Austin Design-y place of the day...

...Roar Salon!

Located on the first floor of the Brazos Lofts in downtown Austin, Roar is the newest urban salon by famed stylist and colorist Rory McNeill. The April 18th opening marks his return to Texas after 7 years away in Chicago. McNeill became well known by coloring hair on FOX's Ambush Makeover show and TLC's "A Makeover Story" and was also voted best colorist in the city by Chicago Women Magazine. McNeill also opened his own stylish and well-respected salon in Chicago, Tousle Salon, which has garnered national press attention.

McNeill now brings his skill and talent to Austin and is doing so in a stylishly designed salon. Local designer Loren Jacobs has done an amazing job transforming the former art gallery into a luxurious yet modern retreat. The name "Roar" is a take off of the stylist's first name, Rory, and wonderful lion's head and paw details abound in the space.

Golds and oranges and an exposed brick wall bring an amazing sense of warmth into the space highlighted by the sumptuous chandeliers hanging in the space. Furniture is appropriately proportioned for the salon--not an easy task considering the long and tall dimensions of the space.



I think the salon's hallmarks are its abilities to have a luxurious and rich feeling, but keep the design simple. It's the attention to detail, not a bombardment of things, that creates the amazing feel in the space. You can tell every item and detail was heavily considered in the ultimate concept of the space.





My favorite element in the space? The ultra cute dressing room. With curvy molding, a pop of bright color and a sweet little claw foot table, this little gem is a neat little surprise for salon-goers.


Overall, the designer's ability to mix claw foot furniture and golds with sleek modern lines and glossy whites is a success and makes for a truly memorable experience.

They were extremely nice and let me poke around without an appointment, although would highly recommend pampering yourself if you get the chance!

ROAR is located on the first floor of the Brazos Lofts at 201 E. 5th Suite 107 (across the street from Eddie V's restaurant)

-adrienne