Sometimes neat, clean and straight is the only answer. But that does not have to mean dull or standard. A surprising number of the category winners were dead straight, clean and plain. Of course, that is not to implicate that the designers spent less time creating such perfection. Clean and simple design is often tougher than any other.
Color becomes much more important and balance is crucial.
Take a look at the very simple examples at the left. But in the second sample, with the simple addition of a faint hairline under each menu item, notice how the list of words becomes a unit. Add hairlines to topic headings on the same page and you have created a style. Frame your photos with the same line, divide text with vertical hairlines, direct visitors with faint directional lines, and you have a complete look that can unify an entire site. I have gathered some ideas and techniques to help you work with straight lines without sacrificing design originality and energy.