A lot of people think that web design should begin in Dreamweaver or whatever HTML program they have. These programs are not made for creating visually pleasing designs; they're made for generating html code.
When you're trying to create a graphically pleasing design for your website, don't limit your potential for truly innovative appeal. Begin with a graphic design program, like Photoshop or Illustrator. These programs are designed to encourage creativity and ease your work flow. After you've achieved a look that you're satisfied with, work towards formatting that look with the web output tools that your design program provides, and duplicating that look in the web design environment of your choice.