I’m very pleased to have a new theme for my blog. I installed my last theme almost five years ago; in fact, this is only my third theme in eight years! If you look at my two previous themes I’m definitely getting lighter, not sure where I’ll go for the next one.
It took me a year to accept I needed a new theme, and to collect my thoughts on what I liked and didn’t like. I’d planned to use a designer to help me develop the look for my blog, but I found looking for and contacting designers very frustrating, so stopped that for now. As I didn’t have any branding elements in my old theme I had to create something myself. Fortunately, I had a starting point in the mood board and background document I’d created to send to designers which included colours and styles I liked.
About darktea
I’d already worked out my blog niche, including choosing six words that describe me. I also looked through the pictures on my mood board and summarised how I viewed the pictures.
- 6 words – Happy, helpful, planner, positive, colourful, bright
- Mood board – Organic, clean lines with a bit of sparkle
The theme
Future improvements
Using Genesis means it is going to be easier for me to change the layout in the future so I don’t think it will be another five years before I make a major change. Plus I’m still interested in working with a designer to develop a brand for my blog so the next significant change could be the look of the site.
I’d love to know your thoughts on my new theme, do you think it is an improvement? Do you have any suggestions for future changes? What would you like to change about your own blog? Have you worked with a designer, how did it work for you?
* Disclosure – this is an affiliate link meaning, but obviously I’m very pleased with Genesis and would recommend it
The theme looks great. Much cleaner with more white space at the top. Liking the new strapline. too.
Thank you Emma. I’m enjoying the cleaner look, although it still surprises me when I visit as I’d had the previous theme for so long.
I love the new theme Kate, you’ve obviously put a lot of thought and work into creating something that you can adapt and build into your future needs too.
I remember your old theme too – I feel like this one is cleaner and more professional looking – not to say it wasn’t professional before but it was a bit like a lot of other sites I have seen. What you have now is more individual and I like that.
It was lovely to FINALLY meet you at BritMums Live after years of being virtually connected! I hope I’ll see you again next year?!
It was great to meet you as well Nadine, and I can’t believe I’ve left it this long to reply to your comment – sorry.
Thank you for your comments on my theme, it is nice to have something a little different isn’t it, although I think your new theme is more than a little different – I don’t think I’ve seen another site like it, I like all the pictures 🙂
Thank you – I’ve not seen another site like mine either! The photos make it stand out I think! Hope to see you again soon:-)
Photos are always good 🙂 Do you have plans to go to any more blog events this year? I’m going to Blog On in Winchester but that is probably a bit far for you.
No plans for this year, other than Ambassador meet-ups with the brands I’m working with. But next year I will be at BritMums Live again and no doubt Blog On too!! The one in Manchester is nearest for me!!
I haven’t done the Manchester one and probably won’t next year assuming it is the May bank holiday again because I’m planning to book some theatre tickets for the kids. Looks like #BML16 will be our next opportunity to meet.