As you are looking to target DX11 but want some out of the box functionality for 2D stuff, why don't you take a look at the DirectXTK, it offers various things you'll likely be familiar with (from XNA): http://directxtk.codeplex.com/

Aimee

Why don't you want to explain your reasons for wanting to use DirectX11? Or will that give it away?

You can use Direct3D and fake 2D using an ortho view, which will be blazing fast if done correctly, should blow SDL and XNA out of the water. Alternatively you could use the new Direct2D which I've heard very little about. There are fewer resources available, and I'm not sure it's actually any easier to use than D3D

The thing is although Direct2D maintains interoperability with GDI/GDI+, he specifically stated DX11 and want's the ability to manipulate pixel data, Direct2D (a DX10 thing I believe) seems to lean more towards vector based rendering, it does offer this sort of functionality, but at the expense of mixing API's. If his intent is to release on the Windows 8 store or something similar, then I believe mixing Direct2D would cause a whole world of pain.

Just my two cents

Aimee