if done by a professional and so long as the proper paint is used maintanence is minimal. most people dont have to worry about painting again for another 15 to 20 years. not sure about the house style though, sorry.

I would try to convince her to 'uninsist'. That seems to blend into its site in its earthy color. A plus to my eye - And I am also in the PNW. She needs landscaping. My own ground here on the coast is too wet for spading and preparing new beds in January. And please note that the house behind and to the left are white. This house also white would be redundant.

The first thought that came to mind when you said "more contemporary" was black or deep green. Here are some inspirational photos. You didn't ask, but I would also remove the old schrubs and put in new landscaping. It would really move the home's look to the next level. Paint or replaced the front porch handrails your trim color and if you could replace them, select straight line ironwork. Add a new stainless mailbox and house numbers and change out your lighting. All these details will help you achieve the look you are aiming for. However, you can't totally change an "English bungalow" to a modern building without more structural changes, which I wouldn't do at this stage.

That is one cute house! Reminds me of something out of Little House on the Prairie. Any color trim would be nice. You can do it around the windows and along the roof line and along the edge of the portico. If you do a google search for Victorian Farmhouse and then click images, you'll see a lot of nice examples in all sorts of colors.