Uncommon Coffee
Designers | Tim and Mary Sue Crowley
Location | Essex, VT, USA
Launch date | June 15, 2021
The challenge in designing this space was its size. How do you take a very large space (5200 sq.ft) and make it cozy and warm. Wood. For depth and softness of feel. Lots and lots of wood, from floor to ceiling. The goal was to make it “home” for all comers. Thus the couches, upholstered furniture, books and more books, plants to elicit a healing vibe, and a custom-tiled entrance using old-world tile with the logo “UN” embedded within for a feeling of permanence. One look up and the visitor is struck by the exposed exterior brick behind the roaster and the stuffed coffee bags hanging from the ceiling, serving two functions: celebrating the growers from around the world, and providing sound cushioning for the space. Efficiency was also a goal. Flow for the customer, and flow for the team serving them
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Another goal was to provide a mix of seating arrangements. Here today alone? No sweat. Single, stuffed chair with an end-table in the “curved, custom-built library” just for you. The shelves envelope you. Bringing your mother in for a cup of espresso? Lots of tables for two. Bringing your staff for coffee? The Uncommon Community Room awaits: not private, but not in a back room. Here to work? Conduct an interview? There is a space for everyone. We wanted every function to be transparent, visible, almost as demonstration space. Thus, the open kitchen, bar, and roaster. This was to both raise the accountability of the team, but also for the interest of the guest. It was designed to feel like a truly beautiful home. And it worked! We’re thrilled.
