The Washington area may be home to Democrats, Republicans, independents and Libertarians, but no matter what their political persuasion, local residents more than likely live in a conservative home.
Traditional home offices tend to have cherry-paneled walls, a solid wood desk with a computer and perhaps a portrait of George Washington on the wall. Times have changed.
Sleek is in, at least in bathrooms. Where bathrooms once were designed with ornate cabinetry and a mix of finishes and flourishes, these days, modern, clean lines and clear glass are trendy.
Remember Archie Bunker's chair? No one other than Archie himself was allowed to sit in his armchair on the hit 1970s television show, "All in the Family." While today's elaborate "man caves" may be a tad more luxurious than that armchair, Bill Millholland, executive vice president of Case Design/Remodeling in Bethesda, said Archie's chair represents that character's version of a man cave.
Condominium owners may enjoy the advantage of avoiding exterior home-maintenance projects or major landscaping, but when they want to renovate their home to modernize the layout or update the kitchen, they face some challenges that owners of single-family homes escape.
"Synthetic used to mean cheap vinyl, but now fake materials are more expensive than natural ones," he said.
Cover story: Right details on additions fit existing home style →
Mr. Millholland said homeowners and their remodeling contractors can pick up cues from neighboring homes, too, to blend in rather than contrast with the community.
Cover story: Right details on additions fit existing home style →
