I agree. Google is a good model. It's clear that even now they don't really get design. Their rule is just to make everything simple and functional. This means that even though they never manage to do anything inspired (Google has never made anything people would compare to the iPod) they at least avoid a lot of design mistakes. You can probably get 85th percentile design merely by avoiding mistakes.
Good design is also about layering, which sometimes means rounded corners, gradients and complex imagery. Done right it won't distract the user from the essential functions.
Also, I recently designed an interface for a .NET application, first version was Google-ish, sparse design, content front and center, just a logo and some very basic design elements. Client HATED it, wanted shiny buttons, gradients and more "bling". Second version was designed to look exactly like an MS Office online app and the client was in love.
Just remember, most design is dictated by the client, whereas your programming functions aren't inspected by the client and you aren't forced to re-code something to add more "bling".
Pick a grid. Stick to it...no matter what. As with anything, once you master it you can deviate from the rules. But if you want to create something nice, try your best to stick to the design standards you set for yourself.
1) Be Simple. 2) Be Sparse.
You don't need drop shadows, shiny buttons, gradients, rounded corners, animation, or complex imagery to make a good site. As any good musician will tell you, music is about what you do with the space in between the notes; graphic design is about what you do with the space around the content (and if your content is good, the less crap you need to put around it!)
If you use a simple layout, a very small palette of 4-8 colors, 1 font, and only a few font sizes, you'll find that your designs will improve automatically. If you lack even the basic ability to coordinate colors, use a tool (http://www.colorschemer.com/schemes/ is a good source), and never deviate from the scheme that you choose.
Remember: think Google, not Microsoft.