Two dark bands—one green, one tan—form a simple, substantial header that leads the site; logo and links are reversed in white. To soften the look, a faint gradient yields an understated illusion of radiant light. This 12-page article from issue 47 of Before&After Magazine takes apart the design of this website [2008] to show you how it handles complexity beautifully.
Beautiful typography is the signature element of the site. Scholarly Caslon type in classic, old-style caps and small caps (big circle, below) conveys literacy and tradition; compact line spacing (small circle) keeps minor information from floating away. The two lines of small type are the same size but spaced differently; the more-important words are in panorama.
© John McWade/Before&After Magazine, courtesy of Gaye Anne McWade.
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