Founder and principal of Nina Magon Studio, Nina Magon, has turned her modern eye for interiors into a powerhouse studio managing over $500 million worth of projects. Magon delivers luxurious and unique residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, inclusive of a collection of lifestyle product designs. Her daring aesthetic infuses each design with her signature style by using bold elements, color, and timeless modernity. Her vast array of clients range from millionaire and billionaire residential clients to large brands which include Saks Fifth Avenue, Martha Stewart, Bergdorf Goodman, and Balmain Paris, in addition to a large number of developers all over the globe. She has been featured more than a thousand times across global publications such as Architectural Digest, ElleDécor, Interior Design Magazine, Hospitality Design Magazine, Luxe Magazine, House Beautiful, The RobbReport and Wall Street Journal to name a few.
Magon creates uniquely luxurious spaces and pieces inspired by worldly cultures, which excite the senses and deliver excellence to her discerning clientele. Her design journey was influenced by her family’s wordly travels that allowed her to be immersed in diverse design aesthetics which laid the foundation for her global approach to interiors. Nina began her career as a competitor on an NBC reality television show named American Dream Builders in which she competed against the top 10 designers from around the country and ended up as semi finalist, “Early in my career, being on NBC’s American Dream Builders was a pivotal moment. It led to opportunities such as the design of 51fifteen at Saks Fifth Avenue in Houston, where I pushed the boundaries of modern luxury design. This substantial opportunity to design such a prestigious project allowed me to blend bold, modern elements with timeless sophistication, which captured the attention of global brands and high-profile clients, propelling me into larger hospitality, commercial, and residential projects across the globe,” she explained.
Nina Magon Studio is rooted in bold modernism with a touch of old-world grandeur; a balance Magon refers to as forward-thinking modernity, “I seamlessly blend modern elements, custom creations, and curated pieces from around the world to create interiors that feel both timeless and innovative. Every space is crafted as a journey of discovery, with layers that reveal something new with each glance. Whether designing for residential or commercial spaces, I approach each project with a fresh perspective, drawing inspiration from my global travels and infusing my signature aesthetic of understated opulence.” she shared. “My heart is also drawn to simplistic modern design that embodies a harmonious blend of form and function, celebrating the beauty of minimalism while emphasizing the essence of space. It strips away the superfluous, inviting clarity and tranquility into everyday environments. By prioritizing clean lines, neutral palettes, and purposeful materials, this aesthetic fosters an atmosphere of understated elegance, where each element serves a distinct purpose, contributing to a cohesive and serene visual narrative. In its purity, it transcends trends, offering timeless appeal that resonates with my contemporary sensibility.
Her forward-thinking design approach emphasizes the seamless blend of classic architectural details with modern elements, whether it’s restoring a historical space or working on new construction. “For me, timeless design means incorporating enduring features like elegant millwork, balanced proportions, and traditional motifs that never go out of style, while modernizing the overall aesthetic with contemporary textures, clean lines, and innovative materials. This duality allows each project to feel both timeless and cutting-edge. In commercial projects we are generally limited by budgets, however, residential projects are extremely emotional and need to be handled with extraordinary client care. For commercial spaces, my priority is to create environments that not only reflect a brand’s identity but also deliver an immersive experience that captivates its clients. I focus on designing spaces that evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication while still being practical and functional.”
In commercial projects, Magon embraces a bold approach to ensure that the space makes a strong impression while incorporating innovative elements such as custom furniture, cutting-edge lighting, and thoughtful spatial planning that enhances the user experience. In residential projects, her approach is highly personal, curating spaces that not only meet the client’s lifestyle needs but also evoke a sense of lasting sophistication. “Whether working with a new build or an existing structure, I integrate classic design elements that lend a sense of permanence, while simultaneously layering in modern touches to ensure the space feels fresh and relevant. By combining timeless design principles with forward-thinking creativity, I ensure each project is both functional for today and elegant for tomorrow. Whether it’s a commercial or residential project, my goal is to create spaces that not only stand out but remain timeless while continuously pushing the design conversation forward,” she shared.
And when collaborating with a brand on a collection, Magon says it’s more than just aesthetics, it’s about storytelling and pushing design innovation, “My process begins with deep research into the brand’s ethos, its clients, and where I see an opportunity for unique, impactful products. From there, I design with my signature modern luxury aesthetic in mind; blending textures, forms, and materials that reflect both my design ethos and the brand’s vision. The final result is a collection that feels distinctly bespoke and thoughtful while pushing the design boundaries for luxury brands.”
Having worked on hundreds of projects, some of her favorite projects include ina Magon Lounge inside Zadok Jewelers in Houston, 51fifteen inside Saks Fifth Avenue and the BW Residence in San Francisco. Each of these projects allowed Magon to take creative control while implementing her unique visions that provide a luxurious feel authentic to the space. “The BW Residence in San Francisco remains my personal favorite. It was a deeply rewarding experience to transform a historic Queen Anne Victorian home into a contemporary, gallery-like living space while preserving its original charm. The project allowed us to seamlessly merge the old with the new, incorporating bold artwork and modern materials that complemented the home’s original architectural details. The result is a striking residence that speaks to the beauty of blending history with modern-day design sensibilities.”
Nina Mgon Studio has scaled to a team of 22 designers, each of whom brings a diverse range of cultural perspectives and unique skill sets to designs. With designers from different corners of the world all working together in one office, Nina Magon Studio’s is able to infuse its projects with global influences, enriching our approach to large-scale commercial builds, luxurious hospitality projects, and bespoke residential designs. This diversity is what allows Magon to tackle a wide variety of projects with creativity and precision.
Magon attributes her success to a relentless commitment to quality, attention to detail, and always challenging herself to think globally and innovatively. “My approach has always been to push the design conversation forward while staying true to my vision. For new interior designers, my advice is to remain authentic to your style but never be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Seek out projects that allow you to grow, learn, and work with clients who align with your vision. Invest in a team that supports and enhances your creativity, and never compromise on your core design principles,” she shared.
Nina Magon Studio is now venturing into yacht and aviation design while also exploring the idea of creating its own stand alone brand in the luxury realm of design.