Best Designed Blogs in the Blogosphere (Batch 1)

We love blogs. We love design.

Now put the two together and what we have is an addiction for blogs that truly rocked the blogosphere with their awesome designs (yeah, we’re pretty sure these blogs are to-envy-for). So while we’re wasting time lurking around the blogosphere after our design projects are done, we realized, well why not put those hours to good use? And here it is! We finally managed to make an initial compilation of blogs (and their theme designs) that we love best!

A few notes and reminders: Okay people, this list is based on our sole discretion (and basically on blogs that we encounter on our network every now and then).  We realize that among the bazillion of blogs out there we might’ve missed a ton of them- but don’t fret, the list is not gonna end. So if you know a blog with a great design (or think that yours meet the cut), then nominate over here quick!

Also, note that for fairness’ sake, blogs about graphic/web design are automatically out of the selection. So yeah, if you’re one of those design elites in the Smashing Network (or something like that) then let’s give way for others okay?

In no particular order…

Problogger by Darren Rowse (see blog)

It’s not the king of blogging tips for nothing. The Problogger design has been well-known and institutionalized in the blogosphere with it’s ultra-clean lay-out and high functionality. It’s amazing how a lot of things can snuggly fit here (from the posts, to featured videos, job board etc.). We kinda missed the old design, but we gotta admit, Ben Bleikampdid a tremendous job with the redesign! What can we say? We just love Problogger.

Copyblogger by Brian Clark (see blog)

The switch from Thesis to Genesis has been pretty much controversial. But whatever it is, the Copyblogger design still retained its clean and simple roots. We kinda missed the old header (with the line below the logo) and the signature centered post title (which had been pretty much copied by thousands of wannabees) though for sure it’s still a hall of famer when it comes to the best designs. I mean, when you’re as innovative as Brian Clark heading Thesis, and now Genesis, you make sure you showcase the best the greatness of your product.

John Chow Dot Com (see blog)

The design rarely changed after Unique Blog Designs did a major rework 2-3 years ago. Well actually I don’t see the need in changing anything as this design readily screams professional by itself. The blog has been among the first to use a featured post section (and it rapidly spread throughout the blogosphere from here). The design is a bit reminiscent of Problogger with the three columns on the homepage (posts for the first column, featured items for the second followed by the sidebar). No wonder a lot of bloggers followed suit and though of this as the SOP design if you wanna go pro.

Johnny B. Truant (see blog)

Designed by Logan Zanelli. One look and you most likely won’t forget the man taking a bite over that green apple. The header’s such a strong statement especially the boldness of the blog name – we’ll it works well seeing it’s normally hard to recall blogs with fullname as the domain. With Johnny B. Truant, we don’t think so.

Zac Johnson (see blog)

The notable super affiliate definitely knows how to make his money well spent. Now powered by studiopress genesis, Zac Johnson’s blog is an icon for many bloggers in the MMO niche. The cool mascot design is truly a show-stealer. Really clean and professional. I’m starting to wonder if you now see the trend amongst these big time blogs

Retire @ 21 by Michael Dunlop (see blog)

The design really is cool and refreshing, a bit trendy too with the way the colors where chosen as well as the graphics on the site are designed. We’re guessing this is because Michael’s young energy and brilliant mind isn’t most likely settling for a so-so professional design template (that or must be a great designer). You can head over at Income Diary (another site of Michael) too and notice the same design principles.

Blogger Buster by Amanda Kennedy (see blog)

Who would believe a blog hosted on a blogspot account would be capable of producing such great design? Well with Amanda a.k.a. blogger expert extraordinaire – nothing is impossible. If you try  to read Amanda’s blogs, you’ll notice she’s been working around hacks and breaking the myths of blogspot blogs’ limits. We sure see she’s done just that… and more.

Blogging Tips by Kevin Muldoon and Team (see blog)

Kevin, being the owner of Blog Themes Club surely knows what good design is all about. The 3D effect in the header (and the footer too) is definitely a nice touch! Props to the designer there.

Blogsessive by Alex Christache (see blog)

Blogsessive truly gets it’s edge over its eye-catching header (nice use of orange gradient there!) and it’s well made cartoon (geeky but quite charming). Alex is a designer-turned-blogger so don’t be so jealous with his theme (it takes some skill!)

Blogussion by Alex Fraiser (see blog)

Seriously, need we say something? It’s pretty clear that the blogosphere has fallen head over heels over the Blogussion design thanks to one of the youngest (and most talented) web designers of all time – Alex. His design may well be attributed to his immediate popularity up to his continuous success like launching his new project called Kolakube – a resource hub for the best Thesis skins in the net.

Famous Bloggers by Hesham Zebida and Team (see blog)

There’s been a constant rework with the Famous Bloggers theme design and we say it has worked for the better. The blog post area is uniquely made quite similar to a social bookmarking site (we’ve almost mistaken it for that). That’s an innovation considering Famous Bloggers can now display much more posts in it’s home page than the normal blogs with long excerpts (take head guys!).

Mars Dorian (see blog)

When Mars Dorian tells you he can teach you how to ‘stand out from the crowd’, he doesn’t just say it, he shows it – and quite literally as well. This theme design is one of our personal favorite since it’s genuinely a theme of its own! Unlike most blogs, Mars have taken his blog into his own hands to give it a touch of personal branding a reader isn’t most likely to forget.

Modern Audacity by Matt Gartland (see blog)

Matt has been featured at Problogger as one of the bloggers to watch with in 2011. And oh yes, we sure are watching. The creativity and boldness of this design is a sure hit. Is it just us or does this blog remind you in some way of an action-packed comic book? Keeps us excited!

Nathan Hangen (see blog)

Okay. There’s nothing really that special going on with this design. Though we definitely like the overall impact. Or maybe we’re showing you the wrong page, we’re addicted to looking at the minimalist (yet rockin’) home page of Nathan Hangen. Though of course that’s not really a blog that’s why we’re showing this screen shot instead

Peter Shallard (see blog)
Really high-end design going on here. Peter Shallard’s blog theme is so rich in detail it just makes a reader’s eyes happy (that’s our guess). We’re especially a big fan of the header! Thumps up!

SiteSketch 101 by Nicholas Cardot (see blog)

Great overall use of design and various effects throughout the blog. It’s one of those blogs you’d want to keep visiting because you enjoy looking at it. The blogger, Nicholas, certainly has an eye for design while combining that with powerful blogging tips.

We Blog Better by Linda Hewett and Team (see blog)

The header certainly  makes a bold statement. There’s just something unique with how the sidebars where crafted. From this screenshot, you really wouldn’t easily notice the black area as the sidebar since it’s integrated in the header. Some smart designing there.

Viper Chill by Glen Allsopp (see blog)

Glen if you’re listening,  we’re absolutely a fan of the radical transparency design! Less is definitely more with the new Viper Chill design.

Robb Sutton (redirects to Blogging Labs)

Whatever happened to Robb Sutton dot Com (now replaced by Blogging Labs), we surely miss it’s great, cool design. Perhaps Robb’s planning for something new, or to repackage the theme as a product (just an idea). We just hope this amazing theme wouldn’t be sucked in by the online black hole.

THAT’S ALL FOR NOW!

Hope we we’re inspired by our first batch of treasure designs. We’re surely keep on the lookout as we showcase the best of the best themes in the net. Might us well help us right? If you know a great blog with an awesome design (or think yours is!) then submit it over here and it might get featured on Batch 2′s Best Designed Blogs! That’s some cool, free promotion don’t you think?

Also, you know what to do with the button below (tweet to share this list!)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Liane is the creator of the Blog Design Team – it’s the blogosphere’s one-stop-site for  all kinds of graphic design needs. Most people go here though to start their awesome brand with a premium logo design. Check out the blog (see blog tab above) for more design insights and updates regarding BDT. Or follow the official twitter account @BlogDesignTeam. Thanks!