Justin Anderson, Director of Operations at Beezer Homes, discussed the company's commitment to sustainability in home building. Beezer Homes focuses on durable, energy-efficient construction using materials like high-performance windows, recycled insulation, and eco-friendly flooring. They aim for zero energy-ready homes, incorporating solar panels and electric vehicle chargers. Anderson highlighted the importance of cost of ownership, offering Energy Star appliances, and curated design selections. Beezer Homes also emphasizes water conservation in landscaping. They are expanding across Las Vegas and Mesquite, catering to various price points and lifestyles, including 55+ communities.
Debrae Little interviews Anji Beatty from Polywood Furniture about sustainable outdoor furniture. Polywood uses recycled materials like HDPE to create durable, UV-resistant products that can withstand extreme temperatures. They offer over 100,000 SKUs, including classic Adirondack chairs, deep seating, and luxury collections. Products are tested for durability, fading resistance, and thermal expansion. Polywood's lead time is 2-4 weeks, and they provide samples and CAD drawings for designers. They also offer a white glove service for installation. Polywood's fabrics are sourced from Revolution Fabrics and Sunbrella, ensuring weather resistance and sustainability.
Debrae Little hosts a podcast episode on luxury living, focusing on lighting design with guest Sharon Clair from Visual Comfort. Sharon, with 25 years in the building materials industry, emphasizes the importance of layered lighting—architectural, linear, and decorative—for enhancing home ambiance. Visual Comfort offers six collections, including Signature, Modern, and Architectural, catering to various design needs and budgets. Sharon highlights the benefits of LED lighting over fluorescent, noting its longevity, energy efficiency, and dimmability. She also discusses the significance of color temperature (2700K-3000K) and lumens for proper lighting. The episode aims to educate designers and homeowners on the art of lighting design.
Debrae Little interviews Dave Daskal, founder of ESG Gallery, about the luxury tile and slab industry. Dave discusses his journey from mosaics to high-end materials, emphasizing the importance of uniqueness and durability. He explains the three-factor rating system for tile durability (R9, R10, R11) and highlights the shift towards organic, biophilic designs. Dave notes the decline in glass tiles and the rise of porcelain, including sintered stone products like Decton and Neolith. He also addresses the impact of proposed EU tariffs and the importance of sustainability in luxury projects. ESG Gallery offers a wide range of unique, high-quality materials for designers and homeowners.
Chris Giunchigliani, a long-time Las Vegas resident and former state assemblywoman, discussed her journey from education to public service, emphasizing community engagement and neighborhood activism. She highlighted the challenges of urban planning in Las Vegas, including the shift from subdivisions to gated communities, the lack of native tree planting, and the need for better housing design. Giunchigliani advocated for more collaboration among local governments, infill development, and affordable housing solutions. She also stressed the importance of education in community development and the need for better public policy to address housing and environmental issues.
Patrick Brennan, a real estate developer with extensive experience, discusses his return to Las Vegas and the city's growth post-2008. He highlights the unique opportunities in Las Vegas, particularly the under-supply of housing post-COVID. Brennan's project, Cello Residences, features 240 units with 40,000 sq. ft. of amenities, including a gym, spa, and multiple guest suites. The building is designed for a broad range of buyers, from empty nesters to professionals. Cello Residences aims to integrate luxury living with a sense of community, leveraging Las Vegas's cultural and entertainment offerings. Construction is set to begin soon, with a 30-month completion timeline.
Nancy Good, an artist in Las Vegas, discusses her journey into art, emphasizing her background in music and photography. She specializes in large, kinetic murals that incorporate hidden messages and multisensory elements. Good uses various techniques, including UV pigments and 3D glasses, to create immersive experiences. She also explores the intersection of art and technology, blending analog and digital methods. Good's work often addresses universal themes like love and safety, and she values mentorship, sharing her creative process through time-lapse videos. Upcoming projects include a pop-up exhibition in October featuring sculptural flags.
Debrae Little hosts a podcast episode on men's real estate purchases, featuring Randy Hatada, a real estate broker, and Antonio Longmire, a recent home buyer. Randy notes the influx of California residents and new developments in Las Vegas, particularly in Summerlin. Antonio shares his experience of buying in Sky Canyon, highlighting amenities like swimming pools and gyms. Both discuss the importance of technology, smart home features, and personalized spaces. Randy advises buyers to consider future needs and budget for modifications. Antonio emphasizes the emotional aspect of buying and the value of a strong broker relationship.
Debrae Little interviews Derek Campbell, a manufacturer sales rep with 10+ years of experience, about luxury outdoor living trends. Derek highlights three key trends: organic elements, jewel tones, and 70s/80s vibes. He discusses innovative materials like carbon fiber in Kenneth's Spin Chair and the importance of quality outdoor furniture, such as teak and powder-coated aluminum. Derek emphasizes the significance of outdoor kitchens and lighting, recommending items like pizza ovens and portable lanterns. He advises planning early for outdoor furniture to avoid back orders and stresses the importance of hiring a certified interior designer for optimal results.
On this episode of Luxury Living, the discussion between Angela Britt and Debrae Little explores the pros and cons of DIY interior design versus hiring a professional (aka Doing It For Myself). DIY offers personalization and cost savings but can be time-consuming and overwhelming. DIFM, while more expensive, provides expertise and convenience. Debrae emphasizes the importance of storytelling and attention to detail in interior design, drawing parallels to her background in costume design. She highlights the value of professional oversight in managing complex projects, ensuring functionality, and maintaining client trust through clear communication. The conversation underscores the need for a systematic approach in renovations, emphasizing the importance of understanding client needs and expectations.
Ken Vacca from Elan Collections discussed his transition from retail to selling high-end fabrics and designs, emphasizing the importance of relationships and unique products. He highlighted the showroom's welcoming atmosphere, extensive fabric options, and bespoke services. Ken shared a project involving a monochromatic room with tufted walls and ceilings and a Barbie-themed kid's room. He noted the impact of the economy and tariffs on business, the growing trend of green colors, and the popularity of large-scale wall coverings. Ken also discussed the importance of eco-friendly materials and the versatility of vinyl and polyester fabrics for durability and design flexibility.
Lisa Adair and Caryn Lellos from Ferguson Kitchen, Bath, and Lighting Gallery discussed their roles and the unique offerings of their showroom. Lisa, with 14 years in luxury appliance sales, and Caryn, a showroom manager with a background in interior design, highlighted Ferguson's extensive selection of luxury brands and their commitment to a pressure-free, expert-guided shopping experience. They emphasized the importance of hands-on testing for high-end products like steam convection ovens and bidet toilets. The conversation also covered the evolving profile of luxury buyers, the design process, and the integration of technology and aesthetics in luxury kitchens and spas.
Nathan Taylor, owner of TFD Construction, discussed his journey into luxury construction, starting with his father's drywall business. He emphasized the labor shortage in skilled trades and the importance of quality control. Taylor highlighted the challenges of managing client expectations, especially in high-end projects, and the necessity of clear communication. He shared a complex project involving custom eaves and composite wood fencing, and stressed the importance of using sustainable materials despite their higher costs. Taylor advised homeowners to prioritize quality, cost, and time in their projects and to ensure contractors are licensed and use licensed subcontractors.
Nick Cusumano, Regional Manager at ProSource, discussed his 20-year tenure and the company's focus on wholesale flooring and kitchen/bath products for trade professionals. He highlighted luxury kitchen trends, such as high-end countertops, modern cabinetry, and integrated technology like voice recognition and pop-up charging stations. For bathrooms, he noted the popularity of freestanding tubs, spa features, and lighted mirrors. Cusumano also emphasized the importance of sustainability, mentioning eco-friendly options like wood and porcelain floors. He concluded by offering ProSource's showroom as a one-stop solution for remodeling needs.
In this episode of Luxury Living with Debrae, host Debrae Little sits down with Laurie Clark, Senior Design Account Executive at Sherwin-Williams, to delve into the world of paint and its impact on interior design. Laurie shares her expertise on the importance of selecting the right paint products and finishes for various spaces, the differences between interior and exterior paints, and how homeowners can leverage Sherwin-Williams’ tools to make informed choices. The conversation also touches on health-conscious paint options, such as low-VOC products and air-purifying paints, making it an essential listen for anyone looking to enhance their home’s aesthetic and functionality with the perfect paint choices.
In this episode of Luxury Living with Debrae Little, host Debrae Little delves into the evolving landscape of luxury interior design. The discussion covers the essence of luxury, from its traditional roots to the modern emphasis on authenticity, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Learn about "quiet luxury," the significance of curated and bespoke pieces, and the three T's of luxury: Tradition, Timelessness, and Taste. The episode also explores the preferences of different generations, particularly millennials, and their impact on design trends. Join Debrae as she shares insights on creating luxurious, meaningful, and comfortable living spaces that reflect individual values and aspirations.
Step into the world of high-end interior design with Debrae Little, where ordinary spaces transform into extraordinary havens of sophistication. In this debut episode of "Luxury Living with Debrae Little," Angela Britt explores the journey of Debrae, renowned for her impeccable eye and passion for creating bespoke environments. From Hollywood costume designer to esteemed interior designer based in Las Vegas, Debrae shares her insights, design philosophy, and the intricate process of turning client dreams into reality. Join us as we uncover the secrets to achieving timeless elegance and functional luxury in every home.