About

History

Mary Ann Elston’s search for products for her own dream home became an unexpected path to her career in 2001 when she and her husband, Terry, a custom home builder, were building their home. They diligently searched for high-end, custom products with a reputation for high quality, for their own kitchen and baths, but were unable to find what they truly wanted in their area. Mary Ann and Terry then realized the need in North Louisiana for a locally owned, custom, home design firm that specializes in both design and premier quality products with unique cutting-edge design features and technology. Her dream came to life when she and Terry opened Kitchen & Bath Cottage that same year.

Originally, Mary Ann opened Kitchen & Bath Cottage as a small custom cabinetry and design showroom with only two employees in the rear of a Williamsburg architectural styled shopping center known to Shreveporters as Pierremont Common. In 2012, Mary Ann and Terry had grown their business and its various product offerings so much that it required them to relocate to the front of Pierremont Common into an expanded showroom that looks out onto Line Avenue. By 2016, the business had become so successful, as a result of its reputation for unparalleled customer service, experienced professionals, and high quality innovative products, that it was recognized by Inc. Magazine as an Inc. 5000 business as one of the fastest growing private companies.

In 2019, after careful thought and consideration, Kitchen & Bath Cottage changed its name to The Cottage to better reflect its growth and wide expansive array of home products offerings. No longer just an appliance and cabinetry business, The Cottage has made it a priority to stay on the cutting-edge by offering more innovative products and quality brands to better serve your remodeling and new construction needs.

Today, Mary Ann is forging ahead with her thriving business which now operates with a staff of eleven employees making up a team of experienced professionals working together to fulfill the design, remodeling and new construction needs and desires of the business’ clientele. Mary Ann and the The Cottage team, which began as a two person business offering only custom cabinetry, a few appliances and design services, now offers an extensive selection of multiple home product solutions including Marvin Windows & Doors, Rehme Steel Windows and Doors, TruStile Doors, Bentwood, Harmoni, Crystal Cabinet Works, Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry, NatureKast Weatherproof Cabinetry, Sub-Zero, Wolf, LaCornue, Irinox, Thermador, Bosch, Miele, Scotsman, Hoshizaki, Jenn-Air, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Best, Francois & Co., FireMagic, EVO Grills, Danver Stainless Cabinetry, Walker Zanger, Artistic Tile, New Ravenna, Soci, Sonoma Tilemakers, M2, Daltile, Phantom Motorized Retractable Screens, Warmly Yours Radiant Flooring and much more.
With new goals and a renewed vision for even further growth, Mary Ann and her experienced team of professionals is ready to work side by side with you to bring your dream spaces to life.

Our Brand

The Cottage has built the power and foundation of our brand by providing excellence through unparalleled service, innovative design, cutting-edge home products and premier brands. We consistently provide our clientele with an experienced team of professionals for the various elements of a home and the many facets of design. Our team works with you through each step of the design process and assists you in selecting home products that truly address your needs and desires for the space of your dreams.

Our showroom reflects who we are and what is possible, utilizing working kitchens and display vignettes that allow you to visualize the endless product and design options available for your own space. We only carry “the best,” because we want nothing less for our clients and we understand that our reputation for excellence depends on it. We strive to optimize the beauty and functionality of each space we carefully craft with you, for you.

Our Services

 

  • Kitchen Planning, Interior Design which includes:
    Cabinetry, Tile, Flooring, Appliance Selection & Integration & Hardware
  • Laundry & Mud Room Planning & Interior Design
  • Bathroom Planning & Interior Design
  • Dressing Areas & Closet Design
  • Home Study & Office Design
  • Outdoor Kitchen & Entertaining Area Design
  • Media Room Design

Our Products

  • Windows & Doors ( New
  • Construction & Remodel)
  • Interior Doors
  • Appliances (Indoor & Outdoor)
  • Cabinetry
  • Tile
  • Flooring
  • Motorized Retractable Screening
  • Radiant Flooring
  • Hardware

Our Team

Barbara Mitchell

Barbara Mitchell

Interior, ASID, LEED

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Brenda Lupo

Brenda Lupo

Business Manager

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Christopher Randel

Christopher Randel

Architectural Products Division Manager & Co-Owner

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Katie Stanfield

Katie Stanfield

Designer

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Mary Patten

Mary Patten

Director of Sales & Client Relations

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Cole Nabors

Cole Nabors

Project Manager

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Dare Gueydan

Dare Gueydan

Client Services Representative

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John Hilliard

John Hilliard

Sales, Quoting & Estimating Specialist

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Kim Johnson

Kim Johnson

Title, Stone, & Flooring Design & Sales Consultant

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For Homeowners

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Appliances

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Tile & Stone

Flooring

Hardware

Windows & Doors

ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS & MANTELS

OUTDOOR APPLIANCES & CABINETRY

Barbara Mitchell

Interior Designer, ASID, LEED

Barbara, a graduate of Louisiana Tech University, holds degrees in both Fine Arts and Interior Design. She is a licensed Interior Designer and a professional member of the prestigious American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Inspired by her passion for environmental design and creating healthy workspaces, Barbara has become a LEED Accredited Professional.

With her extensive experience, dedication, and unrivaled expertise, Barbara is an invaluable asset to The Cottage and her clients. Her design projects have been recognized by her peers in the ASID, earning her several Gold and Silver Medals for Design Excellence. Notably, her outstanding work on behalf of The Cottage is profiled in publications like "Kitchen & Bath Design News" (October 2021 issue), where she shares her insights on His and Hers master baths and closet design project.

Link to article featured in “Kitchen & Bath Design News,” October 2021 issue: https://www.kitchenbathdesign.com/telling-the-tale-of-two-bathrooms/

Barbara's true devotion lies in the long-lasting and deep connections she cultivates with her clients that extend well beyond project completion. By keenly understanding key desires and needs, she selects the perfect elements, design, styles, finishes and appointments to bring dream spaces to life, meticulously attending to every detail until it mirrors your vision.

Outside of her successful career, Barbara is happily married to retired architect Kim Mitchell. They have a shared joy derived from cherishing their three children, Elizabeth, Frances, and Richard, and wholeheartedly spoil their ten grandchildren. They also enjoy showering their beloved rescue dog, Tatum, and adopted cat, Stella, with tender loving care every day to make them feel wanted and secure.

Experience the expertise of Barbara for yourself at The Cottage and unlock her design talents for your project. Let her skillfully navigate you through the process, unveiling tailored design options that perfectly complement your lifestyle.

Brenda Lupo

Business Manager

When you step into The Cottage, you will likely first experience a warm welcome from our exceptional business manager, Brenda Lupo. Brenda has been, and continues to be, an integral part of The Cottage family since 2013, and her presence is cherished by all.

With over 29 years of invaluable experience in business management, Brenda brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Northwestern State University, further enhancing her expertise. Brenda is pivotal to our day-to-day operations, overseeing general business and accounting functions.

Collaborating closely with owners Terry and Mary Ann Elston and Christopher Randel, Brenda ensures smooth operations across all our divisions, which include general home products, delivery and installation, architectural products, interior design, and cabinetry. She also provides invaluable support to our clients and vendors, managing invoicing and payments seamlessly. Simply put, Brenda keeps everything on track and the wheels turning!

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Brenda takes immense pride in her role as a loving mother to Jared and Lauren and a doting grandmother to her three grandchildren—Cole, Drake, and Samantha. Alongside her husband, Wayne, Brenda cherishes every moment spent with her family, relishing the joys of grandparenthood.

At The Cottage, Brenda is more than a business manager; she is the beating heart that ensures our success, both professionally and personally.

Christopher Randel

Architectural Products Division Manager & Co-Owner

Christopher is both a co-owner of The Cottage, and manager, of the Architectural Products Division, which includes windows, interior and exterior doors, and motorized retractable screens from esteemed brands such as Marvin, Rehme Steel, TruStile, and Phantom Screens.

Christopher's extensive knowledge of various quality home products makes him an excellent resource for architects, contractors, designers, and homeowners alike during the critical design and selection process for a new construction or remodeling project.

Christopher holds a bachelor’s in computer information systems from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette. His pleasant demeanor makes any exchange with him pleasurable, and you'll feel like you've known him for years after only a few moments. He is known for going the extra mile for his clients, including contractors, and design professionals, to ensure all their needs are satisfied to every extent possible. He possesses a keen ability to problem-solve. Christopher also has extensive fenestration expertise that one can only gain from hands-on field service work, quote development, consistent product awareness, advances, innovations, and product offerings.

Christopher's years in the business and his experience evaluating various floor plans to determine the most beneficial product are yet another bonus of working with him. He will guide you through the selection process and help you choose the most appropriate design, features, and brand for the budget and construction timeline.

Christopher is the doting father of two beautiful young daughters, Mary Cabot and Caroline, and husband to the love of his life, Hayley. During his time off, you can usually find him enjoying time with his family, cheering on the Saints and the Tigers during football season, or on the golf course!

Contact the Cottage Architectural Products team, led by Christopher, for all your construction or remodeling needs. We'd appreciate the opportunity to assist you in making the best possible home product decisions for your family, project, budget, and timeline.

Katie Stanfield

Designer

Katie, a Minden, Louisiana native and graduate of Louisiana Tech University, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in interior design. With her keen eye for detail and boundless creativity, she brings spaces to life with purpose and energy. Her expertise in color theory, scale and proportion, lighting design, form and function, and space planning allows her to approach each project thoughtfully and innovatively. She stays up to date with the latest design trends and is dedicated to transforming her clients' visions into reality.

From stunning kitchens equipped with cutting-edge products and design techniques to inviting home offices, libraries, laundry spaces, and serene primary suites, Katie can help you create the perfect space to suit your needs. She believes in designing timeless, elegant spaces that make her clients feel special. As a devoted mother to her son Wyatt and a loving wife to Thomas, Katie taps into her understanding of family dynamics to create functional and comfortable designs that cater to the spatial needs of every family.

Katie's expertise goes beyond aesthetics. She understands the importance of organization, customization, storage, safety, and comfort. Her exceptional work was recognized by renowned appliance manufacturer Sub-Zero & Wolf, who awarded her the 2022 Kitchen Design Award. Katie's work has also been featured in blog articles by prominent brands such as Grothouse Lumber Company and Bentwood Luxury Kitchens.

Blog Article Link:
https://www.bentwoodkitchens.com/gracious-modern-kitchen-on-the-bayou/

Working with Katie means you can relax and trust that your space will reflect your unique style and ultimately bring you years of joy. With her diverse design background, she connects with clients on both a creative and practical level. You can rely on her expertise to guide you through the design process, ensuring you make informed decisions that fit your lifestyle and budget. Prepare for an enjoyable and enlightening design experience with Katie and The Cottage!

Contact her today! Let's make your dreams for a spectacular space come true!

Mary Patten

Director of Sales & Client Relations

Mary, a passionate Tiger fan and LSU graduate with a bachelor's degree in psychology, has been a dedicated member of the Cottage team since 2009. Known for her warm personality and keen eye for design, she brings a bright and welcoming energy to all who visit. As our Sales and Client Relations Director, Mary is committed to providing an extremely positive client experience.

With her extensive knowledge of top appliance brands, including Sub-Zero, Wolf, LaCornue, Miele, and more, Mary's expertise is unmatched. She works closely with brand representatives to stay up to date on special promotions, inventories, and emerging products. This ensures that our clients have access to the latest information when making decisions for their homes.

But Mary's dedication extends beyond her role at The Cottage. She serves on the Northwest Louisiana Homebuilder's Association board, chairs the Parade of Homes Committee, and is a member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). Her passion for life shines through her love for her husband, Jason, her two accomplished daughters, Kathryn and Victoria, and her adorable dog Gus.

You'll discover a wide selection of appliance brands and offerings when you visit The Cottage. And, of course, your experience will be relaxed, informative, and fun with Mary, who will guide you through our showroom and the many choices available and help you find the perfect options for your lifestyle and home. Prepare to leave with a smile on your face after meeting her.

Visit us at The Cottage and let us show you what we offer. Mary is eager to meet you and make your experience truly unforgettable.

Cole Nabors

Project Manager

Cole graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. He has worked in the construction industry for more than 19 years, 12 of which have been with The Cottage as our Project Manager.

As Project Manager, Cole leads our both our delivery and installation teams through various types of product installations including windows, doors, motorized screens, cabinetry, hardware and just about everything in between, regarding the home products provided by The Cottage. Cole plays a pivotal role in the daily successes of The Cottage, and in ensuring our clients are satisfied with their products, installation and their service.

Cole enjoys a challenge, which is probably why he is so extraordinary at what he does on a consistent basis for our clients and our team at The Cottage. His many years of problem-solving coupled with his ability to arrive at optimal solutions, both in the office, and in the field, affords us and our clients’ peace of mind in knowing that a project will be done correctly the first time.

Dare Gueyan 

Client Services Representative

Here at The Cottage, delivering exceptional customer service is fundamental to our business and what distinguishes us from the rest. Our unwavering commitment to providing a satisfying and captivating client experience is paramount in every interaction. From the very first encounter with Dare, we knew he would be the ideal ambassador for our brand's client services. Dare rapidly established himself as a paragon of stellar customer service and a master problem-solver.

A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) with a bachelor's degree in business administration, Dare spent several summers working alongside his grandfather at Standard Enterprises, a real estate business in Monroe, Louisiana. During this time, Dare honed his skills in old-school, client-oriented customer service, attentively tending to the needs of his grandfather's tenants.

Dare's innate ability to forge instant connections makes him a true delight to be around. His unwavering dedication to providing an outstanding client experience fills us with pride to have him on The Cottage team. Dare consistently goes above and beyond to ensure a positive Cottage experience for every client, establishing genuine personal connections along the way.

With Dare as an integral part of our team, The Cottage is primed to continue delivering the exceptional customer service that our clients have come to expect. Consider Dare as your very own Cottage concierge, always available to address any inquiries or concerns, including architectural product questions, order status updates, service requests, and delivery specifications. On occasion, Dare also handles architectural product sales in our showroom.

In addition to his role as Client Services Representative, Dare also serves as our resident IT specialist, an invaluable asset for any business. Dare's many talents are a boon, and we consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have him on board!

We encourage you to stop by and meet Dare during your next visit. We guarantee you won't be disappointed and feel like you've gained a friend for life! We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you to The Cottage soon.

John Hilliard

Sales, Quoting & Estimating Specialist

John joined The Cottage Architectural Products Division as the Sales, Quoting, and Estimating Specialist in 2021. And it's not just a cliché when we say everyone who meets John instantly adores him! His calm, positive, cheerful, and welcoming personality makes every interaction with him absolutely delightful. He always takes the time to get to know you, understand your project, and figure out what matters most to you.

Whether you're looking to boost energy efficiency, increase home value and curb appeal, stick to a budget, enhance the design, or want the best features, sightlines, and styling, John will work hand in hand with you to explore the various options and brands that align with your goals, needs, and desires.

Doors and windows play a pivotal role in the success of any new construction or remodeling project. Making the right decisions when choosing the perfect style that reflects and complements your home's architectural character can be the difference between a remarkable and regretful outcome. Luckily, John's expertise in the window and door industry, combined with his knowledge of top-notch brands like Marvin, Rehme Steel, and TruStile, featured by The Cottage, ensures you'll make the best choice for your home.

Not only is John a dedicated and attentive father to Frances (affectionately known as Frannie) and Beckett, but he also never misses an opportunity to boast about his incredible wife, Christine (CC). His most treasured moments are spent with his beautiful family and lifelong friends. You might even catch him enjoying his hobbies of fishing, hunting, or hitting the golf course in his spare time.

Reach out to The Cottage today and embark on an exciting journey of exploring a wide array of high-quality window and door options. With John or any member of our Architectural Products team by your side, we guarantee a service experience that exceeds your expectations.

Oh, and be sure to ask John about scheduling a virtual walk-through of your project once you've finalized your selections. It's the perfect way to confirm your decisions before placing your order and ensures complete peace of mind.

We can't wait to assist you in turning your vision into reality. Contact us now!

Kimbi Johnson 

TILE, STONE & FLOORING DESIGN & SALES CONSULTANT

Kimbi joined The Cottage team in 2021, bringing with her an exceptional eye for design and meticulous attention to detail. Her warm and welcoming nature ensures that everyone feels at home. Focusing on personalizing design projects and creating spaces that speak to their occupants, Kimbi goes above and beyond to ensure visitors and clients walk away with tile, stone, and flooring selections that exceed their expectations.

What sets Kimbi apart from other consultants is her remarkable ability to listen, effectively communicate, and envision the perfect transformation for any space. During her time at KS Designs, she successfully collaborated with the lead designer on numerous residential projects, leaving a trail of ecstatic clients in her wake.

Always staying up-to-date with the latest trends and top-of-the-line tile, stone, and flooring products, Kimbi is committed to providing clients with nothing but the best. Her passion lies in helping clients bring their design dreams to life, whether it be a modern masterpiece, a timeless classic, or something entirely one-of-a-kind.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Kimbi finds joy in being an exercise enthusiast, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and cherishing time spent with loved ones. When she's not cheering on her sons, Whit, Wyatt, Walker, and Westin, in their various endeavors, she actively volunteers with multiple organizations such as Cumberland Farms, Royal Family Kids, and her local church, Northpoint Community Church.

Kimbi's vibrant and charming personality is contagious, instantly winning the hearts of everyone she meets. Every project becomes a delightfully light, joyous, and exhilarating experience with her. Her ultimate goal is to ensure optimal outcomes for Cottage clients and their families. Don't hesitate to reach out and discover the transformative power of Kimbi's expertise. Visit our showroom or give her a call today!