A good deal of our templates were done utilizing the vertical striping layout. I wanted to make sure to do a number with the horizontal/alternate striping. Purple is a popular color and deep purple can be so dramatic and classy. Thus my desire to do a theme in that color scheme. Grape seemed like the best name for this theme–even though my family prefers red grapes.

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Since there are a couple of different layouts for the Phorum templates, we have been trying to vary our themes to utilize each of them. I already did a coffee theme using the template featuring vertical striping. I wanted to do a coffee theme using the more traditional emerald-inspired layout (sans the top bar) featuring horizontal striping. Jim particularly liked the way this color scheme worked out.

Click thumbnail for screenshot. Click HERE for live preview. Click here to download from the Phorum website.

One of the things about being a good designer is working outside your own comfort zone. I happen to love soft muted colors, leaning towards pastels. However, I know there are people who love strong unsaturated colors that jump out at you. I wanted to do a rainbow theme and decided to use a bold colors. The white accent helps soften it a bit. Not for everyone, but certainly striking, and I know there will be quite a few people who will love this design.

All of that said, when I look at this theme, it reminds me of a pack of “Fruit Stripe” gum, which my kids love.

Click thumbnail for screenshot. Click HERE for live preview. Click here to download from the Phorum website.

Jim and I have always loved themes that emulate old-time computer displays. Remember the days of chatting on BBS and doing everything on DOS, we have an affection for that “canned” black and green screen. This theme invokes those days, but has a slight bit of contrast to keep it interesting.

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Another holiday themed template. I thought to do a Christmas theme, but wanted something a little more generalized for the winter holidays. I was thinking about what other holiday themes I could do in the future. Easter? Thanksgiving? Not sure. We’re not planning on more Phorum templates anytime soon, but I am keeping this is mind for the future.

Click thumbnail for screenshot. Click HERE for live preview. Click here to download from the Phorum website.

This template is a prime example of how a particular graphic can inspire you. I was working on the dark teal template when I found this graphic. Using the same base, I made a light-teal template with the header graphic as a focal point. After doing all of the templates, this one has become by far my favorite. I hope I get a chance to use it someday, with Phorum or another system.

Click thumbnail for screenshot. Click HERE for live preview. Click here to download from the Phorum website.

When searching for inspiration for templates, I look all over the place, particularly at MySpace themes. I saw quite a few which featured a teal-purple color scheme. A bit wild, but still visually pleasing, the scheme appealed to me. This theme always makes me think of The Joker from Batman (my favorite villian of all time).

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Another “color-theme” template for Phorum. No real explanation. Was playing around with beige and neutral tones. When I saw the final product, I snickered at the thought of a skin-colored skin. Thus, the name.

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Blue is one of the most-used colors for templates around the web. I think it’s because it can work so well for just about any website. This template was my attempt to make a very simple theme that could work well with for anyone, but could also be a good base to work off of when designing their own custom theme color.

Click thumbnail for screenshot. Click HERE for live preview. Click here to download from the Phorum website.

This is another template that was inspired by a Cutecast template of the same name. When I look at this theme, it brings to mind images of a college campus.

Click thumbnail for screenshot. Click HERE for live preview. Click here to download from the Phorum website.