I vote for the keep it simple approach, too. I really do find a lot of the samples I see as being way too busy -- I guess it's mostly just a matter of preference.
I like the simple things that can help -- like Kathi suggested, maybe try layering different colors of paper so that instead of a picture on the page it's a picture with two layers of paper underneath it that stick out just a little around the edges of the photo.
I also like to use for background pages some that have a little print or texture -- not too much, though, or it gets too busy. I found at MJDesigns the paper "slabs" and use those. I'm keeping the same background color (yellow) for all of the pages, but there are 4 of 5 different patterns on them.
I have to laugh...it sounds like I've done this alot!! All I really have is the album, background sheets, and page headings printed out. But I have looked a lot...and I've talked with a friend who is a paper artist.
I think the only "rule" is:
HAVE FUN! 
Devora