Redesign a professional-looking blog website

I currently have a blog on WordPress, using a pre-designed template, with a few blog posts made already. I have attempted to design the WordPress site on my own but have not succeeded. I need someone to help me redesign my site into a blog with a bright and professional appearance. On the home page, I want "featured" blog posts, with the ability to select which blogs go there as well as their specific homepage location. All of these posts will catch attention by featuring the article title, short excerpt of the post, and a cover photo. All blog posts need to feature social media sharing buttons as well as an easy way for viewers to leave behind a comment underneath the blog post. On the second page, I want a blog archive where all of our post history is listed. Viewers should be able to search for blog posts by category or keyword. On the third page, I want a photo gallery where viewers can view and sort through photos by photo album. These images will be "quote memes" and I want individuals to be able to sort the photos by the name of who said the quote. Of course there will be an about us and a contact page. Also would be nice to have a page to display our team of freelance contributors. I need someone who is reliable, dependable, experienced, and knows what they are doing. Must be a solid communicator who logs onto Freelancer frequently and can speak fluent English. This blog is fully expected to receive hundreds of thousands of views each month and I need it to have a tip-top, professional appearance. The site must be bright, clean, crisp, and user-friendly. I can't advertise my site and the posts I am making until I feel more comfortable with the quality of my web design. I need the new design as soon as possible. Please communicate to me that you have read these directions and tell me how you think you can accomplish this goal successfully. Please lay out a vision for how you think you can help me get this website spiced up and professional-looking. I am often web design illiterate, please be willing to be patient with me and guide me through this process.