Kansas City, Missouri
rocasalon.com

OWNERS: Rhonda and Rod Cavner
SALON STYLE: Hip, upscale, urban
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 8,000
STYLING STATIONS: 31
TREATMENT ROOMS: 7
TOTAL DESIGN INVESTMENT: $650,000
EQUIPMENT: Zurich Beauty, T4 Spas, Freestyle Systems
FURNITURE: Double C Industries
ARCHITECT: Sullivan Palmer Architects
DESIGNER: Rhonda Cavner
RETAIL LINES: Davines, Devacurl, Sojourn
COLOR LINES: Schwarzkopf, All-Nutrient

JUDGES COMMENTS:

“Pure magnificence from the inviting boutique to the full-length styling station mirrors to the biggest treatment rooms and pedicure thrones I’ve ever seen.” —Morehouse

“Glittery neutrals, cheerful accents and modern workspace come together for a stylish statement.”—Pelafas “A very vibrant, high-energy space.” —Jercha

“This salon radiates in opulence.”—Nunes

Urban Sleek

RHONDA AND ROD CAVNER admit they take a little secret pleasure in observing new clients as they come into Roca Salon and Spa. “Their jaws drop open a bit as they see the loft-like facility with its 18-ft open-rafter ceilings, ­ oor-to-ceiling waterfall bead curtains and luminous flooring,” says Rhonda. “Guest after guest says they’ve never seen a salon like this ever, and we’re happy to tell them it was created for them to enjoy.”

To create their dream, the Cavners purchased a stand-alone building, which was built in 1946 as a small neighborhood grocery store. Aside from making lasting impressions, the ‑finished salon also is a study in functionality. For example, a separate call center located on a balcony overlooking the retail area, allows the front desk to focus its attention strictly on arriving and departing guests. The salon portion of the space was designed to double as event space—styling stations may be unplugged from the suspended stainless-steel blowdryer platforms and rolled away, allowing for 1,500-square feet of open space alongside the reception area. A color lab, which transforms into a serving bar, boasts two commercial sinks, a beverage cooler and a dishwasher.

Upstairs, a solarium serves as a separate reception area for the spa, and individual treatment rooms were out‑fitted with private jetted showers. Here, the decor gives a nod to the owners’ time living in Hawaii with bamboo ­floors, tropical plants and a bamboo-pole pergola.

Of course, the Cavners seem to cherish a little element of surprise in their design. “The bonus wow factor is the entire styling area ­floor has embedded phosphorescent chips which cause the floor to glow in the dark when the lights suddenly go off!” says Rhonda.