History reinvented

Martina and Braun Jones's 150-year-old townhouse had all the trappings of a vintage abode: beautifully detailed moldings, rich woodwork, and fine antique furniture. And true to its heritage, it was devoid of anything more high-tech than a five-disc CD changer. But in 2001, they made the decision to move three blocks down the street into a 2,400-square-foot condominium in the heart of historic Alexandria, Virginia. Martina and Braun were looking to incorporate 21st-century technology into the space, which was formerly a steam mill. They started by knocking down a few walls to open up the rooms, removing the heavy draperies, and replacing the tinted windows with clear glass for a better view of the Potomac river. "We did a complete 180," says Martina. "The place is now hugely contemporary. We even have an eggplant-colored chaise and a sunflower-yellow couch!" See this slide show

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