Web Design Literature Request

Need some reccomendations here.
I guess I would call myself a web developer more than a web designer. I have a good knowledge of PHP/MySQL and some HTML right now. I can build powerful code and backends to websites, but my problem is the design aspect of things.
My pages never come out looking pretty, but they can do a whole heck of a lot.
I'm looking for some reccomendations on books or other resources that would help me develope my skills in the web design area including HTML for page layout as well as probably some graphic work as well.
Thanks and if you need more info or I wasn't too clear, please let me know!

Besides the normal books that tell you what colors look good together and what they make people feel.

You should really look at usability books. You might want to check out useit.com (although I have talked to some people who do not like his work so take it as you will).

I think, esp since you are a programmer, you will want to look at the design of the site from a usability stand point rather than a pretty stand point as most of us programmers are logical thinkers and not "make pretty" thinkers so having a goal in mind, making it easy for the user to use, is usually an easier play to start.

Also, if your sites have a lot of features no users will ever use even one quarter of the features if you do the make the site easy to use.

I wanted to recomend a book as well for you. I read it at my local library. It is for developers and people with not much time. It gives a lot of insight into usability studies but very quickly. They tell you things like while most logos in the top right hand corner are used as return links to the home page still more than 50% of all users look for words that say Home. I just wish I could remember the name of it. If I do I will post.

Ha I found it URL Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability by Steve Krug, Roger Black

It is a good easy to read book and I found it useful.

thanks a lot, I'll have to check those out!