All this buying for kids is definitely compensation buying. If it was thoughtful buying it wouldnt just be because it is cheap or on offer.
I can only imagine the complaining that the improvement works will trigger. How could she possible be responsible for shifting her belongings with her knees. The executive will no doubt pander as itll be easier than the earache.
Someone in our row refused and they left him alone. That was a few years back and he was very elderly and recently widowed so they were quite empathetic towards him. If she doesn't want it then it's her who loses out, but the decorating compensation money might sway it