Wordpress theme design inspiration
Hundreds of awesome, innovative, well designed Wordpress themes.
We curate topical collections around design to inspire you in the design process.
This constantly-updated list featuring what find on the always-fresh Muzli inventory.
Last update: 12/6/2024
Kinsta® - The best home for modern WordPress sites
WordPress Turns 20
WordPress
Fonts: Recoleta, San Francisco
A Detailed Guide to WordPress Optimization
Building Client-Proof WordPress Websites
Handing off a new WordPress website to a client offers a great feeling of satisfaction. You provide a pixel-perfect rendering of a brand’s online presence and hope it plays a... The post Building Client-Proof WordPress Websites appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.
QI Catalog - Who Says WordPress can't be art?
WordPress SEO: Top 10 Ranking Factors for WordPress in 2019
It’s obvious. You want your WordPress site to rank higher in Google search. But how do you do it? An effective SEO strategy can make this happen. But is it so easy? SEO is a dynamic process. If you want to maintain a robust SEO for your WordPress site, you must cope up with its...
10 Best WordPress Plugins for Digital Marketing
Currently somewhere in the region of 34% of websites are built with WordPress, it’s the most utilized CMS (Content Management System) in the world. Part of that popularity stems from its underlying technologies—PHP and MySQL—which allows for dynamic content in posts, but also enables a rich ecosystem of plugins. One of the trickiest aspects of […]
The Future of Freelancing with WordPress
If you’ve paid much attention to the WordPress space in the past year, you may have noticed that it’s been a time of prolific change. Perhaps the most public of... The post The Future of Freelancing with WordPress appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.
Is the WordPress Comment System Still Relevant?
The WordPress comment system is a feature that has survived the long haul. Although, should it still be as prominently featured within WordPress? The post Is the WordPress Comment System Still Relevant? appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.
Is the Future of WordPress Code-Free?
As WordPress and its ecosystem continue to evolve, it does make one wonder if more designers will choose code-free solutions. But, if so, what will be the ramifications? The post Is the Future of WordPress Code-Free? appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.
The hot new conference swag favored by Lyft, WordPress, and Twitter
Bridge Tour - An Interactive Narrative of a WordPress Bestseller
Tips for Maintaining a Legacy WordPress Website
Maintaining a legacy WordPress website takes a keen eye and attention to detail. Here are some tips to make sure your old site runs as well as it can. The post Tips for Maintaining a Legacy WordPress Website appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.
Should You Use WordPress Auto Updates?
Keeping a WordPress installation updated with the latest core, theme and plugin versions can be tough. It’s something that frustrates both web designers and website owners. Depending on the particular... The post Should You Use WordPress Auto Updates? appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.
8 “Must-Have” Plugins to Speedify Your WordPress Site
WordPress is undoubtedly one of the most valuable and beneficial content management platforms in existence. Every second online business relies on WordPress to create and maintain successful websites. As per the research study by Kinsta, more than 40% of the websites on the internet are built using WordPress. However, despite all the effort businesses put...
15 Tips for WordPress Security Without Plugins
How to increase WordPress security is probably the most widely discussed topic in different WordPress-related forums. You can choose from many great security plugins for sure, however there are also... The post 15 Tips for WordPress Security Without Plugins appeared first on Onextrapixel.
Wix Goes After WordPress: One User’s Take
This isn’t exactly a Coke vs Pepsi type of rivalry. In terms of market share, it’s more like an ant (Wix) flicking a spec of dirt on Godzilla (WordPress). The post Wix Goes After WordPress: One User’s Take appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.
The Designer’s 4 Step Guide to Securing WordPress
Exclusive Infographic: WordPress by the Numbers
What is WordPress? It began as a simple CMS for building a blog, and it has evolved over the years into a complex ecosystem of tools and resources. WordPress can power ecommerce sites, interactive courses, art projects, and of course, it powers one or two blogs. Depending on who you ask, WordPress powers between 35% […] The post Exclusive Infographic: WordPress by the Numbers first appeared on Webdesigner Depot.
Appreciating the Unsung Heroes of WordPress
To all of you who contribute to the WordPress project, I say a heartfelt “thank you”. Your efforts have helped me and so many others continue to thrive in this industry. The post Appreciating the Unsung Heroes of WordPress appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.
15 Inspiring WordPress Sites
How to Build a Multilingual Site in WordPress
Best Content Scheduling Tools For WordPress Sites
15 Ways to Customize WordPress Without Touching PHP
How to Effectively Organize Content within WordPress
By mapping out your WordPress posts and pages logically, it will look professional, help with SEO, and will likely reduce your stress levels. The post How to Effectively Organize Content within WordPress appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.
WordPress Turns 20: Its Secrets of Success
Let’s pretend we’re back in the year 2003. You and I are sitting in a coffee shop. And I casually mention this new blogging software called WordPress. We discuss some... The post WordPress Turns 20: Its Secrets of Success appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.
Ridiculously Challenging WordPress Quiz
I bet you didn’t know that WordPress is the world’s most popular website builder and content management system (CMS). Just kidding…of course, you did! But that’s not all there is to know about WordPress, so take our ridiculously challenging WordPress quiz and see how much of an expert you are… (Scroll to the bottom for […] The post Ridiculously Challenging WordPress Quiz first appeared on Webdesigner Depot.
10 Lesser-Known & Niche WordPress SEO Plugins
10 WordPress Plugins to Help Improve Website Accessibility
What Collaborative Features Will Bring to WordPress
How will collaborative features improve WordPress? We discuss several scenarios that demonstrate how they can streamline working together. The post What Collaborative Features Will Bring to WordPress appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.
6 Free Starter & Barebone Themes for WordPress Development
Predicting the Next Opportunities for WordPress Innovation
There are areas that are ripe for WordPress improvement. Some may be solved by updates to core, while the plugin and theme ecosystem could tackle others. The post Predicting the Next Opportunities for WordPress Innovation appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.
How WordPress Democratizes Publishing & Fuels an Economy
It seems like an odd mix on the surface. On one hand, WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that aims to democratize publishing. It’s right there in the mission... The post How WordPress Democratizes Publishing & Fuels an Economy appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.
The Essential Guide to WordPress 404 Pages
WordPress: Modern Theme Development With Action Hooks
What’s New in WordPress 4.9 “Tipton”
Unikon - Multipurpose Agency Elementor WordPress Theme
Giveaway: Win 1 of 3 TemplateMonster WordPress Themes
DELUCKS SEO: Swift SEO Plugin For WordPress
What I’ve Learned About WordPress Maintenance
Twentieth year of WordPress, Designed
6 Best Caching Plugins for Your WordPress Site
Caching is one of the most important techniques you can use to speed up your WordPress site. The best caching plugins make it possible to serve pages much faster... The post 6 Best Caching Plugins for Your WordPress Site appeared first on Onextrapixel.
10 Cool WordPress Plugins You Should Check Out
If you have a WordPress website, you’re obviously aware of the benefits this premier open-source website-building platform brings to the table. But are you aware of the legion of website and business enhancement tools lying in wait among the thousands of cool WordPress plugins currently on the market; one or more of which could easily […] The post 10 Cool WordPress Plugins You Should Check Out first appeared on Webdesigner Depot.
10 WordPress Plugins to Supercharge Advanced Custom Fields
5 Common WordPress Myths Debunked
We take a look at some of the most common myths floating around the world of WordPress and attempt to uncover the truth. The post 5 Common WordPress Myths Debunked appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.
The Hidden Costs of a WordPress Theme
Top Custom Gutenberg Blocks You Can Add to WordPress
One of the most promising aspects of the Gutenberg block editor is the ability to add your own custom blocks. They can consist of just about any type of formatted... The post Top Custom Gutenberg Blocks You Can Add to WordPress appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.
How to Create & Manage Block Patterns in WordPress
WordPress block patterns are among its most versatile design features. They provide readymade layouts for all manner of uses. And it seems like there is no end to their possibilities.... The post How to Create & Manage Block Patterns in WordPress appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.
Top 10 Free Responsive Slider & Carousel WordPress Plugins
5 Bad Habits That Can Hurt Your WordPress Website
When you build a WordPress website, you open yourself up to an entire world of possibilities. That is both a good and bad thing. The built-in conveniences and ability to... The post 5 Bad Habits That Can Hurt Your WordPress Website appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.
10 Free Plugins to Supercharge WordPress Comments
The Consequences of a Hacked WordPress Website
See the Future of WordPress with Beta Plugins
Magic Password Revolutionizes WordPress Security
10 Top WordPress Designers to Watch in 2018
An Introduction to WordPress Child Themes
The Impact WordPress Has Had on the Web
Simple Ways to Customize WordPress Plugins
Get access to thousands of freshly updated design inspiration pieces by adding Muzli to your browser.
Loved by 750K designers worldwide, Muzli is the leading go-to browser extension for creative professionals.
Designing a WordPress Theme: A Guide for Designers
Designing a WordPress theme is a rewarding challenge that allows designers to create customizable, user-friendly, and visually appealing websites. WordPress, as a powerful content management system, offers flexibility and scalability, making it a preferred choice for many web designers. Here’s a guide on how to design a WordPress theme effectively.
Understanding WordPress Theme Basics
A WordPress theme is a collection of files that dictate the appearance and functionality of a WordPress site. It includes template files, stylesheets, images, and possibly JavaScript files. Designing a WordPress theme involves creating these elements while ensuring they work seamlessly together.
Key Considerations for Designing a WordPress Theme
Define the Purpose and Audience
- Identify the Goal: Understand the primary purpose of the theme. Is it for blogging, an e-commerce site, a portfolio, or a corporate website?
- Know Your Audience: Design with the end-user in mind. Consider their preferences, needs, and browsing habits.
Plan the Layout and Structure
- Wireframing: Start with wireframes to outline the basic structure of your theme. This helps in visualizing the layout and ensuring all necessary elements are included.
- Responsive Design: Ensure the theme is fully responsive, adapting to different screen sizes and devices.
Visual Design Elements
- Typography: Choose readable and web-safe fonts. Maintain consistency in font styles and sizes throughout the theme.
- Color Scheme: Use a cohesive color palette that aligns with the theme’s purpose and branding.
- Imagery and Icons: Incorporate high-quality images and icons that enhance the visual appeal without overwhelming the content.
Usability and Navigation
- Intuitive Navigation: Design a navigation menu that is easy to understand and use. Consider using dropdowns or mega menus for complex sites.
- User Experience (UX): Focus on creating a seamless and enjoyable user experience. Ensure that important information is easily accessible.
Template Files and Structure
- Template Hierarchy: Understand the WordPress template hierarchy to create the necessary files (e.g.,
index.php
,header.php
,footer.php
,single.php
). - Page Templates: Design specific templates for different types of pages, such as the homepage, blog posts, archives, and contact pages.
- Template Hierarchy: Understand the WordPress template hierarchy to create the necessary files (e.g.,
Styling with CSS
- Stylesheets: Create a main
style.css
file that contains all the CSS rules for your theme. Use CSS preprocessors like SASS for more efficient styling. - Consistency: Ensure consistent styling across all elements, including typography, buttons, forms, and widgets.
- Stylesheets: Create a main
Functionality with PHP and WordPress Functions
- Functions File: Use the
functions.php
file to add custom functionality to your theme. This can include registering menus, widgets, and custom post types. - Hooks and Filters: Utilize WordPress hooks and filters to modify or extend the default behavior of WordPress.
- Functions File: Use the
Testing and Optimization
- Cross-Browser Testing: Ensure your theme works correctly across all major browsers.
- Performance Optimization: Optimize images, minify CSS and JavaScript files, and leverage caching to improve site performance.
Documentation and Support
- User Documentation: Provide clear documentation on how to install, configure, and use the theme. This is especially important if you plan to distribute the theme.
- Support: Be prepared to offer support for your theme users, addressing any issues or questions they may have.
Conclusion
Designing a WordPress theme involves a blend of creativity, technical knowledge, and a deep understanding of user needs. By following these key considerations, designers can create themes that are not only visually appealing but also highly functional and user-friendly. Whether you’re designing a theme for personal use, a client, or distribution, ensuring it is responsive, well-structured, and optimized will lead to a successful WordPress theme that enhances the overall user experience.