2nd revision of website redesign

Hi Rebecca

here's a few points that I would mention.

I would use a lighter color scheme with more white and subtle tones. I think the current color scheme is trying to fit with the sunset image, but when combined with the dark gray it creates a dark boxed in effect. Which might be the wrong tone to set for people looking for holiday accommodation. I think people naturally want accommodation to be light and airy, with open spaces and room to breath, rather than dark and boxed in.

I would also remove the underlines from the main menu buttons. It's clear that they're selectable buttons. In which case it doesn't really server any purpose. But it does make the main menu items slightly more difficult to read.

The four dots under the sunset image aren't centered.

I would also tone down the gradients and drop shadow effects.

The floral pattern beneath the text, makes the copy hard to read. I would also tone that down.

Also check the placement of the copy in the header. This doesn't seems to be aligned with other elements in the layout.

The blue "Winter Fun" banner clashes with the overall color scheme of the layout. I think if you opted for a lighter more neutral toned layout it would work better.

Also the pricing information on the Accomodations page is difficult to read. Plus the word "from" is much smaller than "to". I think it would be good to add some spacing here. Think of ways to display the pricing information so that it can be understood at a glance.

I don't like the boarders around the images on the Accomodations page. It looks like a metallic gradient, with a drop shadow on a white background. I think this needs to be cleaned up. Simple is best.

I would also place the contact details in the footer, to make that information readily available on all pages, since getting buyers to make reservations would be the primary goal of the site.

The contact page doesn't contain phone or address information. Plus the text in the submit button looks like it's not aligned properly.

I would also add a Map to the Contact Page.

I like the main background that is Orange and White. If the top and bottom sections were lighter with dark text, I think this would work. As it is, the colors are a little heavy.

Definitely make the menu headers bigger and bolder and not underlined.

If you're going to go with an orange color screen, you're going to have trouble with pictures like the blue background Winter Fun picture. A lighter background would allow you to post a wider variety of pictures without having them look out of place.

To get the call us message across, is it possible to put the 800 number in the footer on all the pages or make it otherwise available. e.g. "(C) 2010 Oneida Village Inn: All Rights Reserved -> 800-374-7443 (C) 2010 Oneida Village Inn"

Instead of repeating what's been said I'll just point you to some online tools to help improve your work.

(1) Use a Color Scheme designer

Color schemes are usually tricky to get right. There are several online tools that can help you come up with perfect color combinations. Just pick the overall color for your website and these tools will generate all it's matching colors.

My favourite is colorschemedesigner.com

(2) Use a Layout grid

I wish I had discovered grids earlier. They let you design more and think less. The CSS is already figured out for you so all you have to do is design along the grid.

My favourite is the 960 grid system based on the industry standard 960px width website. Sites like twitter are based on this grid.

Grid Templates are available for FireWorks and PhotoShop.

Good luck.

Hi Rebecca,

I would have to say that screenshot2.png/screenshot.png is my favourite. The brown version is simply too dark and I don't think the mirror effect on the logo works in the designs favour. In addition the rounded corners are too harsh, make them less rounded (maybe 8-12px) and it will boost the effect without going over the top.

Screen-home.png is again too dark, even with the colour of the navigation and the bright orange/gold background. I also don't like your use of gradients in this screenshot (screen-home.png) left of the navigation elements. It needs to be two colours that will mould together rather than two witch conflict for dominance.

I know this is very negative but i'm sure you will find the right style for this project. Your best chance is with the blue coloured design. It makes the village inn seem bright and airy and I've not even looked at any images of the property yet!

Good luck : )