One traditional pattern that I & a lot of my same-age friends (30-somethings) always like is the Double Wedding ring pattern. The Bali version of it gives me migraines, but I've seen these really beautiful, elegant black-white-grey versions of it that are beyond stunning. I've seen it quilted with a shimmery white thread, with a silvery-grey cotton thread, or with a single pure color and all are just beautiful beyond words.

I love making quilts that have every ridiculous detail imaginable, but for my own home, my motto is "less is more".

Hunter star two colors

I believe that what makes a quilt non-busy is the use of some negative space. Use a good amount of a neutral background color and a lot of busy will go away.

How about a solid colored 'wholecloth' quilt, with some gorgeous quilting?

Non busy quilt
 

Try the "just can't cut it"quilt. It has five fabrics, but works up very quickly. Enjoy

I agree. Also try Wicked Easy quilt pattern. I did this in shades of cream and gold and it was awesome.

I agree with the vote for Rail Fence. I am making a "Road to California" now, and to me that is a peaceful pattern, as is "Jacob's Ladder. Both are very old patterns, but with quiet colors they give me a sense of Peace about my world and my quilting. Hope these ideas help. Mariah

I'm with you, I have veru opinionated daughters. I not only made them pick the pattern (that was a joy, NOT) I made them go to the fabric store with me to pick the colors. It also gave them a healthy respect for the cost of quilting. Now they both love their quilts.

She sounds a lot like one of my daughter's. I made her a "non busy" quilt that is just one color plus white and with a single , pieced block repeated over and over and set on-point she loves it. She might, also, like a single Irish Chain in just two colors like, blue and white, red and white, etc.

I agree, I think modern quilts might be the way to go. Solid fabrics with lots of open space - quilt it in coordinating thread and you'll get a nice "calm" quilt.

Do a BLACK & WHITE quilt with 1 pop of color some place in the quilt. This will give a stunning look to most any pattern, but I would use a simple block. This was my first quilt that I fell in love with for my own personal use. Or you can make a simple pattern in your daughters favorite colors. You can put together the quilt of your choice (that you think she might like), for a later date (place a note and a name tag on it for your daughter encase you are unable to give it to her later). Good luck

What about a 1-color quilt? It could be quilted in a variety of ways but would still not be "busy" if matching thread were used.

Try a 10 minute block, they are pretty ang go together quickly.

The quilts that look too busy to me are those with inadequate contrast - those with 2 busy prints side by side. I would have her look at patterns, and choose the fabrics, and that way she should be happy with her choices.

Definitely have her look at photos and try to get an idea of what "her" idea of busy is. Many times, it's a matter of fabric choice or block size that changes a quilt from serene to chaotic. Check these out:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/93942342199083546/

http://traceyjayquilts.blogspot.dk/2...ce-facets.html

Traditional blocks, in solids in updated setting. Not busy at all:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessica...ol-668862@N23/

3 versions of this:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/280982464220947511/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/118923246380635330/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/123356477263086363/

And 10-Minute Blocks:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190769734191023574/

I'm currently planning a quilt for my brother and am leaning towards Urban Lattice. :)

The piano keys quilt I made
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...s-t190170.html

I love contemporary quilts...they can be very clean and streamlined. Check internet for design ideas...there are too many to list!

My friends daughter just sent me this link - http://www.ohfransson.com/files/new-...th-hartman.pdf

I really like it and it is FQ friendly as well as (in my opinion) not busy or fussy looking.

Separate every print with a solid. Allows prints to be seen & enjoyed for themselves. Also allows prints to breathe.

As a hand quilter I prefer the simple one color, solid piece of fabric quilt. The quilting is what makes it a quilt. The patchwork evolved when our foremothers etc. used up the scraps from their sewing so that none of the materials went to waste. If you look at pre-American quilts, made in Europe there is no patchwork. You might even be able to obtain some of the fabric used in her curtains, throw pillows or any fabric covered furniture to be used in the room. Just a thought.

I highly recommend having her browse modern quilts on Pinterest. Do it together so you can learn what she likes and doesn't. I am firm believer that there is a quilt style for everyone.