Maybe try something in the Amish category of quilting. Very simple color combos in stripes. The real beauty of such a quilt would be in the designs you quilted in.

What about log cabin?

How about an Irish Chain with lots of white. Quilting stitches would be a major part of design and color would be simple.

A Grandmother's fan or dresden plate would work with your colors and would be traditional and can be very pretty. Jayne

By saying "unbusy" is she really trying to tell you that she doesn't like traditional (ie, "old fashioned") quilts? If she is looking for something more modern then grandmother's fan or dresden plate might not be to her liking. The irish chain quilts seem to work for all age groups, or the disappearing 9 patch.
Why not give her 2 or 3 quilt magazines and ask her to mark the pages of as many of the quilts as she likes? Not just in the colors they are shown in, but simply for the designs. Then you could have a better idea of what to do.

Kate

Kate has a good idea! Usually if I am having trouble deciding I will try to just put it out of my mind and let my subconscious work on it. Then I'll wake up one morning (or during the night LOL) and say "that's it!"

Donna

What about a whole cloth quilt with a Cathedral Windows border or a pair of CW borders where the heft wouldn't accumulate or be a prob?

I think whole cloth could be spectacular if you're comfortable with doing knock-your-socks-off quilting. (Full Confession: I wouldn't be. I'd have to send it out to a real FMQer. ::hangs head in shame:: )

Thanks for all of your suggestions. All were helpful. I already made her a log cabin a few years ago at her request in purples. I know she likes traditional quilts but I think she is wanting something more "romantic" but still acceptable to the new husband. I tried to get her to look through my magazine stash (I have quite a collection) but she just says to make whatever I want and she knows she will love it. The whole cloth quilt would probably be perfect but I am not that good with doing all that fancy quilting. :) I kind of like the Irish chain idea - hadn't even considered that one but I have a set of quilting designs of "feathered baskets" that would be perfect quilted in the plain blocks or I do have an embroidery attachment for my machine (never really use it), do you think maybe the plain quilting designs or embroidered designs in the colors in an Irish Chain setting would be better.? I am thinking maybe just the plain quilting designs - would be less unbusy but still beautiful. Yes, I think this might be the way to go. Thanks for the suggestions. Sometimes my old brain just needs a gentle nudge :) (sometimes it needs a good swift kick to get started - LOL

Hope you don't mind my jumping in, I just bought Eleanor Burn's "Lovers Knots" and it is absolutely beautiful. She has all sizes from table runner to King. I have a DGD that will be getting married after she graduates from college next year and that's why I purchased it. I want to make that for her. I guess you could describe it as a modern day wedding ring even tho it looks nothing like the wedding ring, which I dearly love and want to make that one, but am scared to death to start it.

My daughter wanted one made out of black and white fabric with a "touch" of red, well, that was a challenge for me as I love all colors. But after making her a lap quilt I absolutely love the B&W and want to do another. Sometimes it's so hard to step outside of our box.
Wanda_GA

try looking through this site

Here is a link that might be useful: quilt site