Graphic Design

I'm fiddling around with the thought of getting a proper website. I have figured out the technical solution and what host I'd like to use, but what about design? Personally I don't like sites that are overloaded with images (and don't get me started on flash or audio - gah!).

Also, I'm designing it myself since spending a ton of money on a custom website when I have absolutely nothing to sell yet seems a little stupid. I'll go with a free template and change things around a little to customize it. But I'm no wonderful graphic designer - in fact, I'm probably too stupid to use Photoshop even if I had it - so that means I won't even have a spectacular header. I'll make one, but I can't manage fancy.

So I'm thinking about keeping it very plain, almost stark, in colors and layout. It also seems appropriate since the projects I'm working on are so very different from each other. It's hard to find a common denominator. It's not like I'm all historicals or have an obvious theme like fantasy or paranormals. I'm not even consistent in mood or themes.

I have no idea how it'll turn out. If it looks awful, I'll soon be bleating for a designer to come help me, but then at least I'll know any money I spend is absolutely necessary because I'm a total idiot.

What are the key essentials for you in a website? What kind of design and color settings do you like?