The 2026 Shift + A quick fix for your layout
Welcome to the very first edition of KH Design Studio Insider.
My goal for this space is simple: to move past the "noise" of the internet and give you clear, actionable insights that help your brand feel more like you and less like a template. Every quarter, I’ll be dropping in with one big shift I’m watching, a practical tip you can use today, and a question to help you audit your own digital home.
Let’s dive in.
The Studio Insight: The Rise of the "Archival Index"
As we look toward 2026, the "perfectly polished" look is taking a backseat. We are seeing a massive shift toward what I call the Archival Index aesthetic.
What it is: Think of it as a digital library meets a high-end editorial magazine. It uses visible grids, structured labels, and intentional "data" layouts to organize information.
Why it’s happening: In an era of AI-generated perfection, people are craving transparency and process. Showing your work in a way that feels archived and curated—rather than just "marketed"—builds a deeper level of trust. It says, "I have a body of work, and I'm proud of the details."
The Practical Tip: Fix Your "Floating" Content
One of the biggest mistakes I see on Squarespace sites is "floating" content—sections where the text and images don't feel anchored to anything, making the page feel messy as you scroll.
The 2-minute fix: Use Shape Blocks as "Backdrops." In Fluid Engine, try layering a light-colored rectangle (set to a very low opacity, like 5-10%) behind a grouping of text and a button.
The Result: This creates a "container" for your ideas. It tells the user’s eye: "These three things belong together."It’s a subtle way to bring that "Archival Index" structure to your current site without a full redesign.
The Studio Inquiry: A Deep Work Prompt
If your website was a physical storefront, would people feel like they’re walking into a sterile corporate office, or a curated studio where things are actually being made?
Take five minutes to look at your About page. If it feels too “corporate,” try adding one “behind the scenes” photo or a “currently inspired by” list to humanize the space.
Hungry for more? Join the Studio Club
If you enjoyed these snippets, you’ll love the Studio Club. While this newsletter hits your inbox quarterly, Club members get a Monthly Trend Edit and a library of ready-to-use resources, including:
Content & Posting Prompts: Monthly ideas for blogs and social, so you never stare at a blinking cursor again.
Writing Guidance: Light structures and prompts to help you write copy that actually sounds like you.
Direct Studio Tips: The "how-to" on the latest Squarespace features before everyone else is using them.
[Explore the Studio Club →]
