Which professional blog design companies would you recommend?

You could try the wp-pro mailing list
https://lists.automattic.com/mailman/listinfo/wp-pro

Have you thought about using a professionally designed template that you can just install? Or one that needs minor tweaking? It’ll save you a lot of $$. Try https://www.site-creators.com – they have a WordPress category

[moderated –

see the Rules: Any thread that offers any service for money can be closed at any time. We are not against paid services but these forums are not the right place for them.
We have a WP-Pro mailing list which you are encouraged to use.
https://lists.automattic.com/mailman/listinfo/wp-pro ]

Ah, ok sorry. I didn’t mean to violate the rules.

Still, try WPDESIGNER.com he does some very good free themes, and I believe has a site with pro themes too.

They’re not too graphic-y and pretty though.