Debbie Brown
Distinctive Impressions
Kalamazoo, Michigan

In 1997 Debbie Brown and her husband started building a home that was to be featured in their local Parade of Homes.  During this time, she made plans to stay at a bed and breakfast and got more than she bargained for.  Not only did she get a place to stay, she was also inspired.  It was at this bed and breakfast that she saw a faux finish for the first time.  She was so impressed with it that she wanted to bring that finish into the new home that they had just built.  She says of the finish “it was just a color wash or glaze, but it peaked my interest.” 

Growing up Debbie remembers helping her family with painting various rooms in the house, but that is where her previous experience with painting ended.  An Obstetrics Nurse by profession, Debbie worked two days on and had the rest of the week off.  This allowed her time to research her dream finish.  She first started learning through reading books, and through trial and error, completed the finish in her bathroom.  

After completing her bathroom, Debbie sought out more knowledge.  Debbie says the she “knew there had to be better, easier, methods and products out there.”  This led her to take her first formal faux finishing class in 2000.  From there her finishing career started to take off.  Her friends and family were impressed with her work and started requesting that she do the same in there homes, and in 2000 her business, Distinctive Impressions, was born. 

Debbie says of decorative painting that it is a “24/7 job.  You are always either painting, creating sample boards, or coming up with new ideas.”   Faux finishing is the perfect fit for her life.  She likes the “flexibility, physicality, and creativity of the work.  My favorite part of the job is taking the tape down and seeing the finished product.”  Debbie wants to stay small.  She enjoys working alone and connecting with her customers.  Her goal when she enters a job is clearly stated in her mission statement:  “Bringing your visions into reality.”  She aims to help her clients take ownership of their space and make it into a place that they will enjoy.  When asked about her favorite technique and finishes she says that she enjoys using blended glazes of two to three colors.  She also says that she “thinks cheese cloth finishes are an underrated look.  It gives a nice suede finish, and it’s unexpected.”

When asked about her favorite job she had trouble picking just one.  Her absolute favorite was a kitchen/family room that was done in a knockdown using Aquabond that was glazed over.  The customer wanted it to be on the ceiling as well as the walls, and the results were stunning.  Another job that she counts as one of her favorites was a home addition that had been converted into an indoor basketball court.  In that area, she applied an old world textured finish that brought a level sophistication to the space.

Since the first formal class that she took in 2000, Debbie has continued taking classes.  As a member of IDAL, Debbie also had the opportunity to take a wax finishes class given by Kathy Carroll at the SALI convention, now IDAL.  When asked why she continues to take classes she says that she “likes to be able to do more and offer more options to my clients.  Times are always changing.”  She also believes that it shows her clients that she is committed to them and her work.  She has recently purchased the Old World Textures course from learnfauxnow.com.  She said that she decided to try the online format because of the exciting finishes that were featured and the high quality products that were being used.  Not to mention the convenience of being able to learn in her own space at her own pace.

Debbie says of Kathy that she is a good friend, and a great instructor.   She comments that Kathy is always there for her if she needs help with a sample board or anything else.   Debbie knows if she needs assistance it is only a phone call or email away, and that the response will be quick.   Debbie says of Kathy’s product selection that she knows “if she needs something, Kathy will have it and get it to you quickly.”

For more information about  Distinctive Impressions please visit www.yourfauxfinisher.com Debbie Brown can be reached at 269-349-8443 or by email deborahbrown@yourfauxfinisher.com.