Is it legal to make a site kinda look like another site? Even if you us eabsolutely no code from them? Or is there some kind of design copywrite or something?
Depends on a cosiderable number of variables. For example, if you set up a website with a predominatly orange and white colour scheme and call it easysomthing - then the UK's easygroup will sue your arse off. Other companies might not.
My thinking on this is that if the code is original and the look is somewhat different than you shouldn't have a problem. If your look and the site's name are very similar to the original, you could run into problems. If the company doesn't come after you then you may find yourself in trouble with your hosting company and the search engines.
I agree with MattKNC, basically if you're designing after another site which has to do with what you're site is about, it's a bit shady. For example, say you are running a game site. Someone starts up a game site that looks exactly like yours... how would you feel? If its unrelated and not likely to cause confusion, then it's probably a safe bet. Just make sure you don't actually use any copyrighted images or anything.