House of Lou

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.