TERESA B. BROWN – DESIGNER – DIGS HOME – REAL ESTATE
I hope you will take a moment and allow me to share some things I would love for you to know about me. My love for architecture, (interior and exterior) design, and beautiful homes in general, began early around the age of ten for me. I remember collecting house plan books, then re-designing the floor plans. I would choose paint colors, and even choose furnishings from my grandmother’s Sears & Roebuck and JC Penny catalogs for my make believe dream homes. I would re-decorate my room over and over again, using only what I had to make it work, (mostly hand me downs from my cousin). Oh how I wish I had a pictures!
As a young girl growing up I somehow knew my life was destined for design, and beautiful homes. Well, And DETAIL! I did not have an opportunity to further my education after high school, (my dad would often tell me there’s nothing better than the School of Hard Knocks), so I dove into life headfirst, and the journey along the way began to fit together like a puzzle. Isn’t it funny how life often chooses us, instead of what we choose. Over my lifetime I have discovered we sometimes take the long way around to get where we are going, but, It’s not about how we get there, just that we arrive! It seems even better if we are a little skinned and tarnished. My life of design, beautiful homes and properties, seems to have come full circle. Starting with only dreams and passion, now, Design, Home store, and Real Estate.
After graduating high school, my biggest accomplishment in life will always be raising my two beautiful children. I was so fortunate and blessed to be their mother! At the young age of 20, my first was born with Downs Syndrome. With limited local support, I found myself overwhelmed with advice and also fear! I learned early that determination and constant accountability is key to everything we do. I was determined to prove all the developmental issues I had been warned about, untrue. And I did! Three years later, I was blessed again with a son that was born into a life already consumed with speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, swim lessons, dance lessons, doctor appointments, and tireless evaluation’s (just to tell me about all the things I was doing wrong). Life with my son was completely opposite. A highly energetic kid, extremely gifted, with a huge heart. Then, basketball- baseball – football- soccer – practices galore, swim lessons, golf lessons, on top of the normal for me with a special needs daughter. Happy to say, they both thrived, and so did I! My daughter Bridget, now a beautiful, energetic 37 year old loves life to the fullest! And can read like a charm, and can cook an incredible meal. Time has a way of showing us that the beauty in life can sometime begin with the unknown. My son Barron, now 34, just finishing up pediatric residency, is now beginning a fellowship in pediatric cardiology. Now he and his wife have given me the best gift of life, a beautiful Grand Daughter, Rowan!
Along the way of raising my children, and a beginning career in banking, I discovered my desire for entrepreneurship. I also had big dreams of my own!
I have so much passion when working with homes and property. In 2020, I decided to once again pursue entrepreneurship, this time combining home design, home furnishings, beautiful homes, and real estate, (mountain properties, homes, commercial properties). I feel these all intermingle and are all essential to each others survival, sort of like a marriage. How do you have one without the other?…
Having acquired my knowledge and skills through my own initiatives, rather than formal training, has helped me greatly appreciate each and every opportunity. My passion may exceed my knowledge somewhat, but I feel it has been to my advantage. In my opinion, Passion is so much stronger! And, if you don’t know the rules, how can you break them?
In my downtime when I am not working, you will find me curled up in my favorite chair at home with a favorite home magazine, or the latest Rizzoli release of a new featured designer. Spending time with my husband Steve, my entire family and friends, well, and of course our fur baby- Bella (you will find her with me most days), is still top priority. I am so blessed! And also So Very Lucky!
MY LATEST ADVENTURE — I recently purchased a one hundred year old brick building on Town Square, (between Attorney Bailey’s office and the Appalachian Java Cafe), in Burnsville, (Full of character and charm). This is my diamond in the rough and also my diamond in the sky. This will soon become the new business home for all: Design, Store front, and Real Estate! Coming May, 2021!
My Personal signature style and separation:
Anyone can have a house, but it takes Art and Passion to make a house, a HOME! (Especially a Memorable, Special Home).
INSPIRATION! I live for Inspiration, but I also live to Inspire others! I strive to provide the source of inspiration that captivates memorable lasting design moments that appeal to all senses. It opens your heart and mind to be inspired.
DETAIL! I live for Detail also! Detail matters! A home must be warm and welcoming, along with simple and calm! After all, its your sanctuary. Balance and Symmetry are a given. Authentic timeless pieces are so important and I always choose the real thing opposed to fake, if at all possible. Always follow beauty, simplicity, and quality, opposed to trends and fads. I love to add mysterious surprises to keep one intrigued, without revealing a home to soon. This allows a home to appear as though it has evolved over time. I love to bring nature inside, and I find it very calming to use the subtle colors that surround us in nature. Functionality and Comfort are also of the utmost importance!! Doesn’t matter how beautiful it is, if it doesn’t serve a purpose. A Home MUST always smell wonderful! Think back to a childhood experience or any special event, and notice the ones that smelled amazing are always most memorable. I love incorporating new with the old, especially unique one of a kind antiques! I feel it is so important to use the things we already own! Most people have sentimental family heirlooms or favorite items they have collected along the way, they just need help finding the perfect spot for them. I love finding bargains that are inexpensive and even damaged a little. What a joy it is transforming it into something unique and special. No home could every be complete without lots of greenery, and Fresh Flowers! My favorite is to use what you have outside surrounding you, whether its fresh fern, oak leaves, or even pine from the woods. Local Art is so important for capturing the history and the feel of the home’s area, and makes the home feel grounded. I must say though, I feel my niche is creating things that are unexpected and using uncommon items in the most unexpected places! Another biggie for me, is being sensible and cost effective while still insuring a beautiful home, but one that doesn’t break the bank!
What makes my house a home?
Of course my family, my friends, and my dog Bella make my home my sanctuary! (By the way, every home needs a dog)! Below are some of my favorite things and inspirations I have found along the way and even some while traveling. I always keep a list of things I love when I see them, so I don’t forget!
Favorite Finds:
- La CornueFe’ Range
- Local art/photography
- Red Flower Diffuser in Jasmine grandiflorum, (AMAZING)
- Patty Wax Soap in Basil /cucumber
- Fresh Flowers – A Must!!
- Live Branches from the woods
- Sentimental Family Items from the past
- Laundress Laundry Detergent (smells amazing)
- Comfy Sofas -Slip covered (ONLY WAY TO GO)
- Pottery Vessels in bathrooms
Favorite Architects / Designers:
- Bobby McAlpine
- Ken Tate
- Susan Ferrier (My all time favorite)
- Beth Webb
- Barclay Butera
I feel my background, passion, and years of experience give me the credentials to create incredible designs, both in Residential and Commercial properties! Homes are intensely personal, and that is why I listen closely to what each client wants. That is also why no two homes or projects will ever look the same! I sincerely hope I will have an opportunity to help you, Make your house, a HOME!!
How you will know you are in one of the homes I have created?
“IT’S ALL IN THE FEELING.”
