The Art of Living: Luxury Interiors and Real Estate
CEO, Principal Designer & Real Estate Broker
CEO, Principal Designer & Real Estate Broker
Laurie Coton brings a dynamic and visionary perspective to the worlds of luxury real estate and bespoke interior design, blending market mastery with an impeccable sense of style and refinement. As CEO, Broker, and Principal Designer of Coton House, Laurie is the creative force and industry trailblazer behind the firm’s groundbreaking model—one of the first of its kind to seamlessly unite real estate expertise with full-service interior design under one roof. Her pioneering approach redefined industry standards, establishing her as a trendsetter for a more curated, elevated client experience.
A native Houstonian, Laurie holds a degree in Business from the University of Texas at Austin and an Interior Design degree from the Art Institute of Houston. Early in her career, she purchased, renovated, and sold homes throughout Houston, recognizing the untapped power of merging real estate strategy with high-end design vision. Her leadership as Past President of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) – Texas Gulf Coast Chapter further cemented her reputation as a respected authority and influential voice in the luxury market.
At Coton House, Laurie has pioneered a model where real estate and design are not just complementary—but essential to one another. She and her team collaborate closely with elite builders, remodelers, and architects—providing architectural plan reviews, curated finish selections, and visionary interior design guidance that enhance and streamline the building and remodeling process. Following construction, the Coton House Design Studio offers comprehensive furnishings services, including bespoke drapery, hand-selected furniture, custom rugs, art procurement, and layered styling to complete each space with polished, effortless sophistication. Through every phase, Laurie ensures that design integrity, craftsmanship, and client vision are flawlessly aligned, delivering elevated, highly personalized results that embody the art of living well.
Laurie’s leadership extends beyond Coton House into her active involvement with prominent professional and philanthropic organizations. She has held leadership roles with the American Heart Association Guild Advisory Board, the Houston Symphony League Board, the GHBA Remodelers and Custom Builder's Council, the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the River Oaks Networking Group, and River Oaks BNI, as well as board positions with St. John’s School, AFS, Zoo Friends, and River Oaks Elementary. Beyond her professional endeavors, Laurie is a passionate advocate for animal rescue and enjoys butterfly gardening, traveling, exploring Houston’s vibrant culinary scene, and spending time with her family and beloved pets.
Creative Director & Interior Designer
Creative Director & Interior Designer
Mariana De La Garza is redefining what it means to deliver truly personalized luxury interiors. An award-winning designer and rising talent in the industry, she brings a fresh, client-focused perspective to every project she touches.
A graduate of Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design and a minor in General Business Administration, Mariana combines a deep understanding of design principles with a natural understanding of how people truly live. At Coton House, she is celebrated for her design-centric methodology—curating selections, finishes, and furnishings that feel effortlessly aligned with each client’s individual story.
Mariana works closely with builders and remodelers to support new construction and renovation projects, collaborating on architectural elements, detailed finish selections, and every decision in between. Beyond the construction phase, she and the Coton House team bring each space to life with custom drapery, curated furniture, fine rugs, accessories, and all the beautiful details that transform a house into a home. Alongside her design work, Mariana helps shape Coton House’s brand identity—leading creative initiatives, supporting business development, and driving the firm’s marketing and visual storytelling efforts.
Her work has been honored with multiple industry awards, including three Ruby Awards from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) – Texas Gulf Coast Chapter, leadership recognitions from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), and a spot in NKBA’s prestigious Thirty Under 30 class of 2023. Outside of her professional life, Mariana finds inspiration in sketching, travel, and time spent with family, friends, and her loyal dog, Rocky—often retreating to her grandfather’s ranch in Mexico to recharge and reconnect with nature.
Director of Operations
Director of Operations
Charlie ensures the inner workings of Coton House run smoothly—from managing technology infrastructure to streamlining back-office operations. With a detail-oriented mindset and a preference for working behind the scenes, Charlie handles the essential systems and administrative tasks that keep the creative and client-facing teams focused and efficient. His commitment to Coton House and operational oversight provide the structure and stability that support Laurie’s vision and the firm’s continued growth.
Realtor Associate
Realtor Associate
Ashley Barras’ innate ability to lead makes her an asset to her clients as well as the brokerage. Ashley is experienced and comfortable in both residential and commercial transactions, as well as commercial property management and fix-and-flips. With 6+ years in the real estate industry, she has encountered and resolved many challenges to her clients’ highest expectations. She prides herself on perseverance and excellent communication which enables her clients to trust her throughout the process.
Ashley understands the importance of presentation which was evident in her previous success in retail cosmetics. From the initial listing presentation to assisting clients with staging their homes to sell, she is known to be professional, efficient, and prepared.
While Ashley works with clients from all walks of life, she shared that she gets especially excited about, “helping families and first-time home buyers specifically because I myself have 3 children, and I know what prize that is to have a home of your own.” Managing a busy household efficiently means Ashley is an expert in time management and negotiations, which further enables her to provide a seamless experience for her clients.
Ashley focuses on clientele in the Inner loop as well as the suburbs NW, West, SW and South of Houston.
Realtor Associate
Realtor Associate
The changing conditions in the oil and gas industry, where she previously was employed, motivated and appealed to Flor’s resilience and adaptability for a personal redirection. Armed with a Magna Cum Laude degree in Communications from the University of Houston – Downtown and a desire to lend her experience to assisting clients in building financial wealth through home ownership and investing, a career in real estate firmly took hold.
She enjoys meeting new people and building relationships through communication and detail-oriented service. Her knowledge and understanding of the complexities of the real estate market provides a comfort level and serves her clients very well.
Personal buying and selling of residential homes or real estate investing in Houston’s East End and North side, where Flor grew up, are her areas of expertise. From the investment point of view, she works well with identifying land for development, construction oversight and marketing.
She finds enjoyment in spending time with family and friends, working out and exploring Houston’s many outdoor recreational opportunities.
Realtor Associate
Realtor Associate
Industry-Leading Sales Professional | Skilled Negotiator | Design & Architectural Enthusiast
With over 20 years of experience in the design and building industry, Yon-Hee Kim-Cavanaugh—known to most as "Kim"—brings a uniquely multifaceted perspective to real estate. A proud graduate of the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture at the University of Houston, Kim combines her architectural background with a deep understanding of the Texas market and a sharp eye for design.
Born in South Korea and raised in Texas, Kim’s diverse background fuels her passion for helping clients find not just a house, but a home that fits their lifestyle and aesthetic. Her expertise in architecture, market knowledge, and negotiation makes her an invaluable ally in any real estate transaction.
Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, or investing, Kim is committed to making your experience smooth, strategic, and successful.
Let Kim help you find the home of your dreams—backed by expertise, driven by passion.
Realtor Associate
Realtor Associate
Silvana Escalante’s journey into real estate was sparked by her strong sales background and the joy she finds in helping others make important decisions about buying or selling their homes.
A proud graduate of Baylor University, Silvana holds a degree in psychology with a minor in business administration. This unique blend of education equips her with a deep understanding of people and business, making her a relatable and knowledgeable partner in your real estate journey.
Silvana loves working with millennial buyers in Houston, especially anywhere inside the loop; but she also works heavily in The Heights and Katy. Her knowledgable guidance makes for a smooth transaction and a fun experience for her clients. What sets Silvana apart are her personal strengths: empathy, resilience, and an open mind. These qualities shine through as she builds meaningful connections with her clients.
For Silvana, being a real estate agent isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle that allows her to balance work and family. When she is not with her clients, she can often be found walking along Buffalo Bayou or at one of several local dog parks. Trust Silvana to guide you through the Houston housing market with professionalism, simplicity, and a genuine passion for real estate.
Realtor Associate
Realtor Associate
After growing up in San Francisco then Seattle, I lived in several places across the country, including Florida, back to Seattle, two stops in New Jersey then Dallas and Birmingham, AL. With 15 years in this city, I now call Houston home for good! My educational background brings with it Canadian boarding school for high school and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish language and literature from Whitman College. My professional background is in personal insurance where I worked for Chubb Insurance Company on the West Coast and East coast. I have always had an interest in Real Estate, stemming from family involvement and ownership in a real estate company since childhood.
I have three grown children and my trusty canine side kick, Paco. I am lucky enough to have one son who lives in Houston who is a Longhorn Lawyer, an Ole Miss rebel who works in oil and gas in Austin and a daughter who is works in Washing DC at the US Capitol. My hobbies are anything that involve the outdoors, and being in or around the water and in the mountains is my idea of a perfect vacation. I try to stay fit and set a new athletic goal each year. So far a triathlon has been my most intense but who knows what the future may hold! Every year in October I do something new every single day of the month. All New October has become a favorite annual tradition and I learn wonderful things about our great city! Need ideas? I usually have one to share.
In October of 2022, I will be a 23-year cancer survivor and hold this cause very near to my heart. My Homes Bring Hope program donates a portion of each sale compensation to a non-profit organization which aids either health, education, children or animals. There are several nonprofit organizations with whom I partner, that receive a portion of my compensation, simply because a client mentions their name or affiliation with the organization. I love to give to my favorite charities, and I would love to give to yours too! When we are getting acquainted, please let me know what is important to you! If my clients do not have a favorite non-profit, I donate to The Rose, a fabulous local breast health organization.
WHY CHOOSE JENNY? Because I have personally moved several times, and helped many families during 14 years in the real estate industry, I know the importance of finding a place to call home where you feel comfortable. I also know how important it is to have a good Realtor! I pride myself on exceptional communication skills and always leave my clients knowing what is going to happen next. Contracts are a specialty and I am very detail oriented.
Over the years I have developed a strong list of partners to whom I can confidently refer my clients, knowing they will receive excellent service. We all work together to make your home sale or purchase as stress-free, streamlined and pleasant as possible.
I have been a member of The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing since 2008 and certified with them since 2015. From first time home buying to multiple move ups, downsizing, investing and new construction, I am here for every step of the way!
I am proud of my 5 star Client Experience rating and extremely satisfied clients! I was consistently ranked as one of the Top 20% of Realtors® in my prior brokerage of over 700 people, and will thrive in my new environment at Coton House as well. My current real estate business is 95% referral based, and my loyal client following is to be given high thanks for that!
Realtor Associate
Realtor Associate
Mayra Fuentes is known for her client-centered service in every transaction. She brings creativity, attention to detail, and a strong marketing focus to help her clients not only find the right home, but showcase their properties in the best possible light. Mayra’s commitment to clear communication and personalized guidance ensures a smooth, enjoyable experience for buyers and sellers alike.
Working as an Export Specialist for 10 years, coordinating shipments between major companies and their clients has equipped Mayra with valuable skills applicable to the real estate industry. Communication, attention to detail and efficient use of time are important traits, especially in real estate.
First-time homebuyers, families with children, and Millennials are especially drawn to Mayra’s approachable style and personalized guidance. Based primarily in the areas south of Houston, she proudly serves clients citywide—and as a native Houstonian who speaks fluent Spanish, she connects easily with a wide range of buyers and sellers.
Outside of her professional work, Mayra enjoys spending time with her husband, Adam, and their two daughters, valuing family time above all else.
Realtor Associate
Realtor Associate
Rosemary’s entrepreneurial spirit and business autonomy have propelled her through publishing and healthcare careers as well as contract sales with Xerox & Honeywell, but real estate has claimed the longest tenure spanning nearly two decades. Much of her time in real estate has been with major Houston agencies. She credits her broad range of experience with sharpening her business skills and effective communication with her clients.
Rosemary is an integral member of the Coton House team that combines real estate listing & sales with remodeling, design, and investment services under one roof. Convenient one-stop guidance and cost estimates for home improvement needs are available whether a client continues to live in their home or plan to list it for sale. In addition to listing and selling residential properties, she is knowledgeable about remodeling, having assisted clients with typical kitchen and bath makeovers, painting, flooring, and roof replacement projects. More complex projects, such as adding a second story addition to a single-story home, as well as personally undertaking complete home renovations, are among the broad spectrum of projects she has experienced. She enjoys working with older outdated homes, taking them “down to the studs” and turning them into examples of modern-day beauty and efficiency within the client’s budget.
She also works with the Coton House Investment Team. Trained, experienced agents advise investors on land acquisition, lot and acreage development and then directs them to the appropriate specialty homebuilder. Projects are followed through the sales and marketing or buy-and-hold phases of the finished product – all within the investor’s financial requirements.
Rosemary is affiliated with local, state, and national real estate associations and is the proud past president of her previous neighborhood’s homeowner’s association representing more than 2,000 homes.
Entertaining in their Woodlands home and traveling the world – from the Arctic Circle to Antarctica – occupy a large portion of the time she shares with her husband. When not working or traveling, Rosemary enjoys family gatherings of children and grandchildren or cheering for the Astros and Texans. She also enjoys gardening and landscaping as a Master Gardener and has organized a Garden Club in her community.
Realtor Associate
Realtor Associate
Kimberly has over 25 years experience in the Houston area, involving every aspect of the real estate industry. Graduating from the University of North Texas with an Interior Design degree, she has a uniqueness for interior finishes and how they can enhance a seller’s home to capture a buyer’s eye. From land acquisition to staging and selling, Kimberly has managed numerous projects throughout Houston, working closely with builders and homeowners alike. Her sales experience in the building industry keeps her on the forefront of market and design trends that fuel the world of real estate. Her latest passions also include investment/rental properties, flips and helping people in general realize their own property’s potential.
Kimberly currently serves on the board of the Greater Houston Builders Association, a member of the Texas Association of Builders and the National Association of Home Builders.
Outside of work, she and her husband Bryan spend time at their lake house on Sam Rayburn with their friends, family and two dogs, Remi and Ella.
Realtor Associate
Realtor Associate
Let’s talk about dedication! Laura’s successful career as a practicing attorney experienced in contract negotiation and managing contract disputes for clients has always had an underlying tug toward real estate. Early on, while in high school, she had the opportunity to intern with a real estate firm and obtained a license. Her license number is among the earliest on record with the Texas Real Estate Commission. Along the way, she has advised friends, colleagues, and family members on real estate issues and investment opportunities as well as investing in buy-and-hold properties on her own.
As a commercial litigation attorney, she has represented clients in disputes involving contracts, real estate, accounting services, leases, and real estate commissions. She holds a Juries Doctorate/ Law Degree and an MBA from the University of Houston and a BBA in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Houston Bar Association as well as the Houston Association of Realtors.
Being a native Houstonian, she is particularly comfortable representing residential buyers and sellers in the inner loop neighborhoods of Tanglewood, Briargrove and Memorial. She enjoys traveling, playing tennis and is focused on learning the facets of pickle ball.
Realtor Associate
Realtor Associate
Imari Killikelly’s standard stays true across all aspects of her career: details matter. To ensure her clients benefit both personally and professionally at the end of every transaction, she prioritizes, “finding homes with high equity potential, so that my clients can walk into immediate value and leverage properties as strategic investments.” Imari understands that exceptional service creates an enjoyable transaction – and she truly loves every step of the journey with her clients.
Imari’s background is in the tech industry, which includes a Bachelor of Science in Business: IT Management. She remains active in this industry while she adds an additional B.S. in Data Analytics. This strong focus on data analysis helps Imari provide valuable information and strategic insights to customers in different markets by leveraging extensive market data.
Imari's clients deeply appreciate her respect for their unique preferences when finding a home. She is highly effective at communication and her clients always feel "heard."
Imari primarily works in South Houston (Pearland, Manvel, Alvin, Rosharon, Iowa Colony, Alvin), Midtown (Museum District, Rice Village, Spring Branch, Montrose), The Heights, and West Houston (Katy, Sugarland, Richmond, Rosenberg.)
When she is not negotiating deals, Imari can be found having fun with her family, volunteering, reading for her next book club meeting and vibing out to live jazz.
Another important detail that matters to Imari? “Seeing the joy and the smiles on my clients' faces after guiding them through to the finish line.”
Realtor Associate
Realtor Associate
Kathryn is an accredited member of the Houston, Texas, and National Association of Realtors. She has a Masters degree in Licensed Professional Counseling and a Bachelors in Human Growth and Development. She made the hard decision to leave her job working with underprivileged children as a behavioral therapist to pursue her passion of working in Real Estate in the Houston market.
Kathryn and her team of experts specialize in delighting clients every step of the way as they sell and/or purchase their dream homes. Kathryn says, "We understand that buying or selling a home can become overwhelming and stressful and it is our job to make it as easy as possible for YOU. That’s why we take great pride in the relationships we build and always work relentlessly on the client’s behalf to help them achieve their goals."
Kathryn’s team of experts represent the best and brightest in the industry. From buying and selling, to inspections, financing, and beyond, you can trust that you are in the best hands possible with Kathryn!
Mission Statement: Clients come first! Kathryn believes that every client at every price point deserves the same quality of service. Kathryn pledges to always be readily available for clients, keeping them fully informed throughout the entire process of finding the perfect home.
Lastly, Kathryn believes that if you’re not left with an amazing experience, she hasn't done her job. Success isn’t only measured through volume and sales, but through the satisfaction of clients.
Realtor Associate
Realtor Associate
As a young mom, Stephanie understands families with young children and enjoys helping them in their journey to find a place to call home. She delights in getting to know them and their interesting, often colorful, background stories.
Having worked in marketing for two years with a major Houston realty firm prior to joining Coton House ignited her interest and motivated her to take the leap of faith to become a realtor. In her prior position, she assisted agents in scheduling open houses. She also assembled marketing materials and helped plan unique events designed to attract potential buyers to the agency’s listings. This experience coupled with a B.S. in Corporate Communications with a minor in Business from the University of Texas at Austin serves her well in her real estate career.
Stephanie and her family reside in Spring. She is knowledgeable of areas located in the fast growing North Side such as Tomball, The Woodlands, Conroe, Magnolia & Montgomery. They enjoy family activities such as attending the variety of festivals and open-air markets hosted around the City, as well as the multitude of Mom & Pop restaurants readily available. When they can carve out some time, she and her husband enjoy soccer games, in which they have been actively involved in the past.
Realtor Associate
Realtor Associate
Since 1998, Wendy Schnell has specialized in providing above and beyond customer service for her real estate clientele. Whether handling difficult title problems for her sellers, or working with buyers to overcome purchasing challenges, Wendy’s track record is one of success.
Wendy’s unique buyer representation program has helped dozens of home buyer’s realize their dream of ownership, even when credit hurdles stood in their path. Her ability to coach buyers through problems is second to none.
A marketing expert, Wendy brings state of the art marketing to her sellers. When listing a property her clients can expect a strong internet presence as well as traditional print advertising. She is one of the few agents who can deliver direct door advertising to 17,000 households and she can participate in real estate auctions.
Originally from Houston, Wendy has a lifelong commitment and history in the Bayou City. She’s developed a vast network of professionals to benefit her clients. Wendy has two children whom she raised in Deer Park. She is an active member of Houston’s First Baptist Church and she is a volunteer mom for Youth for Christ at her daughter’s school. In her spare time, Wendy enjoys cycling, hiking, cooking and spending time with her family and friends.
Realtor Associate
Realtor Associate
Greetings, I’m Aliana Stafford, your go-to Realtor with a down-to-earth approach and straightforward business style.
As part of the dynamic Coton House I bring a unique blend of expertise to the table. A one-stop-shop brokerage offering support to buyers, sellers, renters, interior design projects, and real estate investments.
Customer service is my forte, and I approach each client with unwavering respect, integrity, and dedication. From our initial meeting to closing the deal, expect my full commitment to overcoming any challenge that arises.
Regardless if you’re a first-time buyer, climbing the property ladder, or a savvy investor, I’m here to tailor my services to your unique needs.
Ready to turn your real estate dreams into reality? Reach out to me for friendly and informed representation for your home’s purchase and/or sale. Let’s kick off this exciting journey together!
Realtor Associate
Realtor Associate
Taheidia Strachan’s work ethic combined with years of experience makes her an outstanding real estate agent. Communicating with Taheidia is easy; her cheerful disposition and honest nature means her clients trust her judgment and she makes house hunting fun! She takes decisive and efficient action in her business dealings and will ensure her clients get all they deserve.
During her seven years in real estate, Taheidia has become an expert in leasing and Section 8 Housing. Focusing on these aspects of the industry has made Taheidia passionate about helping people turn their “temporary into permanent.” Many leasing clients become first-time buyers with Taheidia by their side.
Taheidia is particularly interested in the legal aspect of properties, and will eventually hold a real estate law license.
Taheidia is particularly interested in the legal aspect of properties, and will eventually hold a real estate law license.
A native of North Houston, Taheidia knows the city well and can help clients anywhere, but she spends most of her time with clients in Spring and Katy.
Realtor Associate
Realtor Associate
Jose’s experience in custom metal design of decorative lanterns, chandeliers, tables, beds, drapery hardware and many one-of-a-kind items highly complements the value he brings to his real estate clients. He worked as Lead Project Manager for seven years, interfacing with architects, interior designers, landscape designers, homeowners & real estate developers before launching his real estate career.
Having grown up in Spring Branch, he knows the city well and welcomes the opportunity to share his knowledge and understanding of the many neighborhoods that contribute to Houston’s diversity. He combines this ability with having served in the U. S. Army as an Infantryman for 8 years, being stationed in Germany and experiencing combat duty in Iraq and Kosovo. He was awarded two bronze stars with valor as well as several army commendation medals and combat and expert infantryman patches.
Jose particularly enjoys assisting veterans with their residential needs and maintains a presence through Facebook postings and a personal network of veterans who live in Texas. He is knowledgeable of financial resources for building real estate wealth available through the Texas veterans land board.
With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Design from the University of Houston, 8 years of military experience and several years in the custom metal design business, he is well-equipped to work with his realty clients according to their preferences and budgetary ability.
When asked to describe himself, Jose says, “I am honest, disciplined, excited to learn, and I have a good sense of humor”. Aside from spoiling his three French bulldogs – Zoe, Arlo and Milo – he enjoys cooking, baking and concocting craft cocktails. To enhance his food preferences, he loves the adventure of exploring the ever-expanding Houston food scene.