April 24, 2019

Text: Jesse Dorris

Contour’s Nina Magon Looks to Hollywood for Marlowe Highrise in Houston

Marlowe is a sleek addition to downtown Houston, with 20 floors comprising 96 residences and 8 penthouses, brought to life by developers Randall Davis and DC Partners and architect Powers Brown. But for its 4,300-square-foot lobby, bar, and lounge and 6,500-square-feet of corridors, Contour Interior Design’s Nina Magon turned westward—all the way to Tinseltown.

A Durkan rug with a chandelier and sofa by Restoration Hardware define the lobby seating area, with a coffee table from Seasonal Living and porcelain tile fireplace surround by Thorn Tree. Photography by Julie Soefer.

Guests are greeted with images of some the mid-20th century’s most famous leading men, including Paul Newman and Marlon Brando, captured in digital prints on a custom rotating metal frame. A mirrored ceiling offers a chance to compare one’s own visage against those of the greats, while a nearby bar with a ribboned ceiling is the perfect place to drink it all in.

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A slab of porcelain tile forms a reception desk, beneath pendants from Restoration Hardware. Photography by Julie Soefer.

In the lounge area, a double-sided steam fireplace and black glass dividers carve out three seating spaces filled with Magon’s custom furniture in regency-style grays and creams enriched with touches of emerald and marble. And it’s all located below a sloped parking garage, in case the inspiration to head west becomes irresistible.

Read more: Eagle Lofts by Slade Architecture: 2018 Best of Year Winner for Apartment Lobby/Amenity

A lounge area adjacent to the lobby boasts a banquette covered in Clarke and Clarke velvet, TemaHome tables, and custom poufs covered in Pindler and Pindler fabric. Photography by Julie Soefer.
A lounge includes a custom table, sofas, and chandelier with a Durkan rug. Photography by Julie Soefer.
Metal ribbons form the bar’s ceiling; the stools are by Elle Decor. Photography by Julie Soefer.
Near the bar, a painting by Jenny Hager hangs above custom chairs and a table by Sunpan. Photography by Julie Soefer.
In the entrance, a chrome logo is reflected in the faceted stainless-steel ceiling. Photography by Julie Soefer.

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