ugh I would ask like so.. what colors are you tossing around that couch these days.. casual like.. was thinking of making a couple throw pillows.... and then you get the color they might like to add.. a pop. I always think red goes marvelous with black and white and you need just a tiny pop even a thin 1/2 strip border around the outside edge.. it will pop like crazy. blue also if you think they prefer cold colors . I would never put beige with it but that is just me. I know you will be happiest if you ask .. tell them your making a table runner! small little thing.. they wont guess.