The problem with design versus programming is that there is no "right" way of doing something. There is a right way of doing the Hello World program, because otherwise the program won't work. But no matter how your design looks, you're still designing. What you're asking for is the basics of designing well, which is a lot harder, since it's so subjective.
Start looking at the basics of graphic design: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_elements_and_principles
I'd also look at well known web designers and note what works and why you think it works in their designs. If you see a website that's particularly readable, try to notice all the reasons why. Pay attention to elements that you like and don't like. Read about web design elements like grids, then when you get more comfortable, try breaking the grid (helps with emphasis — I find a lot of programmers who start using grids treat them like hard and fast rules that they should never break).
Bottom line, there isn't a yes-or-no answer to design, just building up your "design eye".
