Each year new websites emerge on the internet. Likewise, older websites choose to upgrade and get a facelift. For those who have built on the WordPress platform, there are some fantastic premium themes that help new sites get noticed and upgraded sites gain fresh attention from their audience. In addition to many feature specific widgets, these WordPress themes can leverage the plethora of free plugins to optimize for any need. This list of the best WordPress themes for 2014 promises to infuse new energy and professionalism into any site and take the individual or entity to the next level online. Theme prices range from $35 to $179; a small investment for the benefit of a world class website.
Sistina – E-commerce
http://themeforest.net/item/sistina-flat-multipurpose-shop-theme/5220602?WT.ac=category_item&WT.seg_1=category_item&WT.z_author=Sara_p
The functionality of Sistina is top notch, integrating a strong visual interface with a powerful marketing influence. In addition to the filterable online shop, there are both compare and wish list features that are attractive features for online customers. With multiple slider and portfolio options, Sistena also becomes a professional option for businesses of all types. Themeforest sells this theme for $60.
Executive Pro Theme – Business
http://my.studiopress.com/themes/executive/
Executive Pro is an excellent theme for an organization trying to be recognized by their target audience. The main page begins with a clean slider, followed by a featured area, a call to action banner and a wigitized footer. Additional theme features include multiple color styles and layout options. Its mobile responsiveness ensures it can be accessed by tablets and smartphones with ease. Executive Pro can be purchased from StudioPress for $99.95.
Blink – Blogging
http://themedy.com/themes/blink/
Blink utilizes a unique stacking layout to draw the attention of their readers. Five different design schemes work seamlessly across all major browsing platforms and it also has strong portfolio functionality. It serves as an ideal platform for bloggers or creative professionals. Blink can be purchased from Themedy for $99 a year or $199 on their Forever Plan.
Modern Portfolio Theme – Portfolio
http://my.studiopress.com/themes/modern-portfolio/
With the growing popularity of portfolio themes amongst creative professionals, the Modern Portfolio Theme offers a simplistic and streamlined feel that is easy to navigate. Custom widgets, menus, and backgrounds are just a few of the ways it can be customized. An added benefit is that the portfolio is not limited by the mobile platform and displays effectively due to this mobile responsive theme. Modern Portfolio Theme can be purchased from StudioPress for $79.95.
Crave – Blogging
http://my.studiopress.com/themes/crave/
Crave’s magazine style theme offers class and pizzazz to anyone in the food or craft industry. With 3 color styles and 3 layout options, there are many ways to work with its clean lines to achieve a custom feel. Threaded comments allow theme users to engage their blog audience in a powerful way. Crave is also mobile responsive and can be purchased from StudoPress for $99.95.
Clip Cart – E-commerce
http://themedy.com/themes/clip-cart/
Clip Cart is an e-commerce theme with a slick look and feel. It has been used in many different contexts to build out online shops with class. Website owners can take advantage of this aesthetic theme for an e-commerce or regular blog website. A free shopping cart plugin like WooCommerce is required to complete its e-commerce functionality. It can be purchased from Themedy for $99 a year or $199 on their Forever Plan.
Clean Slide – Business
http://themeforest.net/item/clean-slide-responsive-vcard-wordpress-theme/6158701?WT.ac=new_item&WT.seg_1=new_item&WT.z_author=Edigital
This highly customizable theme utilizes the very home page slider layout and a “services” template that makes it a promising option for business websites. The transitions from page to page are yet another reason many will be transitioning to this theme very soon. Themeforest sells this theme for $35.
Going Green – Blogging
http://my.studiopress.com/themes/goinggreen/#
Built on the tried and true principles of basic WordPress blogging themes, Going Green adds email marketing, custom menus, and great graphics to produce a snappy theme. It offers 4 different shades of green options to skin the theme. Its peaceful tone and visual aesthetics look good on both the desktop and mobile platforms. Going Green can be purchased from StudioPress for $99.95.
Stage 2 – Portfolio
http://themedy.com/themes/stage/
Awesome portfolio and gallery support are two of the ideal reasons photographers and other creatives are drawn to Stage 2 as their theme for 2014. This theme’s mobile responsiveness is HTML 5 ready and optimized for Retina display. In addition, the redesigned front page is sure to capture visitors attention. It can be purchased from Themedy for $99 a year or $199 on their Forever Plan.
The Writer – Blogging
http://themeforest.net/item/the-writer-premium-wordpress-blogging-theme/5908925?WT.ac=new_item&WT.seg_1=new_item&WT.z_author=obox
This minimal theme was created specifically for writers who want to display their work in a visual and easily accessible format. The popout menu and author info area that is maximized for social sharing empowers writers to build a large audience. The Writer theme can be purchased from Themeforest for $40.