I agree that over-designed resumes and CVs look ridiculous.  (Do they work?  Sometimes.)

But who says that clear-and-straightforward can't be beautiful, too?  Minimalism isn't just about absence, it's also about composition of what is included.  That takes design skill, and conveys it.

your resume should be 'normal'. just make sure it is formatted in an aesthetically pleasing and legible way. 'designy' elements are fine, but keep them very minimal.

do not include your hobbies. it is not pertinent information. 'activities' can be fine, but limit that content to volunteering, organizations you're involved in, committees you're a part of, or projects that you're coordinating/creating.

I think the key thing you're perceiving is that many of the "designy" resumes are badly designed. There's nothing wrong with putting some thought and effort into it if you can do it well, but if you'll end up with one of the cringe-worthy ones, pull back and keep it simple.

Let the text tell your tale.

The portfolio would be interesting to see, Rusty.

Well this is what I've got:

http://flic.kr/p/ae5rHm

sorry http://www.flickr.com/photos/61533468@N02/6055204592/in/photostream

experience, education honors skills is better order?

otherwise looks fine to me. 

for what its worth i used to do designy cv.  got jobs with it but no idea if it helped or hindered.  i also included interests but took that out after realised it was mildly ridiculous.

Depends what you mean by "designy".

If you mean well considered layout, appropriate and easily legible type-choices, and a clear organizational structure, then absolutely yes.

If you mean multiple colours, unnecessary logos/graphics, and general "filler" then I'd say no. But it all depends on your target audience. I mean just looking at how indecipherable many architect websites are, some of them must obviously be into that stuff.

If you wanted to be a bit more modern, you could left-align the header and footer info with the detiail information below.

"Designy" is certainly subjective.  I like clean, but designed well.  I do not like (or don't think I do) "designy", or stuff just for the sake of stuff (like knowing a few photoshop tricks).

Your example looks good, clean, contemporary, easily read.  I'd consider adding (a) color and not being afraid of additional hierarchy.   It can be well designed without looking "designy".  That will show attention to detail, thought and clarity.  All good things.

Normally I'd stay away from hobbies, but yours show a diverse set of interests and a great ability to follow through and achieve goals (not just "I like to ride bikes, walk through the parks and go to museums").

It looks good.

I use a sort of designy three page format (it grew from one page over the years) but mostly to let me get more information in.  It's clean, section captions and vital stats on the left and details/job actions on the right.  Projects are in a smaller font size on the left under the vital stats.  Honestly I never submitted it to anyone I didn't ultimately get an interview with.

My suggestion is to remember that a resume is not a CV.  It doesn't have to a complete retelling of your life story.  It's purpose is to make a point: to tell a story of why you're the right person for the job for which you're applying.  Every word on it should make that point, even if the jobs you're citing aren't in fact on point (if not design, then management skills, attention to detail, etc). Be explicit about what you learned in each position or degree program and how it's relevant, not just what you did and why it applies to whatever job you're looking for.