shadowrider

I made this quilt in class. We used Harriet Hargraves Sophmore class book.I'm ready to start quilting...But I chose a pretty rosy red for the large squares, not realizing that it would pop out at me and look like a huge argyle sock!!!!! How do I tone done the red to help it recede? I thought about adding applique motifs on the squares or quilting a cross hatch pattern in cream thread. Your input would be much appreciated.