Just curious, are we able to change the background color of a report itself? If so, how would I go about doing that.

It is shown as light grey for now and would like to change to white if possible.

Option 1: Group

V11: (top) Ribbon > Insert > Group

V12: (top) Report > Group

Both: Right-click inserted group > Properties > General > Grouping Style: Blue

...a few colors to choose from.

We can enlarge the group and place it behind other report components to provide a background color.

Option 2: HTML/CSS

V11: (top) Ribbon > Insert > HTML

V12: (top) Report > HTML

Both: Click inserted HTML component > (top) Ribbon > HTML > Edit content.

Copy/paste this code: <div style="width:500px; height:500px; background:blue"></div>

...edit size and color as needed. Place behind other report components to provide a background color.

You can also change the background color for a tab.  Right click anywhere in the tab and choose properties..

there are several different selections to choose from

to make the group that Chris Davidson describes always fill the report page:

1) add the group (see Chris's comment)

2) set it's color

3) put your report content inside the group

4) Right-click the group and pick 'Position and Size'

5) On the ribbon go to the 'Format' tab. Pick 'Dynamic' then 'Fill right and Bottom'