Renowned designer Nina Magon, now U.S. Ambassador for Maison&Objet, shared her inspiring journey in design, with exciting announcements about her ambassadorial plans set for later this spring.
January 16, 2025鈥擱enowned interior designer and business magnate , celebrated for her bold and timeless designs, shared exciting insights and upcoming announcements during her appearance at in Paris. Appointed the U.S. Ambassador for the prestigious design fair mid-last year, Magon spoke about her journey, her vision for design, and her new role in promoting cross-cultural collaboration in the industry.
During her talk, Magon captivated the audience with her inspiring story of evolution from an economics and finance graduate to an internationally acclaimed designer. Reflecting on her upbringing in Canada and her early career in Houston, she recounted her transition from retail to interior design after discovering her passion for creating impactful spaces.
鈥淒esign isn鈥檛 just visual anymore; it鈥檚 an experience that touches all five senses,鈥� Magon emphasized.
She illustrated how she integrates bold, modern aesthetics with cultural storytelling to create luxurious spaces for clients ranging from celebrities to royalty. Now as the U.S. Ambassador for Maison&Objet, Magon aims to foster global collaboration and innovation in design.
鈥淔airs like Maison&Objet and Salone bring cultures together, highlighting the beauty and diversity in design,鈥� she said.
She also praised the fair鈥檚 鈥�Women in Design鈥� initiative, which seeks to empower female creators in a male-dominated field.
Behind the Role of U.S. Ambassador for Maison&Objet
As the U.S. Ambassador for Maison&Objet, Nina Magon has taken on a dynamic role beyond being a spokesperson for the prestigious design fair. Her position is deeply rooted in fostering cross-cultural connections, championing inclusivity, and highlighting the transformative power of design on a global stage.
At the heart of this role is Magon鈥檚 mission to bridge the gap between the American design community and the international audience Maison&Objet attracts each year. She is responsible for spotlighting the creativity, innovation, and talent of American designers while encouraging collaboration across borders.
鈥淒esign is a universal language,鈥� Magon shared. 鈥淚t鈥檚 incredible to see how different cultures can inspire each other when they come together.鈥�
Part of her ambassadorial duties includes promoting initiatives like Maison&Objet鈥檚 鈥�Women in Design,鈥� a platform dedicated to elevating female creators. Magon鈥檚 efforts aim to inspire and support women navigating a male-dominated field, especially those from minority backgrounds.聽
鈥淏eing a woman and a minority in this industry, I know how important it is to create spaces where diversity is celebrated, not just acknowledged,鈥� she emphasized.
Beyond advocacy, Magon is helping shape the future of the fair itself. She is an active voice in Maison&Objet鈥檚 strategic discussions, offering her perspective on how to keep the event relevant and engaging in a rapidly changing industry.
Nina Magon鈥檚 Design Journey: A Story of Discovery and Resilience
Nina Magon鈥檚 path to becoming a celebrated designer is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and relentless determination. Born in Saskatchewan, Canada, Magon grew up surrounded by a family of entrepreneurs. Moving to Houston as a young adult, she initially pursued a career in economics and finance before discovering her passion for design.
Her entry into the world of interiors came unexpectedly when she opened a European lingerie store in Houston. During this venture, she realized her true love wasn鈥檛 the merchandise but the space itself:
鈥淚 found myself obsessing over how to design the store,鈥� she recalled.
That realization sparked a bold pivot, leading her to enroll at the Art Institute of Houston to study interior design.
Magon鈥檚 first significant step into the field came through her family鈥檚 real estate business, where she began designing model homes. Her ability to transform spaces with a unique blend of modernity and cultural richness quickly gained attention, earning her high-profile clients, including international royalty.
鈥淚t was about more than just making a space look good,鈥� Magon said. 鈥淚t was about creating an emotional connection with everyone who walked through it.鈥�
Despite her rapid rise, the journey wasn鈥檛 without challenges. Magon faced barriers as a woman, a minority, and an Indian designer in an industry that often prioritizes established norms over fresh perspectives.
鈥淏reaking through cultural and gender stereotypes was incredibly difficult,鈥� she shared. 鈥淏ut those obstacles taught me resilience and gave me a greater appreciation for my journey.鈥�
Today, Magon鈥檚 work is celebrated for its boldness and emotional depth. She incorporates cultural storytelling and sensory experiences into her designs, ensuring each space feels as meaningful as it is luxurious. Her ability to merge functionality with a daring aesthetic has made her a sought-after name in residential, commercial, and hospitality design.
From Houston to Paris, Magon鈥檚 story is one of evolution, perseverance, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Now, as the U.S. Ambassador for Maison&Objet, she stands as a pillar of inspiration for designers worldwide, proving that success in design is not just about vision鈥攊t鈥檚 about courage and tenacity.
Redefining Spaces: Residential and Commercial Design Excellence
Nina Magon has built a reputation for crafting transformative spaces that blend bold aesthetics with functionality. Her residential projects reflect her philosophy of marrying modern luxury with deeply personal storytelling.
鈥淓very space I design is an extension of the people who inhabit it,鈥� she shared, emphasizing the importance of creating environments that evoke emotion and connection.
She spoke about her work on a sprawling estate in California, where she incorporated modern architectural lines with warm, textured materials to create a home that is both luxurious and welcoming. She also referenced a high-rise penthouse in Miami, where she introduced bespoke furniture and curated art pieces to complement the breathtaking ocean views.
Her commercial work further exemplifies her innovative approach to push boundaries and create environments that leave lasting impressions. Whether designing a luxury hotel or a contemporary office space, she incorporates elements that elevate the brand鈥檚 identity while providing an inspiring atmosphere. As Magon put it,
鈥淎 well-designed commercial space tells a story鈥攐ne that lingers long after you鈥檝e left.鈥�
She shared the story of designing the interiors for a Michelin-starred restaurant in Houston. Here, she utilized rich colors, custom lighting, and tactile materials to create a dining space that immerses patrons in an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication. Additionally, her work on a boutique hotel in New York infused personality into shared spaces, blending bold patterns and innovative layouts to deliver an unforgettable guest experience. These projects underscore Magon鈥檚 versatility and her commitment to produce an original effect.
