.gradient-nav {
    background-color: transparent !important;
    background-image: none !important;
    padding: 0.5rem 1rem;
}

.nav-logo {
    transition: transform 0.3s ease;
    width: 40px;  /* Reduced from previous size */
    height: 40px; /* Reduced from previous size */
    object-fit: contain;
}

.profile-icon {
    width: 40px;  /* Reduced from 60px */
    height: 40px; /* Reduced from 60px */
    object-fit: contain;
    padding-top: 0;
}

/* Remove any default navbar styling */
.navbar {
    box-shadow: none !important;
    border: none !important;
    position: relative; /* added to enable z-index */
    z-index: 1100;      /* ensures navbar appears above other elements */
}

.nav-item {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    margin: 0 0.25rem;
}

.nav-link:hover,
.nav-link:focus {
    background-color: transparent !important;
}

/* Optional: Add slight hover effect */
.nav-logo:hover {
    transform: scale(1.1);
    opacity: 0.9;
}

.profile-icon:hover {
    transform: translateY(-2px);
    opacity: 0.9;
}