I'd like to make a website, it's not a huge project, but I'm a bit out of the web design loop.  The last time I made a website was probably around 2002.  I figure the web frameworks and tools have come a ways since then.  It's mostly the design aspect that I'd like it to make easier.  I can do the backend language in any language.
My question is:
What are some tools or web frameworks that make the design aspect of making a website easier.  It could be a framework in php/python/ruby.
As far as tools go, free/open source is preferred, but I wouldn't mind looking at good commercial alternatives.
django on Google App Engine gets you free(up to a point) and scalable hosting
What's a good web framework and/or tool for a software developer?