http://www.tastytuscany.com

I really busted my butt on this site. It is owned by a great couple who are really counting on my efforts to "stay afloat" so to speak. The market in Tuscany for cooking schools, villa rentals, and bed breakfast is intense. Though I could have done three different sites, I opted not to. I would really appreciate some feedback on this site. I will include feedback comments in my personal web design portfolio as "comments on this site from other professionals". thanks so much, the site map for the site is http://www.tastytuscany.com/site-map.asp Thanks again. I hope you like it and find the design user-friendly!

It doesn't follow what i'd normally design for a website, but it does actually make me want to visit Tuscany! Well Don, good job!

hi!

i like that green color.
the logo is very nice too.
the gold page texture is a nice touch.
the site is surely unique from the typical sites out there.

the only criticism i have is that the white page 'grid' background on the left side is out of place with the 'flavor' of the site.
the grid pattern makes my think of graph paper...very mechanical.
this could be much more romantic feeling.
how about a soft floral or organic pattern.
...something that takes after the logo design.
it should be more playful...without overwhelming the copy of course.

thanks for sharing.
good luck.
.

Awesome advice! I wish I could somehow give some "depth" to the background, making it appear more like a book. If I knew how, this could be easily done as it is only one bg image. As for the color schemes you suggested, unfortunately I don't have an artistic bone in my body. I inherited this design... Thanks, U2 Rocks!

drop shadow around the part you wanna stick out or even a feint glow

How about changing to lined papaer, so people think of poetry and literature, creative not technical things.

Thanks, that might work. I'm a bit interested in the "floral or organic" bg idea as well