WordPress Themes Need More Weird: A Call for Creative Digital Homes

The modern web has gradually shifted from a vibrant tapestry of personal expression to a landscape of identical designs, where millions of websites share not just similar structures, but identical visual language, spacing, and interaction patterns. As we collectively gravitate toward the same “proven” layouts and “conversion-optimized” designs, we’re not just losing visual diversity – we’re ceding control over how we present ourselves to the world. This matters because genuine self-expression online isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about maintaining spaces where authentic voices can flourish.

When every blog has the same hero section, when every portfolio follows the same grid, when every restaurant site looks interchangeable, we create an echo chamber of sameness. The cost isn’t just visual monotony – it’s the slow erosion of the web’s ability to surprise, delight, and showcase truly individual perspectives. WordPress, with its emphasis on complete ownership and control, offers an opportunity to break free from this convergence of design, allowing creators to build digital spaces that truly reflect their unique voice and vision.

Think of WordPress themes like album covers they should have personality and create an immediate visual impact. The web has become too sanitized, with everyone chasing the same minimal, “professional” look.

Great themes should:

• Have a strong point of view – like how Kubrick (the classic WordPress theme) defined an era with its distinctive header gradient. Not trying to be everything to everyone.
• Embrace specific aesthetics boldly – whether that’s brutalist design, pixel art, hand-drawn elements, or distinctive typography. Create themes that excite people rather than just working for everyone.
• Design for specific use cases – A theme for photographers that’s all about full-bleed images. A theme for writers that treats typography as art. A theme for musicians that feels like an album cover.
• Break some rules thoughtfully – Not every theme needs a hamburger menu. Not every theme needs to be mobile-first. Sometimes constraints create character.

We need more themes that make people say “wow” or “that’s different!” rather than “that’s clean and professional.” The web needs more personality, more risk-taking, more fun.

After spending countless hours digging through the WordPress theme repository, searching for designs that break the mold and spark excitement, I came up empty-handed. Don’t get me wrong – there are plenty of well-built themes out there. But where’s the daring? The personality? The unexpected?

This realization led to some great conversations with the talented team at Automattic, and together, we set out to create themes that push boundaries. So here’s my completely subjective, thoroughly biased collection of themes that I believe represent the kind of creative energy WordPress needs more of – not just to stay relevant, but to thrive as a platform for genuine digital expression.