Since maybe 95% of my work is made as gifts, I end up choosing colors for the recipients; their favorites or the color scheme of the room(s) in which they may put the quilt item. For myself, there is no consistency, for example, I made a long wallhanging for the empty wall above the stairwell in bright red, yellow, royal blue. I made a wallhanging in golds, creams, browns, touch of green, for my "tuscan" bedroom and my new lapquilt for me is different yet again. It makes life interesting. Also, I have never repeated a quilt pattern, maybe a block, but not the overall design. There are just too many to try so I guess I just have to live forever, unless there is a quilting heaven!