Set different colors for content area and out area Backgroun

I’m trying to set an local Joomla site with the template named “The World News”, I need ..:
- to make visible the boundary and set the content area background color different to the out area background.
- Set different colors for the top menu (different colors for sections).
How can I proceed to do it

Install maked with the gk_twn_quickstart_J!15 file
Here is how I'll like to do.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/
Thanks
Roger

Here is what I would like to do http://www.temanou.com/joomla15/TheWorldNews.jpg
I just need to make difference between the content area and the outside content area.
Who can help me
Thanks