A "master bedroom" is now often called a "primary bedroom" due to the term's problematic history, which includes links to slavery, sexism, and classism, with "primary" being a more inclusive term that simply denotes the main bedroom of the house, reflecting a shift toward neutral, socially conscious language in real estate and design. The change is part of a broader move away from terms with negative connotations, similar to how "master code" became "main" in programming.
In 2020, The Houston Association of Realtors became the first U.S. industry group to stop using the term, choosing to use the label 'primary bedroom' instead. Many other industry groups have since followed suit — in the States as well as in the UK and here in Australia.
Master Bedroom Name Change And The Impact on Real Estate
The shift from “master” to “primary” is not just limited to interior design; it has also made its way into the real estate market. Many new listings now feature the term “primary bedroom,” signaling a broader acceptance of the change.
A few years ago, HGTV stopped using "master bedroom," "master bathroom," and "master suite" in favor of "primary" or "main." Now, real estate sites like Zillow use "owner's suite" or "primary suite" to describe the largest bedroom in a home.
Since a master's bedroom is not advisable to use, homeowners prefer to call it “primary bedroom.” Changing “master bedroom” to “primary bedroom” or the main bedroom may not be the solution against sexual or racial discrimination, but it is a significant step toward change.
The most popular choice throughout the real estate industry to replace “master bedroom” is “primary bedroom.”
Traditionally, Jack-and-Jill bathrooms were found in homes for larger families and were shared by siblings. And although these bathrooms get their name from the 18th-century English nursery rhyme (“Jack and Jill went up the hill…”), modern iterations of this shared bathroom are still called Jack-and-Jill.
The master bath, now more frequently called the primary bathroom, is the largest of the bathrooms in your house.
A Jack and Jill bathroom is a full bathroom shared between two bedrooms, with doors entering from each room.
4 Paint Colors to Avoid Using in Bedrooms
In an effort to be sensitive to the discomfort that the “master bedroom” evokes, realtors have begun to refer to the largest bedroom of the home as the “primary bedroom.”
The golden rule for bathroom layouts is zoning for flow and function, creating distinct dry (vanity/storage), semi-wet (toilet/tub transition), and wet (shower/bath) areas to ensure comfortable movement, easy cleaning, and separation from steam, prioritizing clear paths, adequate clearance (e.g., 30 inches in front of fixtures), and making the toilet less visible upon entry.
Also known as dual primary suites, multiple master suites, and dual owner's suites, not only do these provide privacy and independence, but they can also command a higher resale value.
The washstands in the bedrooms were replaced by sinks which indirectly gave rise to a boom in seaside B&Bs. Before, only private boarding houses were able to cater for guests' needs as it was labour-intensive to have maids running jugs of hot water up and down stairs.
Introduce texture over bold colour. In 2025, master bedroom trends are embracing tactile styling, layering comfort and softness in place of bold colour. Fabrics like linen, bouclé and velvet bring subtle depth and variation, suiting the calm, considered feel of a primary suite.
Changes to real estate language looks to address racism by changing the word master to primary when describing bedrooms. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), the term master and its relationship to slavery and male centricity has caused concern.
The powder room is a half bath, only containing a toilet and sink. You will find your powder room closest to the main entryway, the attached garage entryway, or a midpoint between the two. There, guests and families can freshen up when leaving or entering the house or at any time.
Blue is such a great choice for the bedroom because of its calming effect. The gray undertones in this will keep it from looking like it belongs in a kids bedroom. And it will play well with just about any colour you want to mix in.
This room is commonly known as a "bathroom" in American English, a "toilet", "WC", "lavatory", "loo" or “bathroom” in the United Kingdom and Ireland , a "washroom" in Canadian English, and by many other names across the English-speaking world.
With Jack and Jill bathroom suites, space is shared, or at least that's the idea behind it. A Jack and Jill Bathroom is a bathroom that has two doors and is usually accessible from two bedrooms. It's supposed to help cut down on the problems that most families face when it comes to the bathroom; who uses it first?
These days however, an all-white or all-gray bathroom can act as an unpleasant symbol of an outdated trend, and may seem seriously lacking in pizazz. Romanoff recommends sprinkling in color and texture to make your bathroom more unique, interesting, and modern.
Synonyms of master
The term "master" has roots in slavery, and HAR says the topic of removing it from realty terminology has been debated for years. Now, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) platform that HAR uses for listings, will use "primary bedroom" and "primary bath," HAR said in a statement to CBS News.
However, when looking at homes just years ago, it seemed that every home with a bedroom that had a large closet and bathroom was referred to as a master bedroom. Now, I hardly see that terminology used, and instead, I see "primary bedroom."