Lawson's Finest Taproom and Retail Space, Another Great Interior Design Project Completed

I find myself still in awe of this amazing project and the owners of Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Karen and Sean Lawson. It was hands-on from start to finish and I enjoyed every moment of it. The architect, Austin Designs, created this incredible timber frame design, that Mad River Post and Beam built, that I planned the interior design from… the layout of the bar, bathrooms, seating and retail store. Working hand and hand with Karen and Sean, Austin Design and Ruggco Builders, together we created a warm and inviting welcoming environment for guests to enjoy their craft beers.

Everything from paint colors, to types of wainscoting, to finishes, fixtures, seating, custom lighting and more…there were hundreds decisions to make. Being able to incorporate numerous local sources and artisans was extra special. Warren Pieces for the custom wood furniture and bar, Conant Metal and Light for the two custom light fixtures, Simon Pearce for the hand blown glass (which Karen and Sean got to blow themselves), Erin Bundock for the commissioned artwork piece, Sparky Potter Design Group for all the signage and painted sun on the retail doors, Vermont Verde for the incredible slab stone pieces, Vermont Slate for the retail store and entrance flooring, along the bar wall and railing and Select Design for the branding pieces. There were many more local companies we worked with and we appreciated their skill and talent.

Karen and Sean started Lawson’s Finest Liquids in 2008, and Sean has been brewing for over 25 years which he began in college at UVM! Their beers are highly rated in the national craft beer scene. They are best known for their luplin-laden India Pale-Ale, Sip of Sunshine.

THIS IS AWSOME… No tip policy - Lawson’s Finest Liquids has chosen to pay their staff generous living wages with full benefits. There is no tip obligation when guests come to the taproom. However, if guests choose to leave a gratuity, 100% will be donated to local charitable endeavors. Since they have opened their charitable program has donated to Mad River Valley Food Shelf, Mad River Valley Community Fund, Mad River Valley Seniors/Meals on Wheels, Mad River Valley Ambulance Service, Green Mountain Club and the current organization is the Washington County Mental Health Services. To finish out the month of January all proceeds will go to VT Adaptive Ski and Sports. Since October 2018, the Lawson’s Finest guest charitable program has donated over $84,000! Kudos to you guys!

So happy that Karen and Sean were not only a joy to work with, but very open to my creative ideas — including the light fixtures and sunshine retail counter!

Creating unique seating spaces throughout the taproom was a little challenging, because not only did I have to think about maximum capacity, but flow for seating and ordering (for a very busy space) and having seating for groups and individuals alike. Between the bar seats, the chairs by the fireplace (near the kid’s play area), the 4 top tables by the windows, and the higher two-tops by the bar and the beer hall picnic tables and the bar rails…I’m hoping we have it covered.

The Contant Metal and Light and Simon Pierce Glass custom light fixture is one of the WOW factors in the space.

Cheers Folks! To another fun project completed. Now time for that beer!

All Photos by the Talented Alana Cushman, Marketing Coordinator at Lawson’s Finest Liquids.

Thank you! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Our Short Holiday Letter :)

As always...the year flew by... Gabrielle is now in her second year at the University of British Columbia working on a degree in Biomedical Engineering and enjoying Vancouver. Thankfully she came home for the summer and worked as a launch driver at the yacht club (and getting all her wisdom teeth out but still managed to retain her wisdom!). Steve is now a bionic man with a new hip (I have realized my nursing skills only last about a week...although he needed about four weeks to recover -- thank goodness he made his own meals and froze them -- if you haven't heard about my cooking skills -- that should make them very clear).

And just to make this a proper holiday letter... our car was stolen (oh yes...in Montreal...never to be returned...), we had an evasion of little bugs from my bird seed bag (that was fun), and many other trials and tribulations (like everyone else), but some to close to the heart to mention.

Which makes us appreciate the good stuff even more... Gabrielle traveled through Peru with a friend staying at hostels and exploring for two weeks before she started her summer job (she and her friend planned the entire thing and paid for it themselves).She took some amazing pictures (and I'm not just saying that because I'm her Mom) and posted them on her Instagram site, Gabrielle Goes Global. Steve sailed all summer long...and if you know how long Vermont winters can be -- you would too! ;) My twin travel adventures continue--Rosanne and I went to Italy (hiking, eating, drinking the wine... and the shopping...finding antiques and salvage in every stop). My new book, Styling with Salvage, came out in April, and I spent some time zooming across the nation, giving presentations and book signings, including Rejuvenation in Portland, Oregon, Vermont Distinguished Authors Series and all five Country Living Magazine Fairs--from Nashville to New York to Ohio (twice) and Atlanta--always a thrill! The response to the book has been phenomenal! Thank you! 

Tons of great press, dozens of articles and mentions, including Country Living Magazine naming me one of the top creative people in the nation and DIY Network calling me a "creative genius" in a recent feature article.  (Genius is not a word I am accustomed to being called...but I'll take it!)  And amidst it all, I had so many great design projects.

Thank you for all your support and for following me on this crazy journey called life. I really hope that you get to spend time with your family, relax and enjoy each other's company. I've posted a few HOLIDAY DIY'S on my Instagram. A family that crafts together...well, I don't know...but it's a lot of fun! 

I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
xoxo Joanne  (cin cin)