Uncommon Grounds - An old Victorian home turned coffee shop with period appropriate lighting
Number 4 on our list leads us to an old Victorian home turned coffee shop on Hennepin Ave.
This beauty is sandwiched in between industrial, brick buildings on the main stretch of Hennepin.
Pushed back a little ways, with a quaint patio that sits out on the front lawn, this Victorian home has remained exactly that…
A home.
The integrity of this building has remained intact. If it wasn’t for the sign out front, you would not suspect this to be anything other than an old historic home.
And that’s how they want it.
When you walk in, you are transported back into the Victorian era.
Literally.
I’m talking:
- Period appropriate wall paper
- Original crown molding around every door frame
- Well-loved, green velvet booths
- Velvet seated wooden chairs
- Period paintings of fruit and greenery
- Fake ivy plants and trees scattered about
- Timeworn carpet
Nothing is from the modern era.
Including the lighting.
Rather than put in modern fixtures, everything has remained consistent with the age of the home.
The only thing to remind you that you are in the 21st century is the modern music that plays throughout the house.
The lighting is minimal. And when I say minimal, I mean MINIMAL.
I’m talking, put you to sleep in 5 minutes, minimal.
So prepare yourself.
This is not a place to go if you are feeling drowsy.
Well, I take that back. If you’re a fan of sleeping in public then this may totally be your jam.
And if that’s your jam, then more power to ya.
But the lighting consists of antique lamps scattered throughout the three little alcoves that hold the seating.
And “lighting” is a generous term. I would say it’s more of a glow that equals the amount of light a single wick candle gives off.
If it wasn’t for the single, large, pane window at the front of the home, and several smaller pane windows throughout each room, I’m not sure anyone could maneuver through the house without bumping into things.
The lighting here is not meant to be a visual assistant, but rather a very distinct mood setter.
Now, listen carefully. This is NOT a bad thing.
In fact, it’s really quite wonderful!
You won’t find another coffee home (see what I did there? Cause it’s in a home?) like this one.
The true character of the home shines through in every muted detail.
And the character is so uniquely its own.
There’s no replicating this beauty.
***
The best thing about this home however, is the coffee. Or in my case, chai.
Two words.
Orgasmic Chai.
(That’s the name of it. I swear. I’m not just being oddly dramatic.)
It will change your life.
Read: Top 5 Coffee Shops With The Best Lit Ambience - Part 1
Read: Top 5 Coffee Shops With The Best Lit Ambience - Part 2
Read: Top 5 Coffee Shops With The Best Lit Ambience - Part 3
Read: Top 5 Coffee Shops With The Best Lit Ambience - Part 5
