learn the basics of design

http://lifehacker.com/5739492/learn-the-basics-of-design-this-weekend?skyline=true&s=i

30 stunning web design portfolio

http://devsnippets.com/article/30-out-of-the-box-and-new-portfolio-designs.html

web layout guidelines

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/02/18/50-css-and-javascript-techniques-for-layouts-forms-and-visual-effects/

guidelines for responsive web design

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2011/01/12/guidelines-for-responsive-web-design/