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Layouts are critical. A good scrapbook layout is necessary for your page. This does not mean you have to have a complex layout. There are many very simple layouts that are excellent.
When choosing a layout, you have a few things to keep in mind. First, what are you putting on the scrapbook page?
Each of those items can change how you layout your page. You can also "borrow" layout ideas from other people, or from websites. You might use a complete layout from a scrapbooking site (such as the examples below) or take a couple of ideas from multiple pages.
In addition to what you want on the page, you also have themes. Some of the more common theme categories are:
You will want to choose a color scheme that fits the feel of your page. Black and White works very well for weddings, and for nostalgic "old-tyme" photos. Pastels work well for Easter and for that new addition to your family. Or be creative and make up your own color schemes. You want colors that both complement and contrast with each other.
And you also need to match the size of your layout with the size of your scrapbook page. Typically, scrapbook pages are square. 5x5, 7x7 or 12x12. But that doesn't mean you have to make your layout a "sqaure" layout. Be creative. Use all the space available, just don't overcrowd.
When you are desigining your layout, just lay the items down on the page first. Don't stick them. This allows you to move the items around until you find the perfect layout. If you can't find one you like, put it away and work on it another day. Or go work on another part of the page... like cropping your photographs, or deciding on the journaling to use. Then come back to the layout.
Here are some examples of layouts to tickle your imagination. These layouts are all from Creative Memories.
Creative Memories Layout Samples