Imagine my surprise coming to this forum and finding the normal white background AND all the images I had previously blocked were loading again. Then I went looking for the setting to block images again and could not find it. I'm thinking FF has removed the ability to block images from a specific site. No matter...I installed the IMAGE BLOCK add-on for FF and can now block images globally across all sites and turn blocking on/off as desired. With the images now blocked, the pale blue background is back.

OE has several different "stationeries" - on a NEW MESSAGE - click on FORMAT on the toolbar - then select APPLY STATIONERY and it will show several to choose from. I have added a link to a site that has a bunch of cute stationery. If you Google "Outlook Express stationery" you will find a bunch! You can even make your own from your own pictures :0) Here is a link that might be useful: Outlook Express Stationery

I'm not sure if this will help. But we use these companies for Little League Volunteers. I live in a town that has a Navy Base, so our state one does no good on some people, because they've lived all over. oh but the deal with Choice point..if you enter their current address..and anything pops up..them or a same name(not them) they will get a mailing of all the hits. Here is a link that might be useful: LL Background Checks

I also like neutralish rooms. White white will be to stark against the warm midtones it sounds like you have in the rest of the adjacent areas. An off-white or cream color would be better. With the black cabinet and mid-tones elsewhere, even a gray or beige with a green or yellow undertone in a light value would look whitish in comparison, and might be more historically appropriate.