Top 10 Website Design Trends for 2025 - with real Squarespace examples.

AI Image generation for web design is a big thing for 2025 - what are the pros and cons? Image: by Natter in Midjourney.

1. AI-Powered Personalisation

In 2025, websites are increasingly leveraging AI to tailor content dynamically based on user behavior and preferences. And while this means it’s become easier for New Zealand business owners to build their own website, the same issues remain: we are time poor and too busy working IN our business to work ON it, and understanding how to get the best out of AI website design tools can still be a significant investment of time and skill.

I’m using AI for my Squarespace websites in three main ways in 2025:

1. Harnessing AI for SEO - now instead of going through every page and opening up each image to manually add Google-friendly titles and descriptions, I let the AI tool do this for me then simply pop into the results list and add in geotags (mostly localising it for businesses in my key locations of Napier, Hastings, Hawke’s Bay generally and Auckland/Wellington)

3. Copy generation - We are all familiar with how easy it is to whip up great copy now with ChatGPT and others. Squarespace has its own copy generator built in. Since I’m all about strategy and communicating the ‘why’ of your business and understand holistically what I’m trying to say across a site, I don’t tend to use this feature, but it’s a game changer for my clients who want to blog but either don’t want to spend time writing or don’t have that skill set.

2. Image generation - Although it is far more authentic and I always encourage my clients to use real photos (especially as I’m a professional photographer!), there are situations where it’s incredibly useful to build an image. Recently I built a site for a Wellington architecture practice and while they had an incredible suite of project photos, we needed a couple of anchor photos showing client engagement. Rather than hire a Wellington photographer just for a couple of photos (or use a generic stock photo that didn’t look like a real New Zealand client/architect situation and didn’t suit the aesthetic I wanted), I used the Midjourney platform to generate some images based on a physical description of my client. Eventually I’ll head to Wellington and shoot these with her in real life but for now - what a fantastic fix! And for this blog post I needed some supporting imagery and it was easy, creative and effective to implement my ideas via an image generator. No copyright issues either!

Squarespace Example: Hark Architects

See Midjourney generated images of client meetings on the HOME and STUDIO VISIT pages. The AI SEO tool was also used to populate the hundreds of image descriptions required for behind-the-scenes SEO - saving me MANY hours an one of the reasons I’m able to offer affordable web design here in NZ!

2. Bold, Maximalist Typography

Oversized fonts and expressive typography are making statements in modern NZ web design, capturing attention and conveying brand personality. Squarespace has a MASSIVE array of cool fonts, but even better, when you work with me you’ll get access to hundreds more via my pro plugins - with fab features that allow you to change the font of just one word within a heading, or make the words shrink, swell or spin.

Squarespace Example: Mike Perry Studio (not by Natter)
I like this site because it utilizes bold, artistic typography to reflect the creative essence of the studio, demonstrating how type can be both functional and expressive.

3. Cinematic Scrolling & Scroll-Triggered Animation

Engaging users through interactive scrolling experiences enhances storytelling and keeps visitors immersed.

Squarespace Example: Eskviewafterschool
This site built by Natter for a Hawke’s Bay after school care business features dynamic scroll-triggered animations that bring content to life. As you move down the single page website, words change size and logo elements spin, giving the site a playful feeling that supports the values and purpose of the business.

4. Dark Mode Aesthetic

Dark is the new black! Dark themes are not only visually striking but also reduce eye strain and highlight visual content effectively. They are also a refreshing visual shift from the clean, white space that dominates web design (and I still love, if you haven’t noticed!)

Squarespace Example: Fire and Flour (not by Natter)
This bakery's website employs a dark theme to create a warm, inviting atmosphere, emphasizing its artisanal products.

5. Interactive Visuals

Interactive elements like hover effects and image carousels provide users with an engaging way to explore products.

Squarespace Example: Eskviewafterschool
This is a simple single-page scrolling website for a Napier after school centre, but Bembien's site showcases its products through interactive visuals, allowing customers to experience the brand's aesthetic and quality virtually.

6. Inclusive, Accessible Design

Designing websites that are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, is both a moral imperative and a legal requirement.

Squarespace Example: Soilboy (not by Natter)
Soilboy's website demonstrates accessible design through clear navigation, readable fonts, and thoughtful color contrasts, ensuring usability for a diverse audience.

7. Microinteractions & Microanimations

Subtle animations and interactive cues enhance user experience by providing feedback and guiding interactions.

Squarespace Example: High Gloss (not by Natter)
The site incorporates microinteractions that add a layer of sophistication and responsiveness, enriching the user's journey.

8. Modular, Grid-Based Layouts

Modular designs offer flexibility and clarity, allowing content to be organized in a user-friendly manner.

Squarespace Example: Architecture Plus Information (Not by Natter)
This architecture firm's website utilizes a grid-based layout to present projects systematically, enhancing readability and navigation.

9. Sustainable Web Design

Eco-friendly design focuses on optimizing performance and reducing digital carbon footprints.

Squarespace Example: Supernatural Kitchen (Not by Natter)
The site emphasizes sustainability through minimalist design and efficient loading times, reflecting the brand's commitment to environmental responsibility.

10. No-Code/Low-Code Tools

Empowering New Zealand business owners to feel confident managing their own websites without extensive coding knowledge democratizes web design.Squarespace is the world’s leading website design software and is used by designers like Natter because once built by a professional (who knows how to harness all the tools and SEO capabilities along with design best-practice) it is easy for almost all non-techs to add, change or update content.

Squarespace Example: All of the Natter websites!
While Natter uses specialist plug-in software to take Squarespace Websites further and offer unique design elements not available on the DIY platform, a key value is to always ensure that every website can be easily edited by anyone with limited design skills.

Final Thoughts: Why Squarespace Continues to Lead in 2025:

For businesses in Napier, Hawke’s Bay, and across New Zealand, staying current with web design trends is crucial for online success. Squarespace's versatile platform supports these trends through its intuitive design tools, responsive templates, and commitment to accessibility and sustainability.

Ready to elevate your online presence? At Natter, we specialize in crafting bespoke Squarespace websites that align with the latest design trends and your unique brand identity.

Let's create something exceptional together.