mode is a color scheme that uses light-colored text, icons, and graphical user interface (GUI) elements on a dark background.

Since the release of iOS 13, dark mode has become increasingly popular, and we think this trend will continue to grow in popularity in 2023. We use dark mode to create an elegant and sophisticated look for websites and other designs. We also use dark mode to improve usability and reduce eye strain.

In web design, dark mode is an aesthetic choice that can create an elegant and stylish look for your website. It can also convey a sense of sophistication, luxury, or modernity.

When used correctly, dark mode can be an excellent way to set your website apart from the competition. If you’re considering using dark mode on your website, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Use a dark background: The essential element of dark mode is the dark background. We accomplish this by using a black or very dark gray color for your website’s background.
2. Use light-colored text: Once you’ve selected a dark background, you’ll need to use light-colored text to make it visible. White or off-white colors work well for this purpose.
3. Use brighter colors sparingly: In addition to light-colored text, you can also use bright colors sparingly to add visual interest to your Dark Mode website design. However, it’s important to use these colors judiciously not to overwhelm the senses.
4. Select a Dark Mode color palette: When selecting colors for your Dark Mode website design, it’s important to choose a color palette that works well with your site’s overall look and feel. Many pre-made Dark Mode color palettes are available online, or you can create your custom palette.
5. Use high-contrast images: To ensure that your images are visible on a dark mode website, make sure to use high-contrast images that have been edited specifically for this purpose

Source: 1. Aamir Shaikh 2. Gigantic  3. imotion factory 4. Léni Whitford

23. Monochromatic Web Designs

While monochromatic designs have been around for centuries, they have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years.

We define monochromatic design as a design that uses a single color or hue throughout. Monochromatic designs can range from subtle and sophisticated to bold and eye-catching, making them versatile and adaptable to any project.

There are several benefits to using a monochromatic color scheme:

1. It can create a sense of cohesion and unity.
2. Use monochromatic design to highlight or draw attention to specific elements.
3. It can be an efficient way to use color since only one color is needed.

There are several different ways to use monochromatic designs.

1. Use different shades of the same color.
2. Use different tones of the same color.
3. Use different tints of the same color.
4. Use different hues of the same color.

Source: 1. Bureau of Works 2. Orbit 3. Polar Gold 4. Wabeo

24. Detailed Footers

Footer design has come a long way in recent years, and they are now an essential part of most websites. A well-designed footer can improve the user experience and help your website rank higher in search engines.

When it comes to website footers, one trend we see more and more is the use of detailed footers. Instead of having a simple list of links, footers are now becoming more complex, with multiple columns and rows of content. Additionally, detailed footers can include social media icons, contact information, newsletter sign-ups, and more.

Driving this trend is s the need for websites to provide more information to users in an easily accessible way. Putting all this information in the footer ensures that users will always be able to find what they are looking for, no matter where they are on the site. This can be especially useful on mobile devices with limited screen real estate.

We follow a few hard and fast rules when we think of what a footer on a client site will look like.

First, we ensure that all the footer content is relevant and will be useful to users. Nothing is worse than having a footer full of useless information.

Second, make sure that the footer is easy to navigate and doesn’t look cluttered. Too much information in the footer can overwhelm users and make it difficult to find what they are looking for.

And lastly, make sure that the footer is responsive so that it looks good on all devices.

Source: 1. Astra 2. Avo 3. Hologram 4. Think32

What’s next? Looking for a Change?

As we approach the end of 2024, we are looking ahead to 2024 and wondering what new web design trends will emerge. Here’s what we know:

1. WordPress will continue to dominate as the most popular content management system (CMS). According to W3Techs, WordPress currently has a 63.8% market share among CMS users. We expect this web design trend to continue in 2024 as WordPress becomes even more user-friendly and adds new features.
2. Search engine optimization (SEO) will become even more important as businesses strive to rank higher in search results. With more and more people using search engines to find products and services, it is critical that your website is optimized for search. We expect to see more businesses invest in SEO-friendly content and web design trends in 2024.
3. eCommerce will continue to grow in popularity as consumers increasingly turn to the internet for their shopping needs. We expect to see more businesses invest in eCommerce in 2024 as they realize the potential for reach and sales growth. If you still need an eCommerce website, now is the time to start planning one.
4. Mobile-friendly websites will become even more critical as most internet users now access the web from their smartphones and other mobile devices. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you need to make it a priority in 2024. We expect mobile-first design to become the norm in 2024 as businesses strive to provide a better user experience for their mobile visitors.
5. Personalization will become increasingly important as businesses strive to create a unique experience for each visitor to their website. If you want your website to stand out from the crowd in 2024, you need to start thinking about how you can personalize your site for each visitor. We expect personalization tools such as cookies and tracking pixels to become more commonplace in 2024 as businesses seek to understand their users’ needs and preferences better.

At Cider House Media, we’re always keeping our finger on the pulse of the latest web design trends to help our clients stay ahead of the curve. If you’re thinking about launching a new website, redesigning your existing site, or need SEO or marketing help, contact us today and let us show you what we can do!

READ MORE

Simple Things

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1627247164580{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

“Simple things relieve eyes; simple things ease mind, simple things create meditation, simple things are simply miraculous!”

― Mehmet Murat ildan

This is a colorful reminder to pay attention to the simple things.

This color scheme set is created to provide some inspiration and remind us all to occasionally take a break from all things that complicate our lives.

 

 

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] READ MORE

Graphic Design Trends 2021

It’s already March 2021 and here are 15 graphic design trends that we’ll be watching this year.

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1609771688580{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;padding-top: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #efefef !important;border-radius: 20px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1609771531185{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

1. 3D Design
2. 3D Typography
3. Nature Inspired Design
4. Optical illusion
5. Monochrome and Duotone
6. Gold
7. Geometric Shapes
8. Chaotic Typography

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1609771539002{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

9. Colorless Design
10. Emojis!
11. Retro & Vintage Design
12. Psychedelic Design
13. Muted Color Palettess
14. Classic Serif Fonts
15. Social Media Slide Decks

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

2020 gave us more than a lot of time off from work, it gave us new opportunities to try new hobbies and get creative in many different ways. We learned to play a new instrument, took online cooking classes or maybe even picked up a paintbrush and started painting. As we look back on the crazy year behind us and see all that we have accomplished (even at home), let’s also take the opportunity to look at new ideas coming up in 2021, specifically emerging trends in graphic design. Here are 15 graphic designs trends that we need to look out for as we start anew in 2021.

1. 3D Design

3D design has become all the rage in recent years and it’s no wonder why. This trend is becoming more popular. We love seeing realistic 3-dimensional worlds that feature geometric shapes and illustrations, typography, and optical illusions. As designers start to fine tune 3D design, in 2021 we can expect photorealism and 3D visualization that adds vibrant colors and movement to many different graphic designs.

Examples 1. Maakdrift  2. UI8 3. Nayab Fatima 4. Leo Natsume

2. 3D Typography

Thanks to virtual and augmented reality, we are seeing 3D typography create visually appealing text that lifts of the page. 3D typography, if used sparingly because of how hard it can be to read, creates realistic text that keeps readers hooked on every word. This trend, which also uses animation, texture and patterns, will become more popular among many businesses looking to engage people on a new level.

Examples 1. Toyota Mirai  2. Design Shack  3. David McLeod 4. Leonardoworx LWX

3. Nature Inspired Design

With the ongoing pandemic that took over the world and had us all feeling anxious about going outside, there was one place we all felt the safest, and that was the outdoors. Many of us found ourselves outside taking in the sunshine more than ever before and as a result, we are seeing an increase in more nature inspired digital designs. Whether digital or print, these designs will mimic the outdoors and help remind us of the peacefulness we feel when we are immersed in the outdoors.

Examples 1. JianBranding™  2. Daria V. 3. Orlagh Murphy 4. Kateryna Yemchyk

4. Optical illusion

Optical illusions have also become more popular recently for the way they play games with our brains. Optical illusions have the capability to retain your attention with unusual graphics and illustrations. Optical illusions are attention grabbers because the more you look at them, the more you have to look at them. What a way to clear the slate for 2021 graphics and introduce this form of movement with patterns and mind-boggling graphics. In 2021, expect to see optical illusions in logo designs and other graphic illustrations.

Examples 1. Carl Johan Hasselrot  2. Pablo Myths 3. Figure ™ 4. Txaber _

5. Monochrome and Duotone

2020 inspired us to start bringing in new sleek and modern styles to our designs that don’t feel chaotic and busy. Using duotone and monochrome color schemes have made a comeback and one of the many reasons is because of how effortless the process is. Sticking to the same colors hues and shades or using only 2 complimentary colors takes less time and helps creators to focus more on other ideas and pieces of the content. Using this color palette is also easy on the eyes and has a nice clean look to it.

Examples 1. Efi Dermani,  2. bydani. 3. Guido Silva 4. Zeka Design

6. Gold

Gold has been used for many ages to enhance images, illustrations, and products. It is used to attract the reader’s eye and is associated with quality. Gold continues to this day to be one of the most popular colors searched on the internet. Gold is also one of those colors that ranges in many hues and tones. It’s safe to say gold isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Examples 1. Toast 2019 Reel  2. Zoldi Jewels 3. Ben Chelouche 4. Hassan Ahmed

7. Geometric Shapes

Geometric shapes have been used in design for many years, but only in the last year are we starting to see them in more unique ways. Shapes carry many different meanings and when we learn to combine them to make more complex designs, that’s when they can tell stories.

In 2021, designers can use these shapes in several ways. First, as flat individual shapes that are put together to create a more complex design, and second, as moving shapes in 3D to add more flare and creativity. We also highlighted this in our Web Design Trends post.

Examples 1. Natalia Cebotari  2. Maria Zaitseva 3. Jean-Michel Verbeeck 4. Palkansh Khandelwal

8. Chaotic Typography

In this time of complete chaos and disorder, we are finding new ways to break the rules and push the limits. That’s where chaotic typography comes in. This way of communicating uses experimentation and emphasizes the importance of playing with color, design and movement. Chaotic typography lacks control and uses 3 dimensional spaces to promote creativity and visual communication like it’s never been done before.

Examples 1. Multiple Owners   2. Danilo Gusmão Silveir 3. Anne Kathrine Nørregaard & Camilla 4. Victor Kovalenko

9. Colorless Design

As much as we now seek to make our work pop with vivid colors and abstract designs, we can’t forget about the classic color combination of white and black that takes us back to a simpler and quieter time. Designers are using these two colors to not only make people feel nostalgic but to also create modern designs that are simple in style. Colorless designs are also easy on the eyes and help other elements of design take center stage, like typography, design, and motion.

Examples 1. Dannniel 2. Ramotion  3. Dannniel  4. Victa Wille

10. Emojis!

Who doesn’t love a good emoji? Emojis have taken off ever since their invention in 1999 and their reoccurrence in 2011, when Apple added them to our texting feature on our phone. Emojis do a great job of clarifying the tone and underlying feelings of what is trying to be said. They lighten the mood and give digital conversations more playfulness. In 2017, Apple launched the Animoji, an animated version of our traditional emojis and even gave users the ability to customize their own emojis.

Examples 1. Leo Natsume 2. Mego studio  3. kissmiklos  4. kissmiklos

11. Retro & Vintage Design

Vintage designs have made a comeback recently and in 2021, retro designs plan to blur the line between contemporary and vintage using typography and color to bring nostalgia back to our senses. Retro and vintage styles bring back historical influences that span decades to give us a taste of what we’ve been missing.

Examples 1. Carlo Vivarelli   2. Gian Bautista 3. Copleanno 4. Art Noveau Style

12. Psychedelic Design

Born in the mid-late 60’s and inspired by the music and art of that decade, psychedelic design was created based on creative experimentations and chaotic imagery. It uses lots of color schemes and abstract art that, at that time, challenged limits that were set by society.

This method of design was created during a big shift in society and as we are facing new changes in our world today, we can see why it’s coming back. In 2021, experimentation will be at the forefront of graphic design as we find more colorful ways to communicate.

Examples 1. Victor Moscoso  2. Koko 3. Miremi Design 4. LazebraArt

13. Muted Color Palettes

While bold and vivid colors have made a home within the design community, muted and neutral tones are also on the rise and it’s due to several different reasons. Muted tones are colors with lower saturation and have a more relaxing and effortless look. They feel familiar and safe and bring a sense of comfort which is a big reason why spas use more muted tones. We are all looking for more calm in our lives, which is why we see these palettes becoming more popular in 2021.

Examples 1. Carrie Cousins 2. Color Palletes 975 3. Sean Santiago 4. Adedayo Adesoyin

14. Classic Serif Fonts

There are benefits to using abstract fonts that are loud and colorful but there’s just as much to gain from using something classic like the serif font. There are many forms of this font within the serif family and using it will help to create a concise and put-together look within the design.

Examples 1. Set Sail Studios  2. Design Cuts 3. David Rakowski 4. Charles Daoud

15. Social Media Slide Decks

Over are the days where you get to post one image and one social media story at a time. We have more to say now which is why social media slide decks are a better way of communicating longer messages. As we continue to speak up and let our creative juices flowing in this new year, we are finding more ways to connect through our social media channels, which so happens to be the only safe way to communicate right now.

Examples 1. Dona Moritz  2. Kevan Lee 3. Sujan Patel 4. Scott known as Norebbo

Wrapping it all up

As the world keeps moving on and finding ways to improve and adapt, so are efforts to engage readers with exciting graphic design content. As we adapt to this next chapter in our lives, we hope that 2021 will bring on new levels of creativity and a willingness to play and create in an industry that is currently experiencing unprecedented growth.

READ MORE

Winter Blues

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1627246640146{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

‘Cause there ain’t no cure for the wintertime blues’

Well, that’s not exactly how the song goes, but with a few layers of snow on the ground here in Western Massachusetts, we decided that now would be a perfect time to create a few color schemes inspired by our New England winter.

We call this set “Winter Blues.” Not the kind of depressive blues that you might associate with this term, but rather those exquisite blues that nature delivers to us during the winter months.

Enjoy. And if you like these, please let us know in the comments. Stay warm.

 

 

 

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] READ MORE

Colors Trends for 2021

Welcome to the color trends for 2021. These 8 paint companies have chosen their colors for 2021. In this post we’re exploring the color trends that we’ll be watching this year.

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1609771688580{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #efefef !important;border-radius: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1609771531185{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

1. Pantone
2. Delux
3. Benjamin Moore
4. Jotun Lady
5. Sherwin Williams
6. Behr
7. Pittsburgh Paint Company
8. Graham & Brown

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

What do these colors tell us about the state of the world?

When the design team here at Cider House took a look at the announced colors of the year and color trends for 2021 from the major paint companies, we drew a few conclusions about what colors might look like for design in general and web design specifically. But before we take a look at the specific colors and what each organization was thinking, let’s dive in and talk a little about these colors in the context of 2020.

What we see is a trend in colors that leans very much toward familiar, earthy, calm and comforting colors. In these earth tones we’re seeing blues and greens, browns and beiges, along with rust, brick and mustard; muted versions of very familiar colors. So why this trend? Let’s face it. For most of us, 2020 was very challenging. It was the year of the pandemic; the year we stayed home. These colors reflect a desire for normalcy, comfort and calm. These are the colors that we want to wrap ourselves in when we are stressed or worried. They feel like home. They feel solid and nurturing.

Our design team feels that the trend over the coming year when we’re talking about color will be neutrals and familiars. By neutral we feel more subtle shades of familiar colors like blues, greens, red, yellows. After a year like 2020, we think people will respond very well to colors that feel comforting and not too loud. We’ve had plenty of loud. These warm and serene colors will create a nice space for our designs over the coming year. And, of course, we can absolutely complement these more subtle colors with some brighter and more vibrant tones. We could all use a little cheering up to go with our comfort.

So let’s dig into what the color trends and predictions were from all of the color organizations. Read on for more info and hopefully some inspiration for your color choices for the coming year.

1. Pantone colors of the year: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating

Pantone is a bit of an outlier this year. In 2020, Pantone didn’t choose just one color of the year. They chose two colors. They chose a neutral Ultimate Gray with a lively, sunshine reminiscent yellow called Illuminating. The gray provides a rock solid foundation and the yellow brings in some much needed and wanted warmth and brightness. Together, these two colors bring feeling of strength and warmth.

2. Delux Color of the Year: Brave Ground

Brave Ground hits all the notes of a warm, natural neutral color. That familiar, grounding-type of color that makes us feel like we are standing on solid ground. What’s nice about this neutral is it plays well with a full range of other colors on the spectrum from cooler blues and greens, to warmer, muted hues of reds, pinks and yellows.

Brave Ground Color Scheme 1

Brave Ground Color Scheme 2

Brave Ground Color Scheme 3

3. Benjamin Moore’s color of the year: Aegean Teal

When the folks at Benjamin Moore describe their color of the year, they use words like intriguing, balanced and soothing. This blue and green color with a hint of gray creates not only a sense of elegance but is also very inviting. This blue feels like water and evokes the sound of the ocean or the running of a stream. It feels like home. It’s familiar. It also anchors a very warm and earthy palette from Benjamin Moore. Sure these colors can work inside your house, but they can also work very nicely on your website, brochures and other designs.

Aegean Teal Color Scheme 1

Aegean Teal Color Scheme 2

Aegean Teal Color Scheme 3

4. Jotun Lady

Norwegian paint company Jotun Lady has not given us one color, but rather a collection for 2021 called “Rediscover.“ This collection of four separate color palettes of warm, earthy feeling neutral hues.

Warm and Rustic

This set of colors feels like it has gathered rocks and sand from some of the most beautiful deserts in the world, from Morocco to the American Southwest. While it’s reminiscent of the landscapes, it also reminds us of the clay, rock, sand, and other materials that are the building blocks of the older and more rustic parts of these landscapes.

Soft Neutral Colors

These colors are calming, familiar and create a perfect base for brighter splashes of color.

Dreamy Pastel Hues

Finally, this Norwegian company brings us a little feeling of the colors of Scandinavia. They feel both new and classic/vintage.

Airy Blue Tones

This set of colors still evokes the feeling of earth and that calming and welcoming sensation, but we feel it relies heavily on a set of bluer tones to anchor.

5. Sherwin-Williams color of the year: Urbane Bronze

Sue Warren, the director of color marketing at Sherman Williams says “the home is now the ultimate retreat from the world, and color is an easy and effective way to create a personal haven.” That’s why this can be a very good color to anchor any designs from graphics to your website. This bronze color is a little richer and deeper than many of the other earthy tones introduced by the other paint companies.

6. Behr Color Trends

Also sticking with a pallet of earth-inspired tones, Behr does bring a little more vibrancy to the color palette. They may be a bit more vibrant, but these colors are still soothing and familiar. The richer oranges and blues are a nice counter to the softer earth and muted colors of this palette.

7. PPG Colors of the Year: Transcend, Big Cypress and Misty Aqua

The Pittsburgh Paint Company has chosen a palette of three colors as their go-to set of colors for 2021:

1. Transcend, an oatmeal-colored hue that brings an earthy nostalgia.
2. Big Cypress, which is a little warmer, orange leaning earth tone and
3. Misty Aqua, a light watercolor blue that complements these two warm tones nicely.

In the words of D Schlotter, PPG senior color marketing manager, “With the world sheltering in place for the better half of the year (2020), we have begun to crave human connection and embrace simple activities, including walking, hiking, baking and gardening. This organic and hopeful palette represents what we have been longing for after decades of overstimulation and overconsumption – simplicity and restfulness.“

8. Graham and Brown Color of the Year: Epoch

Epoch is a very rich, luxurious, and deep amethyst color. While it can be quite dramatic, it isn’t bright and loud. A color like this will pair nicely with the neutral earth and tones we’ve been seeing as trends with the other paint companies.

Final thoughts

In 2020, the global pandemic and resulting lockdowns have filled our everyday lives with uncertainty and anxiety. This is true here in the U.S. and across the world. It has been a year that will probably define a generation. It’s probably the most impactful thing to ever happen in most people’s lives, and for many of us, the scariest. These calming, comforting and familiar color palettes are just what the doctor ordered after a year like 2020.

What about other colors?

We don’t think bright colors are going away any time soon. They have their place and you will see big bold colors being used in big, bold combinations. That being said, we think that the overall trend in 2021 will be that companies choose more muted and earthy colors in their branding, design and marketing.

READ MORE