Recommended settings for Nikon D3100 with 18-55mm lenses to produce good quality shots?

I'm trying to find some decent settings for my photos. I'd like to get some quality shots like this blogger http://blog.triciagosingtian.com/

I might be getting new lenses, which is the AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm 1.8G

Those wide angle shots were not taken with a 35mm lens.
The 35mm is a little bit sharper than the 18-55mm. It lacks image stabilization. To get the most out of it (or any lens) getting a good tripod should take priority over expanding lens collections.