Luxury Living with Debrae Little

Debrae Little, host of "Luxury Living," discusses with Laurie Clark, a senior design account executive at Sherwin-Williams, the importance of using durable exterior paints and stains for outdoor living spaces in desert climates. Clark emphasizes the need for proper preparation, including scraping, power washing, and priming, before applying products like Sherwin-Williams' Emerald Exterior and Rain Refresh. She also highlights the use of specialty coatings for high-heat surfaces and the importance of waterproofing for cinder block walls. Clark suggests using lighter colors for vinyl materials to prevent heat absorption and recommends regular cleaning to maintain the durability of painted surfaces.

In the final episode of "Luxury Living with Debrae" for 2025, host Debrae Little and product manager Angela Britt reflect on the year's design insights and trends. They discuss the importance of lighting, particularly LED lighting, and the shift towards warm, rich colors like earthy greens and deep browns. Natural materials like wood and stone will continue to be popular. Furniture trends include curved, sculptural pieces and "fat furniture." Clients are prioritizing sustainability, durability, and smart home technology. The episode also touches on the impact of the pandemic on home design, emphasizing the need for comfortable, functional spaces.

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.