One thing I never liked is my blog looking just like another site. Using a unique theme gives your blog some sort of identity and even when I was on Blogger, I always tweaked those free custom template to my taste. With lots of free WordPress themes everywhere, you might not really need to buy a premium theme before your blog looks good. There’s a lot of talk about Thesis being one of the best WordPress theme framework but it’s definitely not for free. Before settling for this theme I’m currently using, I’ve installed lots of themes but never got satisfied. I almost bought Thesis theme till I came across two free alternatives that are almost equally good. Thesis is highly customizable and you can make your site look just how you want with this theme framework but for a WordPress beginner, it might look rather too costly at $87.
I doubt if you can find a theme that looks exactly like the one I’m using one I have installed right now because I personally designed it. You can create your own design using any of these two theme frameworks:
1. Admired by Brad Thomas
This is what I’m presently using and it’s the best theme I’ve used so far. Admired theme is highly customizable and very easy to work with. The user interface is quite great, you only need to change the colors with sliders. There’s no need to touch the css and there’s a support forum in case you need any help with the theme. With the simple check-box interface to easily change colors, fonts, skins, menus, sidebars, and much more.
2. Atahualpa by BytesForAll
This theme is also highly customizable and I even used it before Admired. It’s got a theme options which allows you to design your blog to your taste. You can expand the width of your blog, configure SEO settings, style post layout and many other things.
There are lots of other free alternatives to thesis themes out there but these are those I’ve used. Admired is easier to work with because of the user interface but Atahualpa has lots more options. Both are great themes and the one you choose depends on which you’re more comfortable with.
