Hupspot Guide to Broken Grid Design

Modern web teams using Hubspot or any other CMS are always looking for layouts that feel fresh, dynamic, and highly engaging. One powerful technique is the broken grid layout, a visual style that disrupts the traditional column-and-row structure while still staying usable and conversion-focused.

This guide explains what broken grid layouts are, how they work, and how you can apply the same principles showcased in the original HubSpot article on broken grids to your own site designs.

What Is a Broken Grid Layout?

A broken grid layout is a design approach where elements intentionally overlap or break out of the standard grid structure. Instead of each block aligning perfectly to invisible rows and columns, some elements float, overlap, or extend beyond their expected boundaries.

The result is a more energetic and visually interesting layout that still respects basic rules of balance, spacing, and hierarchy.

Core Principles Behind the Hubspot Broken Grid Style

The source article on broken grid layouts from HubSpot’s design blog highlights several repeating design principles. When you apply them consistently, you can bend the grid without creating chaos.

1. Maintain a Clear Underlying Grid

Even when the design appears to break the rules, there is almost always an invisible grid holding everything together:

• Define a base grid with columns and gutters.
• Align key text blocks and major images to that grid.
• Let only selected elements drift or overlap.

This structure keeps the page readable and scannable, even when some components break the pattern.

2. Use Overlapping Elements Strategically

Overlapping is a signature move in many broken grid designs:

• Text overlapping imagery to create depth.
• Buttons slightly overlapping images or cards.
• Background shapes intersecting with content modules.

The original examples in the HubSpot article carefully limit overlaps so that calls-to-action and key messages remain clear and clickable.

3. Control White Space and Alignment

White space is critical when you bend the grid. Without it, the layout can feel crowded or confusing. Good broken grid layouts:

• Preserve generous margins around crucial content.
• Align headings or imagery to a consistent axis.
• Use asymmetry while still feeling balanced.

This careful control of space is what makes a broken grid feel intentional instead of sloppy.

Step-by-Step: Creating a Broken Grid Layout Inspired by Hubspot

The process below translates the visual concepts from the HubSpot article into an actionable workflow you can use on any modern website builder or CMS.

Step 1: Plan Your Content Hierarchy

Start with content, not decoration. Identify:

• Your primary message or headline.
• Supporting copy and imagery.
• One or two key calls-to-action (CTAs).

Sketch a conventional grid layout first. Once the hierarchy feels clear, you can selectively break the grid without sacrificing clarity.

Step 2: Define the Base Grid

Before you break the grid, define it:

• Choose the number of columns (commonly 12 for desktop).
• Set consistent gutters and margins.
• Create a simple wireframe where each component sits fully inside the grid.

This serves as the foundation you will push against with broken elements.

Step 3: Select Elements to Break the Grid

Next, deliberately choose which elements will break alignment. Common options include:

• Hero images that bleed outside the container.
• Feature cards that overlap with background shapes.
• Headlines that extend past the usual text column.

Limit the number of broken elements per screen so the layout still feels navigable and professional.

Step 4: Introduce Overlaps and Layering

Now add depth using layering:

1. Place background shapes behind text sections.
2. Allow images to cross column boundaries.
3. Use z-index or layering tools so text always stays readable.

Whenever you overlap, test contrast and legibility on both desktop and mobile.

Step 5: Balance With Color and Typography

Broken grid layouts often lean on strong color blocks and bold typography:

• Use a limited color palette to avoid visual noise.
• Reserve bold or uppercase type for the most important messages.
• Use consistent type scales so experimentation still feels branded.

Look at how the HubSpot examples balance large imagery with quieter text sections, ensuring there is always a clear focal point.

Hubspot-Inspired Best Practices for UX and Accessibility

Creative layouts still need to perform. Here are practical guidelines to keep your broken grid design user-friendly and inclusive.

Keep Navigation Predictable

While your main content can break the grid, navigation should remain straightforward:

• Use a conventional header and footer.
• Keep your primary menu aligned and legible.
• Ensure important links are not hidden behind overlapping visuals.

Respect Readability and Contrast

Text should always remain easy to read:

• Maintain sufficient contrast between text and background.
• Avoid placing long paragraphs over complex images.
• Use overlays or color blocks behind text when needed.

Test Responsiveness Across Devices

Broken grid layouts can be tricky on smaller screens. To avoid layout issues:

• Simplify overlaps on mobile.
• Return to a more traditional stacked layout for very narrow viewports.
• Test on multiple devices and orientations.

Many of the layouts highlighted by HubSpot adjust gracefully, keeping the spirit of the design without preserving every single overlap on mobile.

Practical Tips Before You Launch a Hubspot-Style Broken Grid

Before publishing your new layout, run through this quick checklist.

• Is the primary CTA immediately visible and clickable?
• Does the eye naturally move through the page in a logical order?
• Are headings clear, scannable, and easy to distinguish from body text?
• Is every interactive element large enough for touch devices?

If you are planning a full redesign or migration, consider working with a specialized web consultancy such as Consultevo to connect your visual strategy with performance and analytics.

How to Adapt the Hubspot Broken Grid Look to Your Brand

You do not need to copy any single example to benefit from this approach. Instead, adapt the core ideas to your own brand system.

Start Small With One Section

Rather than overhauling your entire site, experiment with a single:

• Homepage hero section.
• Feature strip highlighting key services.
• Case study or portfolio grid.

Use that section to refine your approach to spacing, overlaps, and typography before rolling it out across more templates.

Document Your New Layout Rules

Once you have a broken grid style that works, document it in your design system or brand guidelines:

• Specify which components are allowed to break the grid.
• Define minimum spacing and overlap rules.
• Include mobile and tablet variations.

This documentation makes it easier for designers, developers, and content editors to keep your layouts consistent over time.

Conclusion: Turning Hubspot-Inspired Design Into Action

Broken grid layouts can transform a conventional page into an engaging, memorable experience without sacrificing clarity. By following the structure, overlap, spacing, and responsiveness principles modeled in the HubSpot article, you can safely introduce this visual style into your own website.

Start with a solid grid, selectively break it, and always test across devices. With a thoughtful approach, your site will feel both modern and intuitive, supporting your brand story and conversion goals.

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