Jeanie, the big window looks like it will give you a lot of daylight. That will be nice when you are picking out fabrics!
QNS, It's always uncomfortable when things go awry in a friendship. I hope you find a peaceful solution.
SBG, Did you try a medium blue? Maybe a steel-gray type blue, or the dusty blue from the 70's? Lately, gray seems to be used a lot on the modern style quilts with 'designer-brights' fabrics. I like the idea of gray though. Did you try brown tones yet? I don't think you can get away from the bright look. :-) :-p You will have to like it, as is. :-)