LMC Version 2

The 1st version is much better. The second version is far too busy. Here's some of my thoughts on the site:

1. DO NOT INCREASE THE LOGO SIZE. Show them this video http://www.makemylogobiggercream.com/newsletter.html. I know you can't always win the battle, but keep trying. The logo is plenty big enough on this site.
2. The burgundy background would be way too over powering if you made it extend the whole page.I do think you could make the background a bit classier, see this page http://rampchamp.com/. I would think about leaving the bottom half completely white, with no gradient. Then with the use of shadows pop the top of the page off the burgundy background and fade out the shadow toward the middle of the page.
3. Finally, the third column looks a bit sparse and forgotten. Try adding some more simple content in there, but make sure the contact info stands out the most.

Great work so far!

I like the top and middle of the first concept, but the products and markets organization in the 2nd. The 2nd style of organization gives a quick hit of the information and allows the viewer to click to read more if interested.

I feel like the hand-written message about the online system is almost completely redundant. I think I would use a sans serif font for this section (and possibly headings) and keep the serif for the body text.

As Taz mentioned, keep the search box simple and standard.

I really like the second design, all I suggest you change is the font in the navigation bar, it looks like it has a Microsoft word style drop shadow. Otherwise everything's great. And I wouldn't increase the logo size and leave the background as it is. Also, I like the stock image in the first one a lot, maybe try implementing it in the second?

Gotta love clients.

I would leave the logo as is.

I would leave the half and half background. Maybe try pulling the red down so it cuts off at the same place as the main image. I know that would cause some disharmony -- but see if that is their issue. Or -- perhaps try a light shadow to break up the foreground and background.

As far as the categories - do they have content to support this? I like the way the categories are lined up in the second screen shot. But prefer the header in the first screen shot. Also - are they willing to lose the category headers that you have in the first screen shot?

Overall the detail in the site is great. I like the highlight at the very top - the one pixel white line separating the background, the space left for the cart at the top, and the categories we serve at the bottom.

Nice design.

I like version 1, but i dont like anything below the banner.

I like version 2, but its no different from any other commercial site.

I would try and bring the 2 together, use the top part of v1 witht the content layout of v2.

Its a nice deisng eiher way though.

V1 has more versatile internal page layout options.

I like the log controls docked at the top of the v2 but the black is too heavy. Also the green checkout button is given far too much prominence. Try grey.

I like the top promo area of v2 better but it has gone too grey. Try adding a splash of color in the panel or title background.

I also like v2's more anchored and engaging footer.

Great work!

I absolutely love the first concept, but I think that green in the upper content area is rather painful to look at, simply because its so deep and generic. Maybe something less bold would do the trick.

Good use of header. I like the chalkboard play - it works well.

Nice clean design, good structure and I really like the header of the second image.

a) i do agree wuth you the logo size at the moment is really nice

b) same with the background

c) i didnt like the right column in the first design where afther the contact no..there is nothing its too much empty and taking my eye.... in that case your second design is much more balanced