Today I want to share a few design pointers with you, as well as some blog design resources!

Hopefully you will find these tips helpful whether you are paying someone to professionaly design your blog or if you are doing a DIY design. It’s time to make the most out of your blog design!

#1. Headers

The header is the first thing people see when they come to your blog. It should ultimately represent what your blog is all about!

The title should be big and bold and preferably be in the center of the header, or if you want it off center, on the left side. We read left to right so it is more natural that way.

Now let’s talk about height. Your header needs to be “tall” enough to be beautiful and feature who you are, but not take up the whole screen when someone visits your blog. You should be able to see the header and some post content that means your header should be between 175px – 250 px. Here is an example of a header I saw yesterday that I loved…

[via Heathful Pursuit]

Resources for graphics/fonts that would be fabulous in blog Headers >>>

• The Ink Nest
• Jessica Sprague [make sure you read the terms of use]
• If you are looking for fonts for your header I just posted a list of 25 Free Fonts or you can browse Kevin & Amanda, Miss Tiina, or Scrap Village.

#2. Font Choice

Since Google released its new web safe fonts it may be tempting to choose a fancy font for your post text. Don’t!

Your post titles and header can be a fancy, pretty font but, for post text it is important to choose a font that is easy to read like Georgia, Times New Roman, or Century Gothic. You want to make it as easy for your readers as possible!

Resources for post titles>>>

• You don’t have to choose from the 30 fonts in the Blogger Template Designer. You can use any of Googles 500 Web Safe Fonts on your blog really easily! Browse them here and get instructions!
• If you are willing to spend a little money you can also purchase web safe fonts at Myfonts.com or sign up for a TypeKit account.

#3. Color

[via Design Seeds]

Reds, yellows, browns, greens are great for food blogs. These warmer colors are more “appetizing.”  If you notice McDonald’s, Applebees, most restaurants use red.

Blues and grays are great for informational sites, business sites, and professional blogs. (Note: Wal-Mart)  Did you know that BLUE is the least appetizing color?  Pastel blues obviously provide a feminine touch, and pale grays evoke professionalism.

Black is excellent for photography sites and portfolios. Black makes your photos stand out against the background and creates contrast between the photos and design.

White is great for any site – especially as a background. Feelings of clean, simplicity, purity, and optimism can be created with the careful use of white in your blog. Don’t be afraid of white!

Resources for Color Palettes

•  Design Seeds

Hope these blog design tips helped! Let’s me know if you have any questions. I will answer them in the comments.

And don’t forget there are a handful of other blog tutorials right here that will help make your blog beautiful!

[?] Kendra