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What I mean is that the background colour is a dull colour (not dull as in 'boring', Google dull colours). Me and another person are telling you the background colour doesn't work - just because it's different from a competitor doesn't mean it's good. That site you linked to isn't up to much so I wouldn't worry too much about that. Perhaps take a look at higher end sites for examples of effective design in a similar area (for example - http://www.darasgarden.com/). I'd work with colour in the photography and the typography rather than the backgrounds (especially the background for the content). And again - lose the Lucida Handwriting. But of course, the decision is yours, use the advice as you wish.