In this episode of House of Lou, take a walk outside with garden expert Derek McKay—manager of Frisella Nursery and host of the gardening blog Derek Dino Garden Guy. Veronica and Derek delve into the world of fragrance in the garden, an aspect of garden design that is often, surprisingly, overlooked. Learn how and when to use fragrant flowers, plants, and trees to deploy maximum pleasure for the senses. Watch the episode on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 

See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/house-of-lou/episode-30/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGkbLFLTZPyJz12erwKdMl6d

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ovIC1dt19FiByFhMjlgIc?si=be8613d8b3e849c4&nd=1&dlsi=4b587e7b470048ee

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/house-of-lou/id1715504359

This episode is sponsored by Pulitzer Arts Foundation (https://pulitzerarts.org/) and supported by the Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park (https://ebsworthpark.org/). This year, the Pulitzer celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special exhibition organized by its Founder and Board Chair, Emily Rauh Pulitzer. Dialogues & Conversations features work by more than 35 artists, with 85 sculptures, drawings, paintings, prints, and photographs spanning the late 19th century to today. The exhibition is open through August 9.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/

Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected]. 

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email [email protected].

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of House of Lou, host Veronica Theodoro is joined by the multifaceted St. Louis designer Retta Tussey. Their conversation takes us on a years’-long journey through Retta’s career as an interior designer, to the launching of her fashion brand Retta Jane, and the opening—this fall—of a showroom and reading room in Clayton. We can’t wait to see what that project looks like! Throughout the years, Retta has weathered the ups and downs, twists and turns that we tend to associate with a creative career, and she shares the stories and lessons with us in her interview. Today, the St. Louis native finds herself at the intersection of fashion and interior design, as she balances designing a collection of clothes for tween girls and women, and an ever-growing list of clients who are thrilled with her return to the field of interior design. This melding of creative pursuits feels true to who Retta’s always been, and we can’t wait to see how far she takes it. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and personal and professional growth. Watch the episode on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

This episode is sponsored by Royal Banks of Missouri and supported by St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Dreaming of a spring home refresh? Turn your vision into reality with a Home Equity Line of Credit from Royal Banks of Missouri. Get more details on how you could put your home’s value to work. 

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts.

Love House of Lou? Be sure to follow or subscribe on your favorite platform. And show your love with House of Lou merch.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Retta Jane
• Architect & Designer Awards
• Castle Design
• Euro Trash
• What is a Historic District Worth?
• Papier Lys
• Goebel & Co. Furniture
• AUDRA
• Negroni
• Morpho Mania
• Design Your Herb Garden
• Mahj at the Kitchen

You may also enjoy:

• Charming children’s clothing boutiques in the St. Louis metro area
• Local fashion designer launches her first collection of vintage-inspired clothes
• 10 things to do this month for the design and home enthusiast
• More episodes of House of Lou
• Shop House of Lou merch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the podcast, Meghan Heeter discusses her transition from full-time interior designer to design principal at Ättlingar, the company she founded with former client Siri Eklund. Dedicated to designing and crafting historically inspired medicine cabinets, mirrors, and other accessories for the bathroom, each piece is handmade in the USA using traditional Swedish woodworking techniques. But, as we discover during Veronica’s interview with Meghan, she and Siri, and the rest of the Attlingar team, are nearing the launch of a new collection of mohair fabrics and historically inspired wallpapers. There’s never a dull moment in this business! Tune in to hear more. Listen and follow House of Lou on YouTube, Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is sponsored by STAGES St. Louis. This year, STAGES St. Louis proudly celebrates 40 years of producing Broadway-quality theater. Join them for a summer full of laughs, musical memories, and heart as they present The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Guys and Dolls, and Come From Away. Learn more.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts.

Love House of Lou? Be sure to follow or subscribe on your favorite platform. And show your love with House of Lou merch.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Attlingar
• Best Dressed List, Meghan Heeter
• The Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park 
• Rock Hill Woodworking Co.
• St. Louis Mercantile Library 
• Casting a Long Shadow: Frederick Oakes Sylvester & His Circle
• Jewel Box
• St. Louis Birthday Bash
• Givenchy’s Rehabilitation of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Anderton Court Shops
• Architect & Designer Awards

You may also enjoy:

• Ättlingar elevates the bathroom with bespoke medicine cabinets and mirrors
• More episodes of House of Lou
• Shop House of Lou merch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Susan Barrett, of Barrett Barrera Projects in St. Louis, is Veronica’s podcast guest this month. Many of you may know of Susan through her work in the art world, where she develops exhibitions for tour, produces artists’ collaborations, and provides management and consultation of private art collections. In today’s episode, Susan shares the exciting details of a new, years-long project that helped transform two sprawling Victorian houses into a combined historic house museum in Joplin, Missouri. The restoration and interior design of both the Schifferdecker and Zelleken residences called for a complete immersion into the fascinating lives of two immigrant families who rose to prominence in the heartland in the late 19th century. From the furniture to the wallpapers, the clothes to the kitchen utensils; through books, toys, art, and so much more, Susan’s vision brings the families’ worlds to life. Historic house enthusiasts will appreciate Susan’s dogged pursuit of authentic home decor and furnishings totaling 10,000 items, including a stunning sofa purchased at auction from the estate of the late Vogue fashion editor André Leon Talley. Listen and follow House of Lou on YouTube, Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts.

Mentioned in this episode:

• John Mineos Italian Restaurant
• Mc Arthur’s Bakery
• Architect & Designer Awards 
• Susan Barrett, Barrett Barrera Projects
• The Charles Schifferdecker and Edward Zelleker Historic Houses 
• Campbell House Museum 
• Guest House 
• Brad Belk 
• Saint Louis Fashion Fund 
• The Collection of Andre Leon Talley, Christie’s
• Crossland Construction 
• Warson Woods Antique Gallery 
• PGAV Destinations 
• Design with Canva, St. Louis Public Library
• Intro to Chair Caning, Perennial Orchid Show, Missouri Botanical Garden  

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• More episodes of House of Lou

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s time to decorate the Christmas tree! This month, Veronica welcomes Rae Sutton of Three French Hens and Suzanne Miller of Papier Lys to the pod. Together, the group gets into the weeds about the joys—and challenges—of creating a beautiful and memorable tree in time for the holidays. Who is camp faux? And who still decorates a real tree? What are the upsides and downsides of each? From tree toppers to tree skirts, Veronica and her guests discuss it all, providing creative and practical tips and solutions that you can use today! If you’re looking to up your Christmas tree decorating game this year, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Listen and follow House of Lou on YouTube, Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Three French Hens 
• Papier Lys
• Suzanne Miller’s House
• Shop the Stables 
• MKS Designs
• Sugarcoat Home 
• Wonderwhim Co.
• Veronica’s dining room table 
• Veronica’s local gift guide
• Alliance Francaise
• Baisch & Skinner
• Saint Louis Art Museum events
• Kitchen Conservatory
• Belleville’s Candlelight House Tour

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• More episodes of House of Lou
• Veronica’s local gift guide
• Homes for the holidays at some of St. Louis’ historic homes

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For 15 years, Danielle Kalish worked as a shoe designer at Caleres, an experience that she says sharpened her eye for style and taught her the intricacies of craft and materiality. A creative with a sharp mind for business, Danielle has always harbored a passion for the home, too, and a few years ago made the decision to leave her job in fashion and turn full time to interior design. In this episode of House of Lou, Veronica talks to Danielle about her design practice, Abode by Parklyn Interiors, as well as her charming home decor shop Abode. Between design clients and the retail shop, Danielle’s life is go-go-go, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. With a recent sourcing trip to the U.K., and the opening last month of Atelier, a furniture gallery space located in the DeMun neighborhood, Danielle has recently embarked on a new, exciting facet of the business, one that we’ll hear all about in my interview with her. Those of us who love interior design appreciate all that she brings to the local design scene, including a fresh look at following one’s dreams no matter where they may lead. Listen and follow House of Lou on YouTube, Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is sponsored by Saint Louis Art Museum. Don’t miss Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea, a monumental exhibition at the Saint Louis Art Museum. As the artist’s first American retrospective in more than 20 years, the exhibit features iconic pieces from Kiefer’s storied career alongside new, massive, site-specific installations. The exhibition is free and on display through January 25. Learn more.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Abode by Parklyn Interiors
• Caleres
• Link Auction Galleries
• Soul on Fire
• Chase Park Plaza Cinema 
• Face & Body
• KDR Designer Showrooms
• Romo x Temperley London
• Landmarks Association
• Limitless Planet
• Your Friend’s Apartment Vintage
• Cool Stuff Period
• Homeworthy
• Tribute Fashion Show
• Jewish Book Festival

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• In University City, a renovated 1920s house is designed with family and history in mind
• Clayton welcomes a new place to shop for home decor
• More episodes of House of Lou

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of House of Lou, Veronica welcomes Kate Pollmann and Jessica Conway, owners of Sugarcoat Home, to talk about shopping estates sales, finding treasures where (and when!) you least expect them, and how we can all create beautiful, unique spaces when we follow our heart’s desire. Kate and Jessica also share Sugarcoat’s origin story, insights about working together, and their hopes and dreams for the future of their business. Hint: There’s more travel ahead for them—and, possibly, the chance for us to join them on one of their adventures! These women are passionate about the home, antiques, and living life to the fullest. So, get ready for a lively conversation with two of St. Louis’ most exciting retail owners.

This episode is sponsored by NCJWSTL The Resale Shop and supported by St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Don’t miss Couturier, October 22–25 at The Resale Shop. For over 60 years, this premier resale event has featured high-quality designer clothing and accessories for women, men, and children, plus unique home décor—all at a fraction of the cost. Proceeds support programs that improve the lives of women, children, and families.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Sugarcoat Home 
• Ambacht
• Marci Marsh 
• Abode by Parklyn Interiors 
• Candice Wideman 
• Miriam Switching Post 
• St. Louis Magazine‘s Dream Kitchens
• Architect & Designer Awards
• ModernSTL: Ridgewood Home Tour
• Landmarks Association: Cathedral Basilica: An Illustrated Timeline
• Persimmon Festival & Tree Giveaway

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• The inventory at Sugarcoat Home in St. Louis is curated by two friends
• Where to shop for vintage, resale, and consignment fashion in St. Louis
• A guide to vintage shopping in St. Louis
• More episodes of House of Lou

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melinda Klinghammer is the owner of designer showroom Design & Detail, a company she helped found 20 years ago in St. Louis. On the eve of the showroom’s special 20th anniversary, Melinda joins host Veronica Theodoro to talk about her work life in the field of design. Melinda, whose background is in finance and accounting, has helped steer the company’s growth, including the opening of a second showroom location in Kansas City, a new line of natural stone veneers, and the expansion of the company’s headquarters in Maplewood. What’s it like to run a designer showroom? What are Melinda’s biggest accomplishments? Challenges? And what does the company’s next chapter hold? We’re excited to hear about all of this and more firsthand from the woman behind the showroom.

This episode is sponsored by Cardinals Nation. Looking to kick off game day in style? Join the ultimate pre-game party at Cardinals Nation before every home game! It’s a high-energy, DJ-hosted celebration packed with a full buffet and an all-inclusive bar. Grab tickets now.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Design & Detail 
• Forest ReLeaf
• Arbolope Studio
• Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park 
• Casadenza
• Shaw Nature Reserve
• Urban Buds
• The Studio at Bowood Farms 

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• Design & Detail is expanding, doubling its size to 20,000 square feet
• Enter work for St. Louis Magazine’s Architect & Designer Awards

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before the tornado on May 16, 2025, Ali Rand was a self-described wife and stay-at-home mom of 5, living in the Central West End. Today, she’s the guiding force behind a grassroots volunteer movement born of devastation but motivated by a love for her adopted hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. Mere days after the storm, Ali sprung into action, inspiring volunteers from across St. Louis to join her in helping the victims of an F3-category storm. The “Street Angels,” as Ali and her crew are known, have done all sorts of work, including sorting and stacking brick, boarding-up windows, tarping roofs, and fundraising—all the while sharing their experiences on social media. Almost 3 months after the tornado, the work continues. In this episode of House of Lou, host Veronica Theodoro interviews Ali to learn more about her important work and the woman behind the powerful social media messages.

Check Ali’s Instagram to follow along with all the work being done and how you can help.

This episode is sponsored by Kranzberg Art Foundation’s MATI. MATI returns September 12–14. Enjoy live music, art exhibits, food trucks, vendors, and good vibes, all in the streets of the Grand Center Arts District. Grab your passes.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Ali Rand (@alirand)
• Forsyth School 
• Villa Dushesne 
• JCR Design Group 
• Alex Thornhill 
• Chase Park Plaza Cinema
• Britt Design 
• World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries 
• Forest Park 
• Half & Half
• COCA
• Modern Masonry and Restoration (Wes Klaus) 
• PLNK Fitness 
• Washington University Occupational Therapy

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• More episodes of House of Lou
• Tornado updates and resources

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of House of Lou, Veronica digs into the topic of gardening for beginners. Joining her this month are Lee Cagle and Megan Clinton, two women with varied and extensive experience in the garden. Cagle is a manager of the Central West End Farm, and Clinton, a master gardener, is the owner of Garden Edit. Together, they talk us through the basics of home gardening, share their personal processes, and the inspiring stories about how they turned their passion into full-time endeavors. Find your garden style. Get the latest on containers and raised-beds. Discover why, more than anything else, patience, education, and a can-do spirit lead to success in the garden. Listen and follow House of Lou on YouTube, Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is sponsored by Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis ReStores and supported by STAGES St. Louis. Shop and donate new and used building materials, furniture, and home improvement supplies at Habitat ReStores while also supporting affordable housing right here in St. Louis.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Mentioned in this episode:

Central West End Farm 
Garden Edit 
Master Gardener Program 
St. Louis Community College, Horticulture Programs 
Flanagan Paint & Supply
Farrow & Ball
Design & Detail 
Elitis 
Zoffany 
Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder 
Shaw Nature Reserve
Pinterest
Bowood Farms 
Soil Testing | MU Extension
Garden Heights Nursery 
Greenscape Gardens
Sue Leahy
Missouri Wildflowers Nursery 
Forrest Keeling Nursery
Urban Buds 
Seed St. Louis 
Frisella Nursery 

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• More episodes of House of Lou
• How to grow a beautiful garden in St. Louis
• A gardener’s guide to plants that can thrive in St. Louis
• For a Central West End resident, memories of home abound in the garden
• At the Central West End Farm, neighbors help neighbors one fresh veggie at a time
• Megan and Brian Clinton throw a party at their Wright City property

Got an idea for a future House of Lou episode? We love hearing from our audience. Send your thoughts or feedback to Veronica at [email protected] or to [email protected]. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Looking for more inspiration? Subscribe to our Design+Home newsletter to receive our latest home, design, and style content in your inbox every Wednesday. And follow Veronica (@vtlookbook) and St. Louis Magazine on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.