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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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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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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.

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America’s Color Consultants Collection of Real Life Paint Colors

From Left to right: Bohemian Lace (HGSW-4052); White Diamond (BM-OC-61); Pure White (SW-7005); Alabaster (SW 7008).
From Left to right: Mindful Gray (SW-7016); Revere Pewter (BM-HC-172); Classic Gray (BM-OC-23); Collingwood (BM-OC-28).
From Left to right: Antique Glass (BM-CSP-695); Sea Salt (SW 6204); Borrowed Light (Farrow & Ball); Aleutian (SW 624l).
From Left to right: Full Moon (SW 6679); Napery (SW 6388); Behr P270-2 September Morning; Kilim Beige (SW 6106).
From Left to right: Urbane Bronze (SW 7048); Grizzle Gray (SW-7068); Stargazer (SW-9635); Lichen (Farrow & Ball). 
From Left to right: First Light (BM 2102-70); In Bloom (Magnolia), Dune Grass (BM 492); Behr RD-W14 Aria Ivory.

Sherwin-William paints are indicated as SW, and Benjamin-Moore as BM. 

Happy New Year!  It’s that time when all the new paint “colors of the year” have been revealed.  And there is a hue for everyone!  There are soft, muted colors, colors born in nature, bold colors, and dark, moody colors.  You can easily Google “Paint Colors of the Year 2021” and find links (and lengthy tomes) from all the popular paint manufacturers.  Some of these colors will prove to be trendy – lasting 4-8 years in popularity, and several will prove to be a fad – out of favor in just a year or two. 

Many of the shades you see among the major players were developed in coordination with the home decor and furnishings industry several years ago.  That’s why you find lots of items that “match” among those manufacturers in any given year.  The past several years have seen the continuation of the neutrals trend with the current favorite, gray, now moving from the cooler shades toward the warmer ones being referred to as “greiges”.

America’s Color Consultants often work with people who have had their current furnishings from “a few”  to “many” years and more often than not, want a refresh as opposed to a total home redo.  Consequently, we are working with fabrics and colors that are not currently “on trend.”

When a client wants a more “modern” color (currently meaning gray) we see which of the beautiful neutrals on the market will work best with their rugs, drapes, furniture, light sources, etc. Because grays are actually black and white paints tinted with color, there is a gray shade of every color. 

Over the past 15 years ACC has consulted hundreds of times with homeowners and small businesses and enjoyed the insights of national paint manufacturers and local paint stores, realtors and home owners. We have put together our first ACC Collection of Real Life Favorite Paint Colors (ours and our clients!).  A few are personal favorites and colors we would love to spec for someone with bold ambitions; others have proven to be very popular for those planning to sell their properties in a few years; changing from a bright to a neutral; and several are those colors that have proven time again to be both popular and tried and true for clients on the east and west coasts. 

Color is SO subjective and there are many factors that are considered when searching for a new paint color.  We never push our own personal preferences, but when asked we certainly offer them! Our job, of course, is to educate our clients, guide the process, and assist in identifying the color that makes them say “YES – that’s it!”  Experience, product knowledge and industry familiarity make us a valuable tool in your home improvement arsenal!

America’s Color Consultants Real Life Color of 2021 is Agreeable Gray (SW 7029).

While the name of this shade may elicit a yawn, and suggests it is neutral to the point of non-existence, nothing could be further from the truth, in our opinion.

This versatile shade of greige is happy to play with everyone.  A medium light shade, it has an Light Reflective Value of 60, so it reflects a fair amount of light, but won’t wash out, and looks great with white or natural wood trim.  It works well in any room with any furniture style and loves complementary earth tones. It can stand up to bold accent colors, too. It can comfortably be used in one room or the entire house. It has been a popular choice for all these reasons for the past 10 years with our clients and shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.

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Accent Walls

With  design trends that are more modern and neutrals maintaining their popularity, accent walls are a good way of accentuating artwork or a fireplace or just adding a surprising jolt of color. An accent wall is a wall painted in a different color than the rest of the room. Usually a contrast to the predominant room color, it could also be a similar color but with a different pattern. Wood, tiles or wall paper can provide that beautiful contrast. There are numerous products on the market now that can serve the purpose.

Random Lengths Butternut Brown Vintage Shiplap Planks

Be careful though – an improperly created accent wall could make the room feel smaller. It’s a safer bet to use accent walls primarily for living rooms or family rooms, rather than smaller rooms such as bedrooms. However,  a properly done accent wall behind the headboard of the bed can work very well. An adventurous homeowner could even choose to have two accent walls:  multiple accent walls create an accented space. But it would be best to make sure the colors work particularly well together: if the accent colors are fighting each other for attention,  then the effect could range from odd to atrocious!

Behr M420-4 Jade Mountain Accent Wall
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Why are Porch Ceilings Painted Blue?

Ceiling painted BM Smoke 2122-40.

The legend of Haints Blue: In the south it was common to paint porch ceilings blue to protect the house from evil sprits. The Gullah people passed along this tradition. In the Gullah culture of the South , ceilings and sometimes doors and shutters were painted blue to symbolize water or sky. According to folklore evil spirits and haints, pronunced “haunts,” would be either be tricked by the sky or the blue symbolized water which they could not cross. Blue glass bottles were also hung in trees to trap haints.

In the past Haint Blue was mixed with milk paint formulas using lime and crushed indigo plant pigments. Today many people use pale or dusty hues but there is no standard color. The color ranges from light blues and blue greens to darker shades and gray blues.

BM Icy Moon Drops 2056-70
SW Atmospheric 6505
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Why Hire a Color Consultant – A Cautionary Tale

Fall is a very busy time of year for my business:  lots of people are sprucing up their homes for the holidays.  My appointment schedule is booked two weeks out, which I note to potential new clients when they call.

Recently, I had an appointment with a new client.  The day before our appointment, she called to cancel saying that her painter had a color consultant who he would send over for FREE.  I told her I understood and wished her well.  A week later I received a desperate call from the same woman telling me that the house was half painted and it “looks awful!” and can I come right over?

Sadly, I had to tell her that I was booked for the next two weeks!  She also told me a bit more about the painter’s “consultant”, who did not ask her anything about her own preferences, didn’t look at her furniture or use any kind of process to help with paint color selection. No samples were provided and she felt strong-armed to use the colors they recommended.

I hoped I could fit her in, but the timing for us both couldn’t be worked out.

Over the last 15 years as a paint color consultant, I have developed a personalized process to assist my clients with their selections, so that they love the colors that they paint.  My system is now used by all our America’s Color Consultants franchisees and we offer customer satisfaction. What does “customer satisfaction” mean? After your paint color consultation you can text or call us and we will continue to help you tweak the color selection until it is perfect.

Painting your home is an expensive proposition. While there may be painters with a very good eye for color, there are others who are just excellent painters. Paint color consultants are talented experts who are specially trained professionals – and do the job right the first time. Take your time and don’t feel rushed to make a decision.

It’s your money and your home.

 

 

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Purple is the color of royalty, dating back for centuries.

But why? Was it the vivid hue, the stately but sedate shade? Or was it simply a matter of rarity that made purple exclusive only to sovereigns?

Back before modern paints and dyes were discovered, the only way to get that signature purple color was to open up a rare sea snail named the Bolinus Brandaris and extract the purple essence- it can take over 250,000 of these mollusks to get one ounce of usable dye, making clothes dyed with ‘Tyrian Purple’ cost more than most people earn in a single year. This trend continued throughout the years, with other restrictions such as Queen Elizabeth the first forbidding anybody other than royalty from wearing purple.

 

It was only in 1858 when a synthetic purple dye was created by accident, when a chemist was attempting to find an anti-malaria drug, only to realize that the compound dyed clothes in a purple hue. This allowed the market for purple to spread like a drop of violet dye on a white cloth. But the connotations of purple being a rich color reserved for the rich remained.

Nowadays, you can simply buy purple paint places such as Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams and local hardware stores, for that touch of nobility in your house.