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.