Houston-based design firm Nina Magon Studio has completed Eleven Eleven cocktail lounge, an immersive sanctuary rooted in the artisanal soul and seductive energy of Mexico City.
Located in Houston’s vibrant Montrose neighborhood, the space serves as a modern reinterpretation of Mexican heritage, complemented by a menu developed by Michelin-starred chef Emmanuel Chavez and a beverage program crafted by the bartenders of Mexico City’s legendary Handshake Speakeasy.
Beneath a sculptural canopy
Rather than simply replicating traditional Mexican aesthetics, the firm sought to capture the emotional and primal essence of the country’s landscape through a fresh architectural lens.
The defining centerpiece of Eleven Eleven is a dramatic sculptural dome inspired by the sacred cenotes of Mexico. Suspended elegantly above the bar, this form creates an intimate, cavernous canopy that immediately grounds the space.
To further blur the boundaries between architecture and art, Venetian plaster was applied across walls, ceilings, millwork, mirrors, and architectural openings, turning the entire envelope into a continuous sculptural composition.
Earthy textures and handcrafted details abound
To offset the monolithic plaster envelope, the interior design introduces warmth and tactility through custom wood interventions, including sculptural partitions, bespoke furniture detailing, and artisanal lighting installations.
Layered earthy greens, oxidized tones, warm taupes, terracotta hues, and muted stone textures work in harmony to echo the raw beauty of the Mexican landscape, while vintage Mexican pottery is displayed within illuminated niches, acting as a quiet nod to handcrafted tradition and artisanal heritage.
The cinematic flow of Eleven Eleven
Organic movement defines the spatial journey at Eleven Eleven, where guests are guided through curved corridors, layered thresholds, and illuminated architectural voids that encourage discovery. Sculptural mirrors and concealed lighting accentuate the curvature and deep shadows of the room, allowing the architecture to feel deeply experiential.
This immersive narrative extends into the restrooms, which are defined by terracotta plaster finishes, checkerboard flooring, integrated greenery, and handcrafted detailing.
“Eleven Eleven is about emotion, atmosphere, and total sensory immersion,” says Nina Magon, founder and principal of her eponymous firm. “We wanted to create a space that feels transportive from the moment you enter, where every curve, material, shadow, and texture carries intention. The project draws from the spiritual depth, craftsmanship, and raw natural beauty of Mexico, but reinterprets it through a highly architectural and contemporary lens.”
