Like the layout you have but I think using an off white or light beige would work better than the white. But after saying that if you like the white go for it. Would like to see the finished quilt.

You've gotten some great suggestions so far. Keep going, you're almost there! Please do show us pics of your progress! :)

Where the design wall is I would go with a real BRIGHT if you like wild or then I would go with black cuz that way it would still be warm and all the color would show

I think it looks very nice!

Here's my two cents worth...

First of all, with scrappy quilts, it's really hard to not get "same" next to each other (as you can tell if you look at my avatar). If you CAN manage that, it would keep the visual "flow" the same throughout.

Secondly, the white, as others have said, is just a little too bold with the rest of the prints. However, unlike many others recommending tan/beige/ecru, I would say to go with a very light to medium gray. Why? you may ask... well, there are several beige/tan types of colors in your blocks, and if you get too close to that same value, you will "lose" the overall pattern, just like the pattern is disrupted by having "same" blocks together. Plus the gray would continue to give this quilt a more masculine voice.

With all that said, remember - there are no quilt police nor color police. If it's meant as a gift for someone (like hubby perhaps?) just ask him. If he likes it like it is, then just leave it like this. When it comes to color, my hubby doesn't see the same thing I do - often he will love what I hate and vice-versa.

As quilters, we are often so critical of our work that we fail to see the beauty that is obvious to others.
Good luck choosing, and please post pics when you're finished!

Thank you so very much, there have been so very many wonderful suggestions. I went and chose a tan for the plain blocks...I think it will work okay. It is just a little lighter than the tan in the blocks and has a kind of yellow hue to it it that I like.
And will move a few of these around based on suggestions. planning on sewing some more on Sunday, and will post pictures. Thank you so much for taking the time to give me your opinions. It means a lot to me!!!

The question is do YOU like it? if the answer is yes, you're in business!

Welcome. That is a great beginning. I am sure the recipient won't hold it up and analyze like you do. It will bring comfort and a warm remembrance of you and that is most important. Meanwhile, all the suggestions help us ALL learn what others see. Good luck.

It looks good to me. I don't go by any "rules" if I like something a certain way then I do it. My quilts will never be in a quilt show to be judged so everything is at my descrestion as to what goes where. A lot of times I'll take pictures of blocks or fabric and then just look at it until you decide if you like it or not. It really helps.

There's really no wrong way to put it together, as long as you like it. However, if it were mine I wouldn't put blocks with beige on the outside up against more beige or white. You need a little contrast or those blocks can get lost.

I would just try out a few things and see what I liked best. Taking a photo can sometimes help you see problems better than looking at the actual quilt, believe it or not...