2025 web design trends in a nutshell

1. Default dark mode
Dark mode has shifted from an optional feature to the default look. Sleek, modern and easy on the eyes, dark backgrounds with high-contrast elements create a polished aesthetic. Designers are leaning into bold accent colours that pop against deep backdrops, giving websites a sophisticated yet dynamic feel. The best designs balance accessibility by offering a light mode toggle, ensuring usability and readability for everyone. Dark mode is no longer just a trend, it’s the baseline visual identity.

2. Bold typography
Typography is taking centre stage. Expect oversized, experimental fonts that double as graphic elements, creating instant impact and skewing visual hierarchy. Designers are using expressive type to convey personality, while pairing bold statements with minimal backdrops for balance. From kinetic type animations to retro-inspired fonts, bold typography is helping brands stand out while communicating with clarity and style.

3. Vibrant gradients
Gradients are evolving beyond simple background washes. Multi-tone gradients with fluid, organic transitions are adding depth and dimension . Designers are experimenting with bold colour pairings, pastel blends, and even animated gradients that shift in real time. When paired with minimal layouts, they shine as vibrant accents that elevate the visual experience without overwhelming the user.

4. Minimalism with personality
Minimalism remains a key design language, but in recent times it’s shifting into less stark and more expressive forms. Designers are using clean layouts with subtle twists: asymmetry, pops of colour and delicate animations. Essentially, it’s all about reducing clutter while still allowing individuality to shine through thoughtful additions. It’s about stripping away excess without sacrificing warmth or creativity.

5. Immersive 3D elements
Three-dimensional visuals are no longer gimmicks, they’re integrated parts of web design. Product renders, interactive objects and layered effects are some of the ways we’re seeing designers integrate these kinds of design elements. With faster internet speeds, 3D can be used seamlessly without slowing sites down, meaning that it looks likely like we’ll see more of these as the years progress. However, less is probably more for now; the best designs use 3D selectively, enriching storytelling and guiding attention without clutter.

6. Playful micro-animations
Subtle movement is shaping visual aesthetics. Buttons that wiggle, icons that bounce, and text that gently animates bring interfaces to life. These micro-animations create a sense of responsiveness and inject joy into the browsing experience. In 2025, playful motion design is about restraint — tiny details that surprise without distracting. Done well, they add personality, improve usability, and make digital interactions feel more human.

7. Glassmorphism
The frosted-glass effect is another cool design trend we’ve seen evolve throughout 2025. Layered transparency, soft blurs and glowing edges create a futuristic, sleek aesthetic. Often paired with pastel tones or neon accents, glassmorphism brings depth and elegance to interfaces while feeling future-forward. Its popularity lies in its ability to modernise without overwhelming, making UI elements look polished yet light.

8. Custom illustrations
Hand-drawn and bespoke illustrations are making websites feel more authentic. In 2025, expect brands to lean into unique illustration styles that convey personality and break away from cookie-cutter stock visuals. Their human touch balances tech-heavy interfaces, making digital spaces warmer and more memorable.

9. Color blocking
Bold blocks of colour are back in style. Think sharp contrasts, split screens and geometric divisions of space to organize content and grab attention. This trend injects structure into layouts while guiding the eye through key sections. When paired with typography and minimal elements, colour blocking creates a striking, editorial-style aesthetic that feels confident, fresh and full of personality.

10. Nature-inspired palettes
Web design is increasingly drawing inspiration from nature. Earthy greens, ocean blues, sandy neutrals, and sunset gradients are dominating palettes. Paired with organic shapes and textures, these colours create calming, grounding experiences. It also seemingly reflects a growing desire for balance between technology and the natural world.

Website design in 2025 has been all about experimentation and personality. Of course, we don’t want to mindlessly follow the majority for the sake of being on trend, and it’s especially pointless if the changes don’t tie in with our brand identity. However, it’s an exercise of finding inspiration while keeping our design feeling fresh.

If you’re ready to refresh your site with cutting-edge design that resonates visually and emotionally, let’s collaborate. Reach out today to elevate your online presence with style that speaks to your audience.

And if you want to explore the line between finding inspiration and copycat design, check out this blog post.