The elegant style is an interesting contrast to the chic style, which didn't go over so well, hopefully this one will do better! It seems that cataloging sites by descriptive words as opposed to elements visible in the design is the key difference here. That could almost be a whole new section on this site. Sites by the overall aesthetic. Anyhow, this set of sites falls neatly into the elegant and professional category and I hope you will agree.

A few of the key elements you will find here are script and serif type faces, rich colors, and the occasional ornate pattern. ParkCityBestListings.com is a fantastic example of how beautiful typography can create an elegant feel. It is the type treatment in the headers that primarily make this an elegant site.

Rich reds combined with earth tones on paper help to establish a beautiful and elegant style on caferouge.co.uk . I love how the atmosphere of the restaurant is projected onto the site and you really get a sense of what a visit will be like. And of course the ornate background completes the style.

Overall I think this is a pretty straight forward style to pull off, and at the same time I am certain it is most difficult. These sites all have a sort of restrained elegance that keeps them from being over the top. To much ornament and it will start to feel a bit annoying. A great balance has been achieved here.

Sample Usage

Comments

Steve Rose

3/15/2007 5:46:46 PM

I enjoy the categories that you choose and demonstrate: you are on my regular visit list. That said, you have a different idea of what "elegant" means than I do. For example, using an elegant font does not make a site elegant.

Patrick

3/15/2007 5:56:25 PM

Well, of course that is true! Were there any sites in particular that you didn´t think fit the category? I actually did base the decision off of more then just type face :)

Michael

3/16/2007 1:00:04 PM

You could´ve just pointed to: http://www.cameronmoll.com and called it done.

Authentic Jobs is one of his creations, and I´m sad that his main site didn´t make the list.

*single, slow-moving tear*

Patrick

3/16/2007 1:01:54 PM

Certainly his site fits the bill doesn´t it. But isn´t that a bit like linking to ms.com or something? It isn´t exactly an unknown site. Then again, everything is new to someone.

Trim

4/18/2007 8:03:04 AM

I came here looking for some inspiration for an elegant site for a medical professional. Besides the "Elegant Jobs" site none of these sites really match my definition of elegant. They´re all a bit too bright and colourful and stylised for my liking. I was surprised because you´re bang on for most other categories.

Patrick

4/18/2007 8:16:19 AM

Trim, the inevitable problem is that on descriptive words like "elegant" it is all a matter of personal taste. It is nearly impossible to match what everyone might think of for that term...but I can´t help trying!

Tam

9/2/2007 12:43:42 PM

I just wanted to say to you, MR. Design Meltdown, that some people may decide to take you to task on exactly what a "descriptor" means, and how it is rolled out into design, your choices etc... But am far as Im concerned (and Im sure a good many other designers out there too), you provide an invaluable resource, and are always my first port of call when faced with a new job.
So, thank you.

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Elegant Sites

The Design Element

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