Baroque hair: interiors inspiration

When Terry Sowerby and Thomas O’Brien decided to open their second Aveda salon, they set out to create a haven of comfort and opulence. A character-rich historic building in the Yorkshire town of Ripon proved the perfect site for their vision to be realised, and in summer 2014, Baroque Hair was born. Originally the town’s post office – and later a night club – the building’s interior needed totally ripping out, providing a blank canvas on which to create a light airy space that also managed to offer intimacy. The 2,000 sq ft floor is divided using impressive ornate dressing tables that create privacy without isolation. Each dressing table features a large, Baroque-style mirror, in keeping with the overall image of the salon. A 500 sq ft reception and retail area greets guests as they arrive. The zone features a large French chateau-style dining table with matching chairs functioning as a "community style" waiting area, as well as an open consultation table. A nearby refreshment area has leather sofas where "guests of guests" can relax with an Aveda or herbal tea, a freshly-ground coffee, fruit juice, or even a wine or a beer. The retail area – with its full range of Aveda products – sits on a polished concrete floor. It is cleanly and crisply presented to make retail choices an easy and pleasurable process. The salon’s working area is light and vibrant and its limed oak flooring contrasts with the reception’s polished concrete. Being affiliated to Aveda means much environmental consideration has been given to Baroque’s design. "Because we purchased the building and gave it a complete refit, we were able to design it to be extremely energy-efficient,” explains Terry. “All the external walls have been insulated along with the roof sections. The water is heated with a highly efficient gas-condensing boiler with a pressurised water storage tank, giving high pressure and a high volume of hot water at a fraction of the cost of electrical heating." Wherever possible, LED lighting has been used, which, as well as being efficient, gives a warm crisp light. Next on the agenda for 2015 is developing two beauty rooms at the rear of the building – set to be designed around themes of opulence and decadence, with panelled walls and rich, earthy colours.

Baroque Hair: In Pictures

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Baroque Hair: In Brief

Name: Baroque Address: 22-23 North Street, Ripon, North Yorkshire Owners: Thomas O’Brien and Terry Sowerby Size: 2,000 sq ft