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Meet Lynn Ishikawa our America’s Color Consultants -Ashburn, VA franchise owner

Lynn Ishikawa serves Loudoun county, Virginia including Leesburg, Ashburn and beyond. Contact her at 703-594-7868 (call or text), email: lynn@ashburncolorconsultants.com

Q:  Tell us a little about your background:

A:  I’ve worked in the Hospital and Healthcare IT industry for 20+ years but always had a penchant for helping friends & family pick colors for their homes and offices.  So when the pandemic hit, I decided to venture into the world of paint color to see if I could possibly find a second career within the design industry.  I’ve actually found my calling by helping clients discuss, explore, analyze and select the perfect paint colors for their homes!

Q:  So you went from a stable and comfortable job and started a whole new career?

A:  Yes, I took a leap of faith to launch this new (& very different!)  business and to figure out what it takes to own my own franchise and be self-employed. 

Q:  What is the one thing you believe firmly in when it comes to color?

A:  One should not make color decisions in isolation!  I will always inquire about other elements in a project including flooring, cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, furniture, fabric, art, décor & lighting and then guide clients in a direction they’re comfortable with.  

Q:  What’s your most favorite part of the process?

A:   There are so many… I enjoy facilitating the dialogue between a couple who may happen to disagree on what color to choose and educating clients on color pigments, pros & cons of different paint sheens, drying vs. curing etc.    I love it when a client chooses their favorite color in a dramatic shade to use in their office or powder room.  And I especially like it when they contact me afterwards to let me know the job is (finally) done and they send in pictures of the finished project.

Q:  What kind of feedback have your clients given you?

A:  I have the best clients!  They’re so thankful and tell me how much they appreciate me helping them to feel confident in their decisions and that their new room colors inspire them to live & work authentically!

Q:  Any advice for someone who isn’t sure about what colors to use?

A:  Everyone deserves to be happy and enjoy the space they live and/or work in by using color! Build trust in yourself and the process!  You can create the space you love by stepping through any fear of color you may have. 

Q:  Can you share a recent project with us?

A:  Yes!  This home in Sterling needed some TLC after having been rented out for 2 decades.  The homeowners needed my help to transform the exterior colors to make it their own while at the same time still fit in with the surrounding neighborhood.  They knew that they wanted a  ‘green-brown-neutral’  overall color scheme to be in harmony with the mature trees on their property, and just needed help refining their choices and then deciding where to utilize each color. After a few iterations and plan options, this is what they ultimately decided on and are very happy with the results!

Exterior Before

Paint colors used:

  • SW 7748 Green Earth: All siding, garage doors and foundation on the back and sides
  • SW 7738 Cargo Pants: Brick front
  • SW 7563 Restful White: All window trim & soffits
  • SW 7048 Urbane Bronze: All shutters, trim around garage doors, front & storm door
  • SW 3024 River Birch:  Deck

Products used by Painting Contractor:

  • Sherwin-Williams Super Deck Solid Stain in SW 3024 River Birch
  • Trim/doors/shutters: Sherwin-Williams Duration in Gloss
  • Siding: Sherwin-Williams Emerald Rain Refresh in Satin
  • Brick: Sherwin-Williams Duration in Flat
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What’s Old is New Again:  Return of the 70s

Designs of the 70s featured large, colorful graphics.  Influenced by abstract and pop art –  and even disco – there were bold stripes, waves, rainbows, sunbursts, and flowers.  The patterns could be found on walls, posters, album covers and clothing. These designs would be created inexpensively with paint on walls as cheap art for young apartment dwellers and as bold statements in offices and on building exteriors.

Art is back. Todays artist are creating their own wall art inspired by the 70’s.

Like every aspect of design, with their distinct retro vibe, these design features are making a comeback in restaurants, hip office spaces and in the dwellings of the young and young at heart. They are showing up as wall murals and fabric for home and office use, and even as wall, floor and furniture stencils. The designs are available through specialty websites such as zazzle, spoonflower and Etsy.

Wallpaper available at Spoonflower.com

There’s never been a better or easier time to relive the 70s or to discover its boldness for the first time.

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Pink is NOT just for Barbie!

Located in Port Townsend, WA

The color pink is having a “moment” due in large part to the success of the Barbie movie. Neon pink may not be your cup of tea.  But pink – and its siblings blush, rose and coral – have always had a fan base, and it’s easy to see why.  The hue evokes a reaction in most who encounter it – it can simultaneously be playful, relaxing, endearing and sophisticated. It can also be bold and energetic.  As we highlighted in an earlier blog (March 11, 2019), it has even been used in some prisons because of the calming effects of certain shades. Due to its ongoing cultural link to femininity, some people steer clear of pink.  Too bad!

Home accessory manufacturers have embraced the color. Interior designers use shades of pink as a neutral color. Benjamin Moore’s AF-260 “Proposal” is a favorite,  beautiful neutral of ACC’s Ashburn, VA  color consultant. Another ACC favorite is Sherwin-Williams SW 6301, Patient White (a blush, they didn’t want to call it pink!). Farrow and Ball also offers a variety of pinks that are bold, subtle or soothing. Not all pinks are the same and lighting and room orientation can be tricky when working with their varying undertones and intensities. Consult your local America’s Color Consultant to help you select the right one for your space.

Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu
Pink house in Scotland

Pink exteriors are found all around the world, and sometimes in unexpected places within the home.  We’ve included some examples here of the use of pink that make unapologetic statements of their own.  One thing is clear – at least to those of us who work with color every day – people who use pink are certainly interesting!

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Meet America’s Color Consultants:  Florence Jones

Florence Jones is a co-founder of America’s Color Consultants and has been in the paint color consultation business for over 16 years.  With a degree in fine arts and a background in graphic design and advertising, she was particularly well prepared to start a business helping others with the selection of paint colors for their homes and businesses.  And because everything has color – from tile to flooring to appliances – she also assists clients with renovation product selection.

One recent  project was particularly interesting and gratifying:  the renovation of Happinest.

In the mecca of McMansions – north Arlington – the owner of a 1920’s property decided to renovate and refurbish rather than raze and replace. The owner contacted Florence to help with exterior color choices, but quickly recognized the talent and experience she brought to the project, and hired her to help oversee and participate in the overall renovation of the property.  Mindful of his European sensibility to honor the history of the house, Florence proposed the renovation/modernization of the kitchen, bathrooms, and  lighting while retaining the beautiful original woodwork and architecture, and honoring its colorful history.  Both recognized they were on the same page.

  • Welcome to Happinest
  • Front entrance to Happinest
  • Front entrance to La Petite Happinest
  • Front patio for La Petite Happinest
  • Beautiful moss and fern garden

The brick and wood Tudor home was built in 1921 (with a second section built in the 1930s) and was the summer home of Judge David K. Ballard of Washington, DC and his wife, Fanny Foy.. They called it Happinest.  The home featured walls and banisters made of pecan wood that was shipped in from Georgia where Fanny Foy grew up. It had a large room that was used as a ballroom with a balcony from which Fanny sang.  During the age of Spiritualism, Fanny hosted regular seances that included the likes of Edgar Cayce (the “Sleeping Prophet”), Rev. Arthur Ford and medium Ruth Montgomery.  It was thought then that the house was a portal to the spirit dimension:  there have also been numerous spirit “encounters” over the years by different people.

Throughout the renovation process Florence made many interesting discoveries:  a hidden compartment in the floorboards in the second floor (no money, just a few newspapers from the ‘20s); steps in a wine cellar that lead to a door to nowhere; and a dumbwaiter/window between the basement and garage (a possible Prohibition distribution site).

  • Custom ladder to loft
  • Prohibition passthrough?
  • Wine cellar (right) restored complete with steps to nowhere

With the talents of a contractor with a wide variety of skills and experience with the challenges of very old construction, the wood paneling, railings and flooring throughout were refreshed. Recessed lighting was added and modern light fixtures that were an homage to the history of the home were installed.  The bathrooms were enlarged without totally tearing out the solid plaster and brick work, and were updated with modern vanities and marble appointments. The bedrooms were painted in more reflective shades and the exterior paint was more contemporary.  Everything worked to meet the brief of bringing new life to the 100 year old home while keeping those appointments that made it beautifully unique.

  • Skylights added to the great room of Happinest add much needed light
  • Woodpaneling refreshed and preserved with updated lighting added
  • Vintage chandelier moved from great room to dining room – a better fit
  • Updated and modernrized kitchen in La Petite Happinest
  • Refreshed Happinest sunroom
  • Updated and modernized full bath for La Petite Happinest

Renovation contractors will ask their clients to “pick your floor”, “pick your cabinets”, “pick your tile”. Florence is often called in after the installation of tile, flooring, and cabinetry, with the thought that paint color can “tie it all together.” She has found that It is much more efficient (and less stressful) for clients to collect numerous samples of all the products they like before installation and work with her to make sure everything will work together in the space. She will shop with a client to gather samples, or make pre-selections with direction from the client, mindful of the overall color palette.

Happinest was the first in a collection of unique homes listed as vacation rentals on AirBnB www.happinestrentals.com. Florence also guided the renovation of Manior Normand in The Plains, VA. Since The Plains is a historical town, care was taken to not alter the exterior appearance, yet to enhance and modernize the interior living areas.

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Make The Room Unique With Original Art

When purchasing original art it is rewarding to know your painting is the only one while supporting the arts. The quality of an original piece of art brings richness and personality to a home, rather than choosing a factory made print and poster just to fill space. An Original Painting can “make the room”. Original art is the perfect element to justify an accent wall.

Dwell Fine Art & Craft was established in 2018 by Hayley Sykes-Ludden and is Virginia Piedmont’s premier contemporary art gallery. Dwell exhibits work by international and regional artists of distinction working in a variety of media. They also provide fine art appraisal, estate planning and art consultative services to clients in Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland. Dwell hosts art exhibitions on a quarterly basis. Located in Hume, Virginia.

DWELL FINE ART, Hume, Virginia

Check out Dwell’s Fall Exhibit of Artists – Now thru Thanksgiving – Vantage Point’- Landscapes, Still Life & Memories https://www.dwellfineart.com/

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Minimalism vs Grandmillenialism in Interior Design

Depending on your point of view, one might describe the other as “sterile” or “cluttered”. Both approaches are a reflection of the owner and can be beautiful if carefully edited. This month we’ll look at “grandmillenialism”. 

Cali Natural Modular Living Room Set from Coleman Furniture

The term “grandmillenial” with regard to interior design was coined in 2019 in a House Beautiful article regarding the aesthetic favored by many in their mid-20’s to late 30’s (millenials). Grandmillenial design is a resurgence of traditional and classic design combined with some modern elements. It encapsulates the comfortable feeling one may have felt at their mothers/grandmothers/even great-grandmother’s homes (hence the “grand”). The term also morphed into “granny” chic and some have denigrated it by saying it is all floral pillows and crocheted throws. But designers of this oeuvre incorporate elements of the following: collections (crystal, china, personal mementos); blue and white; toile, plaid & chintz; vintage brass; linen; ornate chandeliers; rattan/bamboo/wicker, needlepoint pillows; dark(er) wood furniture; and leather. This style tells a story about the person/people who live there. Their history is displayed in the gilt of a frame or the soft hand of the wood furniture.

There are also subsets of Grandmillenialism such as coastal grandma, and grandpa chic (use BH&G link below). There’s even an Italian grandmother aesthetic! This, according to Better Homes and Gardens, blends warm rustic colors, beautiful marbles, and artisan details such as wood beams, terracotta tiles and ornate glass chandeliers. In other words: a rustic elegance that has been curated over many years.

FLORAL AND CHERUB Wallpaper from Wallpaper Boulevard

What all the “grandmillenial” designs have in common is the desire to exude a feeling of warmth, security and casual comfort. They incorporate craftsmanship and the appreciation of all-wood furniture, which can readily be found in antique and used furniture shops – even Facebook Marketplace – as can the other items we’ve mentioned here. “See our blog on Recycled Artwork, October 2022.”

Many designers feel trends tend to have a 10-year life span. Farmhouse Style (think shiplap and distressed wood interiors, and board & batten exteriors with black window frames) has enjoyed a decade of popularity, so it’s time we’ll be seeing a design shift. Since grandmillenial design is based on classic, traditional styles with tweaks of modern elements, its components will not go totally out of style, rather just rise and fall with general popularity. 

Let your home speak to you – don’t be so quick to remove its previous owners’ embellishments or paint everything white. If yours is an older home, spend time appreciating its details and how to curate them or bring them back to life. If it’s a newer home, think about how you can make it feel warm, comfy and truly reflect you and yours. Be patient and build an interior history with objects of quality and those that “spark joy.” 

BHG.com – Grandpa Chic Is the Collected-Over-Time Look that’s Both Refined and Comfy

Want to name your house? Here’s a site to help: www.name-generator.org.uk/house

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Back To The Office or Something New?

With vaccinations widely available and social life back to pre pandemic, millions of Americans are reassessing leaving their home offices to return to their work spaces. The Washington Post reports there is growing evidence that a lot of people are “reassessing what they want to do and how they want to work.” Thousands of jobs remain work-from-home and will remain so even as businesses reopen their office space. Many have found they Iike working from home and don’t want to return to the office. Millions of people are quitting their jobs altogether.

America’s Color Consultants (ACC) is a business opportunity particularly suited for those creative/artistic types who have found that working from home has proven to be desirable, and for those whom the pandemic has taught that life is short. ACC consultants own their own business, and thus own their time – working part-time, full-time, even overtime if they want.  They meet a wide variety of people and provide a valuable, efficient service in a growth industry, all the while exercising their creative muscles. And they operate their business from a home-based office.

There will be those who will happily return to their pre-pandemic work environments, but for those who seek something different, there are numerous opportunities for individuals to use their unique talents to both earn a living and satisfy their soul.

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Trends We See for 2022

This blog was included as part of a larger article on color trends on Redfin.com.

As people emerge from their COVID cocoons, we’ve seen one trend emerging that we expect will continue in 2022: people are going opposite!  Those with warm/beige walls are opting for cool grays, whites, and gray-greens. Those who have been living with cooler colors are opting to warm them up! Our clients that are in their forever homes are asking for bolder, brighter colors. They are not likely to follow suggested color trends. Clients who plan to sell in 3-5 years continue to opt for the lighter neutrals that work with their decor: Agreeable Gray, Sea Salt and Ancient Marble by Sherwin-Williams; Gray Owl and Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore continue their popularity streak. The beautiful gray/green shades that are being highlighted by paint manufacturers for 2022 are proving to be popular with clients doing a total reno or for new builds (October Mist-Benjamin Moore; Evergreen Fog-Sherwin Williams).

Another striking trend to emerge is the desire to add personality to one’s home through the addition of architectural elements such as wainscotting, coffered ceilings, and  “feature” walls created with furring strips in various patterns.  Many clients are also painting their stair railings and balusters a dark brown/black or deep gray color. Some are even trying out these dark colors on the window/door framing and moldings of a “trial” room. 

In sum, we have found that our clients are welcoming change and looking to stamp their individuality on their homes in many different ways, and are no longer afraid of color to do it!

Check out the full article on Redfin.com: Most Popular Paint Colors to “Swatch” Out For In 2022

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Back To The Office?

Everyone paints their homes, not everyone can choose the perfect paint color.

With vaccinations widely available and social life opening up, millions of Americans are reassessing leaving their home offices to return to their work spaces. The Washington Post reports there is growing evidence that a lot of people are “reassessing what they want to do and how they want to work.” Thousands of jobs remain work-from-home and will remain so even as businesses reopen their office space. Many have found they Iike working from home and don’t want to return to the office. 

America’s Color Consultants (ACC) is a business opportunity particularly suited for those creative/artistic types who have found that working from home has proven to be desirable, and for those whom the pandemic has taught that life is short.  ACC consultants own their own business, and thus own their time – working part-time, full-time, even overtime if they want.  They meet a wide variety of people and provide a valuable, efficient service all the while exercising their creative muscles. And they operate their business from a home-based office.

There will be those who will happily return to their pre-pandemic work environs, but for those who seek something different, there are numerous opportunities for individuals to use their unique talents to both earn a living and satisfy their soul.

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The Four S’s of Paint Color

When working with clients to develop a color palette for their homes, I am often met with the sentiment “I don’t want my house to look like a clown house.”  These clients fear color.  As a trained artist and color expert, I use the four S’s to help them select what will be their ideal color solution.

Simplicity, Strength, Sizzle, Sophistication.  These Four S’s have been used for decades as the foundation in graphic design, interior design, architecture and most creative fields. In each category the S’s might differ somewhat, but the general idea remains the same. 

Simplicity – The simpler something is, the longer its life. When things are simple we do not tire of them as quickly. If you do not plan to paint for another 20 years, consider choosing this path. An example of this is a monochromatic color palette. Simple does not necessarily mean all white or beige.

Strength – This can mean something different for each person. For paint it means a bold, saturated paint color. 

Sizzle – Some people just like things that are exciting – colors that create energy. Complementary and analogous colors can also create this color energy.

Sophistication – In the paint world this can also be defined as classy, refined or elegant.

Sophisticated color does not shout at you, and does not stand in opposition to its furnishings. These colors usually fall into the mid-range of intensity.