We have... Surprisingly divergent tastes. (Despite 30+ years in the Valley, she's still not keyed to the local culture. Despite the fact that I'm genetically a Midwesterner and scrammed from Arpaio's fiefdom ASAP, I am a Norteño.) Being in the trades, she's heavily exposed to trends, but being in the trades, she's also very good at distinguishing "trend" from "fad". And she's great at building for permanence, so while a hutch/Hoosier cabinet/armoire would be good for her, she'll likely do any additions/alterations with eventual resale in mind. (Which is great -- when I have to dispose of it, it will be easier.)
Talking about it today, she was thinking open birch or maple shelving around the non-cabineted perimeter, stove and base cabs with drawers on the left wall. Then the matching is less of an issue -- the countertops and backsplash would tie it all together. It would also improve the working triangle, with perhaps a dry island in the center. We can't move water lines -- slab foundation with copper pipes. We know any match would be at best close and more likely a visual fail, but her company does exactly this sort of remodel.
But oh, yes, the hardware needs an update. And that's a minor cost. I gave her a budget plus an alterations budget, but the whole point of this house is to keep her secure for the rest of her life.
(This house-shopping is for my mother's retirement house, because the place she's in is at the next to be constructed stop on the east Valley light rail, which means I expect it to be demolished/redeveloped in the next couple years. Unfortunately, she won't see any of the profit, and likely won't be able to afford what the rehab will sprout, so she's getting a portion of her inheritance from my grandmother early in the form of a house. I'm the person who signs the checks, so she has to stay in budget, but I don't have to live in it, so it's her choices.)
(Hi, NMDD2!!! Long time, no see!)
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