11 Appealing web designs
When I’m designing a website I always cruise through CSS galleries (such as CSS Drive, CSS Elite, and CSS Vault) browsing dozens of websites to get a wide range of ideas. Many websites have really changed my perspective and expectations, with some of them grabbing enough of my attention to be featured here on Shadow Logic. So I thought I’d copy Smashing Magazine and make an unreasonably long list of some of the website designs that I really like.
The list
Coda.co.za
Just what I like: Black, grunge, and complicated. This website gave me quite a few ideas of a possible redesign in the future. I like how the homepage isn’t just a plain page with all the latest blog posts, but more like a portal with smaller sections dedicated to different areas of the site. e.g. blog posts, minor site updates, flickr photosets, links, etc.
Marius Roosendaal
I especially like how Roosendaal gave the website a bit of texture on top of the simple design. The indented header at the top (particularly in the Night theme) gave me quite a bit of inspiration for my own design. (look at the top)
Lance Thackeray
Very dark and clean, with some stunning graphics all around the site. Check out his portfolio and you’ll know his real skill.
Green Renaissance
I personally don’t like the color green, but this is an exception. Beautiful design with a very effective layout. Shiny too. 
Barack Obama
Obama is a very inspiring candidate, and his website has a very inspiring appearance. Using very simple yet ingenious techniques almost every element looks very appealing. Beautifully placed gloss and texture is evident throughout the entire website. Also really shiny.
I Create Things
Simple and appealing. The columns look pretty cool with a tind bit of shading as opposed to solid colors.
Veerle’s blog
Not as intense on the imagery, but still an excellent design. It contrasts a bright, dreamy header with a darker background. What drew my attention more was the the layout. It’s pretty evident how it plays a role in my own design. A big header at the top; graphical, tabbed navigation; photo links at the top right; latest posts on the left.
Vivabit
The banner draws the visitor’s attention well, and the layout is simple but well thought out. I especially like the color scheme.
Elliot Jay Stocks
Excellent column layout, really organizes the content well. The header image is pretty appealing and unique too, with a simple navigation and fancy logo. The background image is very well done.
Cameron Moll (Portfolio)
Probably one of the best online portfolios out there. The graphics are beautiful, which use texture to great effect. The text and logo are really cool too, and the site is easy to navigate.
reflections
The color scheme is alright, but not the best. What I really like more is the use of shadows, graphical indents, and a funky header image. I got the idea of making indented horizontal rules from this website. You’ll notice the similarity.
Whew, that was a lot! Those are all my favorites I can remember at the moment, but there are dozens of more excellent designs at the galleries I mentioned at the beginning of the article. Your thoughts and links to more great web designs are welcome in the comments!
P.S. - Ryan Higa dyed his hair!!!
