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.

In this episode of House of Lou, Veronica explores the topic of home renovations, a subject that has become even more relevant as St. Louisans grapple with repairs to their homes in the aftermath of the tornado on May 16. Guests Kristin Moomey, an architect with HKW Architects, and Maria Hogrefe, principal and co-founder of C&M Interiors, take us inside their personal renovation stories, offering their experiences as guidance on how to start a project, plan a budget, and manage the stress and overwhelm inherent to all renovations.

Their stories, in tandem with their professional expertise, give listeners the confidence they need to tackle repairs, both big and small. What important lessons can we learn from them? In hindsight, what might Moomey and Hogrefe have done differently, and how can we all benefit from the vision behind a historic house restoration in Benton Park (Moomey) and a fixer-upper family home project in South County (Hogrefe). Tune in to hear their inspiring stories. Listen and follow House of Lou on YouTube, Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is sponsored by Opera Theatre of St. Louis and supported by The Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis. Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ annual festival season is back, with four new productions and hundreds of artists hand-picked from all over the country. Get tickets today.

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

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].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Forsyth 
• Field House Museum 
• Patterns of Luxury: Islamic Textiles 11th – 17th Centuries 
• Smelling the Bouquet: Plants & Scents in the Garden
• Pickled Pink Pickleball Tournament 
• Thirdstoryies.com / Instagram: @thirdstoryies
• Pebble Garden 
• HKW Architects
• C&M Interiors / Instagram: @candminteriors

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• Tornado 2025 Home Resources Guide: Where to get things fixed
• More episodes of House of Lou

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of House of Lou, host Veronica Theodoro chats with interior designer Caryn Boultinghouse about her exciting win at the 2025 Architect & Designer Awards. Boultinghouse talks about being a first-time winner in the Best of Outdoor Living category, why outdoor spaces should mirror interior rooms, and how to make the most of a backyard, patio, or terrace. What are Veronica’s tips for making an impression on the judges’ panel? She reveals this and more in an exclusive episode that both designers and homeowners won’t want to miss. 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 and supported by Kranzberg Art Foundation’s MATI. Rev up your engines for an exhibition where style meets speed with SLAM’s latest exhibition, Roaring: Art, Fashion, and the Automobile in France, 1918 to 1939. Get tickets.

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

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].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Caryn Boultinghouse
• Contemporary Art Museum
• Butler’s Pantry 
• Brittany Bromley Interiors 
• Joy Christensen
• Thibaut 
• Schumacher
• Lane Furniture (Celerie Kemble)  

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• See the winning projects of the 2025 Architect and Designer Awards
• Tips for submitting projects to the Architect & Designer Awards competition 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this second episode of a two-part series (Part 1: How to Work with an Interior Designer), Veronica goes deep with interior designers Karen Korn and April Jensen about their careers, working with clients, and designing rooms from start to finish. Get the inside story from the point of view of the pros, as Karen and April pull back the curtain on the client-designer relationship. This is an open, fun conversation with two of St. Louis’ most exciting designers working today. “I promise you won’t want to miss it,” exclaims Veronica. Listen and follow House of Lou on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is sponsored by Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum. Seeds: Containers of a World to Come, on display February 21–July 28, brings together work by ten contemporary artists who explore issues of fragility, preservation, and possibility through the lens of the seed. From sculpture and film, to installation and painting, the exhibition reflects on our current environmental challenges and our connection to the natural world. Visit kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu for more information.

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

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].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Karen Korn Interiors
• ADJ Interiors
• St. Louis Community College, Meramec
• Tidyology STL
• Peace of Mind Organizing 
• KDR Designer Showrooms
• Crescent Plumbing Supply 
• Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House
• 100 Years of Art Decor: Deco Fortress Open House 
• Member Speaker Series, Shaw Nature Reserve: Wildlife in Focus

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• House of Lou: How to Work with a STL Designer
• Interior designer April Jensen’s Glendale farmhouse melds everything she loves
• A new studio space offers a local designer more room to grow her business
• A remodel by Karen Dubinsky Korn interprets midcentury modern design in a kitchen for today’s homeowner
• More episodes of House of Lou
• Ask Veronica: How to work with an interior designer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Veronica Theodoro interviews two local homeowners about what it’s really like to work with an interior designer. Forget about all the myths you’ve heard and join Pia Koster and Sydney Loughran Wolf as they welcome us inside their homes, revealing both the ups and downs of navigating a design project. Plus, find out which areas of the house our guests have their eyes set on next. This is a fun, lively, and informative episode you won’t want to miss.

Listen and follow House of Lou on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is sponsored by Cardinals Nation. Get game-day ready with the Cardinals Nation pre-game party! Before every home game, enjoy a DJ-hosted, pep-rally style party featuring a full buffet and an all-inclusive bar. It’s the best way to get excited before the first pitch! Get your tickets today.

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].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Veronica’s secretary-turned-bar
• Design & Detail
• Schumacher
• Lauren Sweet-Schuler
• A Legacy of Design: Celebrating the Applied Arts at Meramac 
• Frisella Nursery: Meet the Designers Night
• St. Louis Magazine’s Architect & Designers Awards

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• More episodes of House of Lou

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interior designer Brett Clark of Design Collective STL and his client, Jennifer Duncan, share the details of a recent kitchen remodel set in a historic house designed by Gale Henderson. Through their shared experience, we get an inside look at what it's like to transform an outdated 90s-era kitchen into a functional, elegant space for both cooking and gathering.

Why is knowing the client so important to design success? How can we all manage unexpected renovation surprises?  And what's a clever workaround for a "Mom Command Center?" Our guests answer these questions and more, so if you love historic homes—or a kitchen remodel is in your future—this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Listen and follow House of Lou on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is sponsored by Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum.

Seeds: Containers of a World to Come, on display February 21–July 28, brings together work by ten contemporary artists who explore issues of fragility, preservation, and possibility through the lens of the seed. From sculpture and film, to installation and painting, the exhibition reflects on our current environmental challenges and our connection to the natural world. Visit kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu for more information.

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].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Design Collective STL
• Gale Henderson 
• Art in Bloom 
• Missouri Historical Society, Saturday Speakers Series
• Living in Ste. Genevieve House Tour 
• Veronica's Kitchen, view 1
• Veronica's Kitchen, view 2

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• More episodes of House of Lou
• St. Louis experts share tips on kitchen design and renovation
• This brand-new bath in a century-old house called for style and practicality
• 2025 Architect & Designer Awards finalists

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is getting organized your New Year’s to-do list, but you're not sure where to start? Then this episode is for you! Host Veronica Theodoro dives into processes and routines with two local professional organizers who share practical tips for managing your home and reclaiming control over the stuff you own:

• Janine Adams, owner of Peace of Mind Organizing, is the past president and founding board member of the St. Louis chapter of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals. 
• Becky Buelow, owner of Tidyology in St. Charles, is a certified professional photo manager, preserving precious pieces of media for clients.

From decluttering drawers to developing habits that work for everyone in your household, they’ll help you start the new year off right. Tune in for inspiration and actionable advice to bring peace of mind to your space. Listen and follow House of Lou on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is sponsored by Crescent Plumbing Supply.

Whether you're remodeling or building new, Crescent's team can help you find the perfect fixtures to elevate your space. Visit crescentsupply.com to explore their collections and book an appointment today.

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].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Peace of Mind Organizing 
• Tidyology 
• National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals, St. Louis chapter
• Alliance Francaise de St. Louis 
• Parklyn Interiors (Danielle Kalish)
• Bonboni Interior Design (Lauren Thorp) 
• David Deatherage Design (David Deatherage) 
• Miriam Switching Post
• Habitat for Humanity ReStores
• Janine & Becky's favorite donation resources

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• Where to donate, sell, and recycle household items in St. Louis
• House of Lou: House Party Etiquette Do’s & Don’ts
• More episodes of House of Lou

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the most wonderful—and party-packed—time of the year. In the spirit of holiday hosting season, Veronica Theodoro dives into house party etiquette with two local experts who know how to make gatherings unforgettable. Susie Busch–Transou of Hearth & Soul shares tips from her beautifully curated retail spaces. Courtney Winet, the creative force behind stunning custom invitations, reveals how details set the tone for any event.

Hear their answers to these commonly asked questions:

• When should you bring a gift to the host? 
• Do you always have to say goodbye to the host?
• How do I plan a seating arrangement? 
• How do I plan a menu for dietary restrictions?
• Is it okay to clean up your kitchen when guests still are at your home?
• How do I tell guests to leave?
• ... and more!

Tune in to hear how to navigate the joys and challenges of home parties, and learn how you can be a gracious host and a thoughtful guest. Listen and follow House of Lou on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is sponsored by Habitat for Humanity St. Louis ReStores. 

Shop and donate new and used building materials, furniture, and home improvement supplies at Habitat for Humanity ReStores while also supporting affordable housing in St. Louis. To learn about store locations and hours of operation, visit habitatstl.org.

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].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Hearth & Soul
• Courtney Winet Design 
• Missouri Botanical Garden 
• The Studio at Bowood Farms 
• Wildflowers Floral Design & Events 
• The Boulevard in Richmond Heights

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• House of Lou: Holiday Entertaining with The Social Affair Catering + Events
• More episodes of House of Lou

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Veronica Theodoro sits down with Marcella Hawley, an artist, botanical illustrator, and creative director who has contributed her talents to Martha Stewart Living and the Mary Engelbreit Home Companion. Many in the St. Louis community may also know Marcella for her stunning front garden in Webster Groves, lovingly called "The Slope of Possibility." Filled with thousands of vibrant flowers, the garden is a living tribute to her mother and embodies Marcella’s belief in the transformative and healing power of gardens. Here, Marcella takes us on a personal journey, filled with insights about life, loss, and rebirth. Marcella also fills us in on the exciting new project she plans to launch early next year. It's an episode filled with inspiration and hope and one that you won't want to miss. 

Listen and follow House of Lou on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is sponsored by The Repertory Theater of St. Louis and supported by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

This December, The Rep and STAGES St. Louis present: Million Dollar Quartet Christmas. Join Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins for a rock n’ roll celebration. Don’t miss the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale on repstl.org.

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].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger 
• Johanna Ortiz  (see photo of showroom)
• Schumacher x Johanna Ortiz 
• New York School of Interior Design 
• Marcella Hawley 
• Martha Stewart
• Mary Engelbreit
• Greater St. Louis Daffodil Society 
• Jason Delaney/PHS Daffodils 
• Missouri Botanical Garden 
• Brent & Becky’s Bulbs 
• Dutch Growers 
• ColorBlends 
• John Scheepers, Inc.
• Van Engelen, Inc. 
• QDaffs
• Home Depot
• This Naked Mind 
• Great Dixter House & Gardens 
• Fergus Garrett
• Fennel Cooking School 
• Top cooking and mixology classes in St. Louis
• Reimagining Home: Design for All Ages and Abilities
• Gardening Heals with Marcella Hawley 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.