Downloading and adapting existing website

Possible? Ethical?

[Beano65]

I'm very new to webdesign having made one small site using Frontpage with very few graphics. I now want to make a larger site with a more attractive layout.
I'm wondering, if I find an existing website with a layout I like, (not content - I have plenty of that), and which is not copyrighted, is it possible and practical to use that code/graphics and adapt these? i.e., I find a site on the net I like (not copyrighted) and effectively take the code, put my text into someone elses layout adapting it to suit.
I would be using Frontpage, could I only use code from other sites built with Frontpage?

Is this considered unethical, or is it common practice?
Please tell me (politely) if this is completely out of order.

[MichaelBluejay]

Using someone else's graphics -- a definite no-no.

Using someone else's design, exactly -- another no-no.

Using someone else's ideas for inspiration -- perfectly fine.

Use someone else's design as a starting point but modify it enough that it's your own work.

If you really want their graphics, you can always ask for them.

[Beano65]

Just to clarify a bit more, when I say using someone elses graphics I'm relly meaning layout, colouring effects, borders etc rather than an image.
i.e. using this page as an example - taking the boxes and their layout, then perhaps changing box sizes and colouring to suit, and putting in ones own text.

[greengrass]

there are sites that provide copyright-free css and html templates if that's what you're after - just google for them

[UserFriendly]

I'll just add that in the UK, and presumably other European countries, copyright is automatic. A person's work is protected by copyright in the UK as soon as they create it, whether or not they put the words "Copyright <year> <name>" on their content. Copyright protection in the UK lasts until seventy years after the creator's death.

So be careful not to take anything from a site that doesn't have the word "Copyright" marked on it. That's no guarantee that the content is not protected.

However, regarding layout, I agree with the previous poster. Taking inspiration from elements you like on someone else's site is the way forward.

[httpwebwitch]

Imitation is not flattering.
Inspiration is the sincerest form of homage; look at sites you like and figure out why you like them. Design something that is everything you like, and 100% you. The designers who work hard at good layout will not appreciate being aped; but they will be proud if their work inspires better things from you.

Take a walk through the Zen garden, or check out the best competitors in your industry. Then create something original.