The following is from the Scrapbooking and Cards Today website. It lists the things they look for in every layout they receive. I think it is a good summary of what a good layout should look like. I may just print out and tack up by my scrapbooking desk to refer to every time I do a page.
1. Balance is key—start with strong photos, a large, visible title, and a spot for journaling. Look at the weight of these three variables and place them accordingly. If using multiple photos; try clustering them together (or else they will appear as if they are “floating”)
2. Allow room for white space (NOTE: white space does not necessarily have to be white—it can be any colour as long as it is “empty” or restful space)—white space should occupy approximately 1/3 of your layout
3. Create a visual triangle on your page and a strong focal point—the eye should lead from the focal point (usually a photo) and move through the rest of the visual triangle (usually the title and journaling)
4. Repeat elements on your page—if choosing a flower theme, for example, integrate flowers in more than one place on the layout
5. Knowing when enough is enough is key—don’t add so much to your page that it loses balance, white space, or a clear focal point—embellishments should add to, not take away from, your overall design
6. Add some visual interest to your layout—try adding a sub-title (in a different font or colour); choose dimensional adhesive to accent one or more things on your layout; ink edges of photos, journaling blocks, embellishments, even the page itself
7. Add embellishments in clusters of 3 or 5—again pay attention to the rule of thirds and try to create smaller visual triangles
