House of Lou

Inside the Architect & Designer Awards: Meagan Cooperman

At last month’s Architect & Designer Awards event, interior designer Meagan Cooperman took home the award for best Transitional Interior Design, a new category introduced this year to the magazine’s long-running design competition. That same night, Meagan was delighted to learn that her work had also made the April cover of St. Louis Magazine, marking a first for the local designer. In this episode of House of Lou, Veronica chats with Meagan about her career in interior design, the story behind her award-winning work, and Meagan’s plans to grow her one-year-old design firm. Hint: She’s just getting started and we can’t wait to see where she takes it See related stories and resources from this episode: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/house-of-lou/episode-31/ 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 Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (https://opera-stl.org/) and supported by Cardinals Nation (https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/cardinals-nation). Celebrate the 2026 Festival Season, May 23 through June 27, featuring the hilarious comedy The Pirates of Penzance, the award-winning musical The Light in the Piazza, the sizzling drama A Streetcar Named Desire, and the romantic classic Romeo and Juliet. Experience world-class opera, enjoy garden picnics before the show, and join in unforgettable after-parties. Tickets start at just $25. 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 podcasts@stlmag.com.  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertising@stlmag.com. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Gardening for Fragrance in St. Louis ft. Derek McKay

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/ [https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/] Have an idea for a future episode? Email podcasts@stlmag.com.  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertising@stlmag.com. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Retta Tussey’s Creative Journey in St. Louis

In this episode of House of Lou [https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/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 [https://rettajane.com/], 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 [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGkbLFLTZPyJz12erwKdMl6d] and listen on Apple Podcasts  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/house-of-lou/id1715504359]or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3ovIC1dt19FiByFhMjlgIc]. This episode is sponsored by Royal Banks of Missouri [http://royalbanksofmo.com/] and supported by St. Louis Symphony Orchestra [http://slso.org/]. 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 [http://royalbanksofmo.com/] on how you could put your home’s value to work.  New to podcasts? Follow these instructions [https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/] to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing! Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts [https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/]. Love House of Lou? Be sure to follow or subscribe on your favorite platform. And show your love with House of Lou merch [https://store.stlmag.com/search?q=house+of+lou&options%5Bprefix%5D=last]. Mentioned in this episode: * Retta Jane [https://rettajane.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorUwjG--2uXnM155hL0M_bgVJqFzvGh6wTq9r3XnVv6BsSuNkeq] * Architect & Designer Awards [https://www.stlmag.com/design/ada/] * Castle Design [https://emilycastle.com/] * Euro Trash [https://eurotrash.us/] * What is a Historic District Worth? [https://www.stlmag.com/design/what-is-a-historic-district-worth-kirkwood-confronts-the-limits-of-preservation/] * Papier Lys [https://papierlys.com/] * Goebel & Co. Furniture [https://www.goebelfurniture.com/new-page] * AUDRA [https://audraofficial.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoptMy1IhsID_S8p5nnjpgpyg2LTImTe1LIw4jpz0NSilMlncUgE] * Negroni [https://www.backdrophome.com/products/negroni-exterior-standard/] * Morpho Mania [https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/morpho-mania-3519] * Design Your Herb Garden [https://bowoodfarms.com/collections/the-studio] * Mahj at the Kitchen [https://kitchenconservatory.com/Search?Keywords=Mah+Jong] You may also enjoy: * Charming children’s clothing boutiques in the St. Louis metro area [https://www.stlmag.com/family/childrens-clothing-boutiques-st-louis/] * Local fashion designer launches her first collection of vintage-inspired clothes [https://www.stlmag.com/design/style/Local%20fashion%20designer%20launches%20her%20first%20collection%20of%20vintage-inspired%20clothes/] * 10 things to do this month for the design and home enthusiast [https://www.stlmag.com/design/10-things-to-do-this-month-for-the-design-enthusiast/] * More episodes of House of Lou [https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/house-of-lou/] * Shop House of Lou merch [https://store.stlmag.com/search?q=house+of+lou&options%5Bprefix%5D=last] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Designer Meghan Heeter’s Career Pivot: Ättlingar

In this episode of the podcast, Meghan Heeter discusses her transition from full-time interior designer to design principal at Ättlingar [https://attlingar.com/], 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 [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGkbLFLTZPyJz12erwKdMl6d&si=WYpW1hKYd1tbyB-K], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3ovIC1dt19FiByFhMjlgIc?si=be8613d8b3e849c4],   [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGkbLFLTZPyJz12erwKdMl6d&si=WYpW1hKYd1tbyB-K]Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/house-of-lou/id1715504359], or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode is sponsored by STAGES St. Louis [http://stagesstlouis.org/]. 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. [https://stagesstlouis.org/] New to podcasts? Follow these instructions [https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/] to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing! Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts [https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/]. Love House of Lou? Be sure to follow or subscribe on your favorite platform. And show your love with House of Lou merch [https://store.stlmag.com/search?q=house+of+lou&options%5Bprefix%5D=last]. Mentioned in this episode: * Attlingar [https://attlingar.com/] * Best Dressed List, Meghan Heeter [https://www.stlmag.com/design/the-12-best-dressed-st-louisans-of-2019/] * The Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park  [https://ebsworthpark.org/] * Rock Hill Woodworking Co. [https://www.rockhillwoodworking.com/] * St. Louis Mercantile Library  [https://www.umsl.edu/mercantile/index.html] * Casting a Long Shadow: Frederick Oakes Sylvester & His Circle [https://www.umsl.edu/mercantile/exhibitions/index.html] * Jewel Box [https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/parks/parks/Jewel-Box.cfm] * St. Louis Birthday Bash [https://mohistory.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4eaa2a5eaae236d5ecc09f850&id=85cd4a28f7&e=87f406378b] * Givenchy’s Rehabilitation of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Anderton Court Shops [https://www.slam.org/event/givenchy-rehabilitation-frank-lloyd-wright-shops/] * Architect & Designer Awards [https://www.stlmag.com/design/ada/] You may also enjoy: * Ättlingar elevates the bathroom with bespoke medicine cabinets and mirrors [https://www.stlmag.com/design/attlingar-elevates-the-bathroom-with-bespoke-medicine-cabine/] * More episodes of House of Lou [https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/house-of-lou/] * Shop House of Lou merch [https://store.stlmag.com/search?q=house+of+lou&options%5Bprefix%5D=last] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Inside a Victorian Restoration ft. Susan Barrett

Susan Barrett, of Barrett Barrera Projects [https://www.barrettbarrera.com/] 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 [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGkbLFLTZPyJz12erwKdMl6d&si=WYpW1hKYd1tbyB-K], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3ovIC1dt19FiByFhMjlgIc?si=be8613d8b3e849c4],   [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGkbLFLTZPyJz12erwKdMl6d&si=WYpW1hKYd1tbyB-K]Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/house-of-lou/id1715504359], or wherever you get your podcasts. New to podcasts? Follow these instructions [https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/] to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing! Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts [https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/]. Mentioned in this episode: * John Mineos Italian Restaurant [https://www.johnmineosrestaurantandbar.com/] * Mc Arthur’s Bakery [https://mcarthurs.com/] * Architect & Designer Awards  [https://www.stlmag.com/design/ada/] * Susan Barrett, Barrett Barrera Projects [https://www.barrettbarrera.com/] * The Charles Schifferdecker and Edward Zelleker Historic Houses  [https://joplinhistorical.org/] * Campbell House Museum  [https://campbellhousemuseum.org/] * Guest House  [https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/house-interiors/a35524620/susan-barrett-st-louis-arts-club/] * Brad Belk  [https://www.yahoo.com/news/brad-belk-named-missouri-advisory-223800520.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAEED2wfiYIuK_G2c_DEnc8wypjaZnoEzpkNoQKhn65jPuQrvYuIotE10aYHBHMcV1PO10_mpgeYX6-762Nvn-BzbJx1Do6rROVrllZIcq4Z9l1aUPmOyGutuxDjmdi2QAHez7_Fiiqrz1QZVUw6wtEWCVr41IFMVoWDKxkTYwD9g] * Saint Louis Fashion Fund  [https://www.saintlouisfashionfund.org/] * The Collection of Andre Leon Talley, Christie’s [https://www.christies.com/auction/auction-20995-nyr/browse-lots] * Crossland Construction  [https://www.crossland.com/] * Warson Woods Antique Gallery  [https://www.instagram.com/warson_woods_gallery/?hl=en] * PGAV Destinations  [https://pgavdestinations.com/] * Design with Canva [https://slcl.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=269687], St. Louis Public Library * Intro to Chair Caning, Perennial  [https://perennialstl.org/event/intro-to-chair-caning-3/]Orchid Show, Missouri Botanical Garden  [https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/events-classes/signature-events/orchid-show]  [https://perennialstl.org/event/intro-to-chair-caning-3/] You may also enjoy these articles from SLM: * More episodes of House of Lou [https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/house-of-lou/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.