This is just my $.02. I believe the best way to learn is by imitating. Go on every CSS/Design Inspiration (dribbble, forrst, ilvdsgn) site you can and see what is appealing to you and then try to duplicate it in your own time. Analyze ones that everyone thinks are "cool" and figure out what makes them so. Look up articles on color theory, spacing, typography.
It might sound lame just copying a design (note: I don't mean rip then release it, this is just for your own benefit), but by picking it apart you'll slowly be creating building blocks for you to do your own stuff.
It might sound lame just copying a design (note: I don't mean rip then release it, this is just for your own benefit), but by picking it apart you'll slowly be creating building blocks for you to do your own stuff.