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accent wall around the fireplace painted a color called “Kendall Charcoal.” “She was terrified when she saw the paint color I had selected, and my clients often are,” Gibson said with a chuckle. “In the end, they always come back and let me tell that it’s their favorite part. It’s putting a dark pop of
‘wow’ into the room.” “I wasn’t used to the dark colors, but I trusted her and sure enough I love it,” Neidzwicki said. “It really makes a big difference.” Taking a cue from the changes she made at Neidzwicki’s home, Gibson shared some key advice for anyone giving a room or a home a refresh. Add Lighting. So many homes are “light poor” and dim because they don’t have enough light fixtures and bright enough bulbs. “The best thing you can do to update your house is add lighting,” Gibson said. “It makes you feel better. It makes you happier. Lighting is everything. That’s my number one design tip.” Repaint. Any house, any room — no matter how dated — will usually look fresher with a new coat of paint — especially if you mix and match colors
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and create contrasts. “Painting to me is like another piece of furniture. And it’s the cheapest and most ‘bang for your buck’ when it comes to renovating your house.” Step Outside Your Box. Change can be hard, but just as Neidzwicki did with her light fixtures and the dark paint on her fireplace — push your boundaries. “You have to try things that are a little different,” Gibson said. “Shiplap on the wall. Putting tile from the floor on the wall. A color you think might be too dark. Say to yourself, ‘I’m going to give it a try.’” Count Neidzwicki among the believers. “What a change,” Neidzwicki said. “Before, my house was comfortable, but it was stuffy. Now it’s a more relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.” A
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Party Room Available for up to 40 guests 703-687-3045 44042 Pipeline Plaza Ashburn, VA 20147 ashburnalehouse.com
Open Daily 11:30am - Serving Lunch & Dinner Saturday Brunch 11:30am-3pm - Sunday 11am-3pm 34 • ASHBURN MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019