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