A number of homebuilders in the Washington, D.C., area have stopped using the term “master” to describe the largest bedroom in the house. According to an article in the Baltimore Business Journal, Winchester Homes, Pulte Homes, NV Homes, Ryan Homes, Van Metre Cos. and D.R. Horton have all replaced “master” in their floor plans with such terms as “owner’s suite” or “owner’s bedroom.”
The reason given for the change is that “master” has sexist as well as racist connotations. Obviously, some builders continue to use the term, but Pulte spokeswoman Valerie Dolenga says her company made the switch three or four years ago.
I’ve noticed that “owner’s suite” tends to be used more with large luxury homes, which makes sense given that these rooms are usually quite palatial. But if we want to appeal to a broader spectrum of home buyers (or we’re just feeling whimsical), how about The Big Bedroom or The Super Sleep Suite?
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