I think it depends on what you want. Without the applique border, it's a pretty lap quilt, perfect for a family room perhaps - where it will get lots of use and possibly tossed about a bit. Love the colors you used. With the appliqued border, you've made it larger and really makes it a "wow" quilt. With the applique, though, you'd want to handle it a bit more gently. And while it really takes it up to the next level, maybe you don't want/need another large quilt.