try glassmorphism, and experiment with styling, highlights and shadows, though it might look a bit "corporate", hence why i encourage experimentation.
https://solinus.neocities.org/projects did a project about six "panes" of glass (based on my earlier comment) to show some possibilities. (and as a design exercise)
@skykristal yea ive noticed that too, i hope the neocities team is doing alright
your manifesto is so correct. you really articulate some things i feel about neocities.
not sure if it is because other users in the us coming onto neocities after work/school??
i've seen some talk of neocities on twitter l8ly so i have to imagine its a new influx of users