I like the applique idea but since I don't applique, that would not be an option. I really like the pattern and I like the blue. It's the background that I personally think is blah (maybe because I like white or off white backgrounds). I don't know how your blocks are constructed, but I would consider changing out some of the background squares with solid colored squares like red, lime green , yellow. Try cutting squares first to see if you like it. Maybe then I'd also switch out the print border for one of those solids. I like the navy flange border.

I believe it looks like Falling Charms by MSQC. I think with the right quilting done it will be OK. Not my color palette.

I think its great as-is. You can liven it up w/ shams or pillows using one or both fabrics w/ a couple other colors.. and/or make a bed-runner that will inject the color you think it lacks. Its a great pattern! 2-color quilts are so versatile and soothing to me and they do tend to appeal to most people.

I would remove the tan print border and use a darker border.

Then it's time to quilt and move on. I like it and I'm a brights girl. It reminds me of the heart monitor beating when someone is in the hospital. I agree with others a beautiful feather in the navy in a contrast color will help bring it to life.

I like it as is. It nice to see a quilt once in a while that's easy on the eye. Not everything needs to pop.

I love your quilt top just the way it is! I think you will love it too once it is quilted. Quilting makes all the difference in the world. I have one quilt that I considered the Ugliest quilt ever, but once it was quilted.....Wow! what a difference, now I love it!!

I second this remark.

I have to agree with the others in that quilting will make all the difference. If you hate the top, this is the perfect top to really try some FMQ that you have been afraid to try in the past. If you ruin it in the quilting process it will make no difference but you may find once it is quilted you will like it much more. I had a top I hated so it was the sacrificial lamb when I first got my longarm. I am glad I had a top I didn't care about because it lead me to be fearless on the quilting. Once it was done I liked it a whole lot more. I still didn't love it but I didn't hate it either and I happily gifted it to a friend who thought I was crazy when I said I didn't really like it. Here is a link to that quilt. http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...rm-t77776.html

If you don't want to spend too much time on it. I'd trim the light border down and then add the navy that is in the quilt. I think it would help make it "pop". The teeny navy border gets lost.