Blog Design – Dusky Illusions Makeover
Blog design and Website design is something I have an easy time doing for other people; but when I do it for myself, I am never happy with anything I do.
I owe the inspiration for Dusky Illusion’s new look to Fran at Free Borboleta. I found her blog while searching for optimal Pinterest pin sizes and discovered this post “6 tips to design your own blog.” She talks about doing things I already do when designing other people’s websites, but never once remembered to do on my own blogs. Don’t ask me why… I don’t have the foggiest clue why I work easier for other people than I do for myself.
Fran’s idea to create a mood board for your blog design inspiration was new to me. I do mood boards for story characters all the time with great results so why not try it for blog design. Her advice made sense and helped me design something I was in love with.
My Blog Design Mood Board
I love things that are welcoming, comfortable, and classic with a touch of minimalism. After typing my keywords into the Pinterest search box, I pinned images that made me feel all the things I love and wanted in my website. My pins reveal just how much I love the mountains and Colorado… I didn’t pin those as a goal to Colorado-up my mood board, but I guess those images make me feel the most welcome and happy. When having the luxury of looking out your window and seeing the mountains every day, one can assume you would find images that remind you of home comforting.
My Color Palette and Fonts
The photo of the mountain in the background flanked with lilacs in the front jumped out at me instantly. I love the colors in that specific image. I sampled the colors in Adobe Photoshop and my site color palette was born. Once I had the palette psd created, I realized the colors I picked for my website were the same colors I have decorated the majority of my house in. I have become all about comfort in my middle age. Sorry, not sorry!
Fonts Used: The Girl Next Door, Crimson, and Montserrat
Logo Designs
I hate making logos, mainly because I am never happy with anything. I loved all four of these and loved the minimal look. I opted for number 4 because it reminded me of a stereo equalizer. Music is EVERYTHING!
New Blogging Schedule and Changes
Since starting a business and a few health issues that have popped up, I haven’t had time to dive into my favorite hobby, blogging. I am planning on posting content on Mondays and Fridays. I may post more often if I get the time and have something interesting to share.
After a friend of mine told me “I like your life style blog, but you don’t have your tips handy to help me remember to budget.” I thought about what she said. Many people in my offline life ask me for advice on finances, home repair/DIY, and other various topics. Maybe I do have a niche after all. I have added some new categories and revamped the menus to reflect new content to that I will be sharing.
I have also taken another friend’s advice and set up a Facebook page for this site instead of having the “hook up” link go to my personal profile. That got somewhat confusing in the end.
Feel free to join the budding DI community on Facebook, and let’s chat.
What do you think about the new site design and upcoming content additions? I would love to hear your voice in the comments below.
I really like your new blog design. The colors are fresh and comfortable. I agree on the new logo about it resembling an equalizer in music. That is so YOU! The new look appears comfortable, fun and refreshing.
Thank you! I am glad you like the new layout and got the same sentiments that I get from the design. I have a lot of plans for this website in the future. Thank you for all the years of support, Sabby. <3
Thanks!