ev0lution I agree with you.. taking a closer look to other people designs and thinking how they achieve difrent things is good way to learn something new
But in my newbish mind :P there is only one trully best way to learn how to design websites !
you simple.. have to start design them
Really you have to go look at otehr peoples how they do that.. ohh wow or that, or something else just look around look even here how the gradients are used on that website try to make use of it.. dont over use drop shadow a lot of people do that ~~
and.. once again just do web designs
try to do one new design per day if you dont have any idea of how you want to make it looks like no problem !
Just try to design website for your self... it is the hardest thing web designer can encouter ! Im serious.. to yourself you should have highest possibile requirements try to make portfolio make I dont know.. 20 designs for your portfolio.. after doing it you will look at first one and laugh really.. it is so simple
also while designing it try playing with difrent web design styles
try to make your website based on vector like graphics, or give it paper look or retro something whatever you want
just play with designing websites and have as much fun as possible with it !
Good Luck !