Thoughtfully and artfully created to illustrate the multifaceted lives of our clients, Creative Tonic is a kaleidoscope of textures, tones, and prints. Our award-winning work has been recognized by renowned editorial teams including House Beautiful, Elle Décor, Luxe Interiors + Design, and PaperCity.
Courtnay Tartt Elias
MEET COURTNAY
FIG 1. Mr. Creative Tonic
FIG 2. Broadwick London
FIG 3. The Grande Damme
FIG 4. The Grande Dame
“Our world is a vibrant place, full of wild dreamlands— and, for as long as I can remember, I’ve felt compelled to surround myself with this energy.”
Our Approach
Serving clients nationwide, Creative Tonic is a full-service personalized interior design firm based in Houston, Texas. From architectural and construction consulting to full-home renovation and comprehensive design installation, Courtnay Elias Tartt and her talented team give voice to their clients’ vibrant lives through design.
With great artistic integrity and always grace under pressure, your home, your story, is brilliantly brought to life by Creative Tonic.
With great artistic integrity and always grace under pressure, your home, your story, is brilliantly brought to life by Creative Tonic.
THE TEAM
Trisha Thornton Allen
Lead Interior Designer
Since joining Creative Tonic in 2017, Trisha has become an invaluable asset to the team, bringing her expertise in modern design technology, a love for color, and a deep passion for design. Trisha’s detail-oriented approach and positive outlook have fostered cherished relationships with our wonderful clients and trusted vendors. Beyond the design world, Trisha enjoys indulging in quality time with her loving family.
Caroline Coulson
Procurement and Design Assistant
From growing up in Sugar Land to attending Texas State University, Caroline embodies Southern charm. After graduating, Caroline joined Upper Kirby Consignment, where she developed a love for high-end designer couture and a knack for building strong client relationships. With three years of design experience, Caroline’s versatile skills, “will do anything” attitude and sense of humor make her an invaluable asset to the Creative Tonic Team. She excels in client relations, vendor coordination, project management, and procurement, ensuring smooth operations, an organized office, and a positive environment. Beyond design, Caroline loves people, her kitty, and making others laugh.
Elaine Ellis
Director of Operations
For over a decade, Elaine Ellis has been an integral part of Creative Tonic, holding various administrative positions and now serving as our Business and Operations Manager. Her expertise as a professional organizer has been a tremendous asset, ensuring our office runs smoothly and efficiently. A proud Galveston native and University of Texas graduate with a degree in psychology, Elaine brings organization and insight to our team. Outside the office, she’s a world-class chef and baker who loves discovering new recipes and exploring different travel destinations.
Janssen Cain
Design Assistant
Born in Needville, Texas, Janssen graduated from Texas A&M University in 2022 before launching her design career in Kerrville. After several years of honing her skills there, she joined Creative Tonic in early 2025, just as a move to Houston aligned with the perfect opportunity. Known for her hardworking, reliable nature and detail-oriented approach, Janssen brings both patience and precision to every project. Her down-to-earth personality and kind, easy-going spirit make her a natural fit within the Creative Tonic team. When she’s not diving into design work, you can find Janssen on the pickleball court or hunting treasures at estate sales with an iced vanilla coffee in hand.
Lauren Riechmann
Personal Assistant and Design Assistant
Houston-born and raised, and a proud alumna of Memorial High School, Lauren grew up as a tomboy with three brothers, but always had a love for bold colors, sparkly jewelry, and an expressive style — a passion shared with her late mother. After years of working as an executive assistant, Lauren took a chance and stepped into the world of interior design; it was love at first “site visit!” Now working alongside Courtnay as both her personal assistant and as a design assistant for the team, she keeps the Studio’s creative chaos organized with her attention to detail, project management skills, and willingness to tackle any task with a smile. Outside the studio, Lauren loves to travel, chase new inspiration, and make the most of every moment.
