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1. Invest in a coffee machine

It sounds obvious, but the absolute king of essentials for coffee lovers is, of course, a coffee machine. 

While pricey, a good coffee machine is an investment that pays for itself. Over time, you’ll find yourself saving more than you spent on takeout coffee or expensive, eco-unfriendly pods. Coffee machines also look great in every kitchen!

To get the best bang for your buck, think about what functions you need to meet your needs. For example, if you’re living alone or don’t have much countertop space, a smaller and simpler machine may be more than enough. Prefer your coffee black? In that case, there’s not much point in paying extra for a milk compartment.

On the other hand, if you’re from a household of coffee addicts, you may want to consider investing in a device outfitted with all the bells and whistles including (but not limited to): barista-style milk frothers, self-cleaning features, multi-bean compartments, and even artificial intelligence that can help you fine-tune your brew!

If you’re stumped on where to start, we recommend checking out brands that are well-known in the coffee industry, such as DeLonghi, Nespresso, Krups and Illy.

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2. Find some beautiful coffee mugs

Ask any coffee lover, and they’ll tell you that the best cafes put as much thought into their atmosphere as their coffee.

To really add that cafe touch to your home setup, try livening up your space with an eye-catching mug or two. Complementary colours, pleasant patterns, unique materials (such as wood or stone), and unconventional shapes can all add to your cafe “vibe”.

Of course, utility is as important as style; consider also the features that your mug comes with. For example, some have built-in coasters, while others are insulated to keep your coffee at the perfect temperature. The possibilities are endless!

Convinced and ready to shop? Plenty of local thrift stores and indie sellers stock fun, whimsical and one-of-a-kind creations. Some may even be handmade! 

If you’re on the hunt for something more conventional, pop into your local Starbucks every now and then, as they frequently refresh their seasonal lineups.

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3. Coffee bean canisters for storage

You can’t have coffee without the bean. 

Experts say that coffee beans begin to lose their freshness as soon as they’re exposed to air. This is because these delicate little fellas are sensitive to oxidation. It stands to reason, then, that a proper storage container is of utmost importance for the best-tasting coffee.

Love that pretty packaging your coffee beans came in? Unfortunately, you’ll want to transfer your beans out of that gorgeous bag as soon as possible so they don’t go stale. Luckily, there are lots of equally aesthetic storage options out there.

Coffee bean canisters come in a myriad of varieties - from ceramic to stainless steel - so you don’t need to sacrifice style for functionality. However, a proper storage canister will always keep your beans away from the four evils: moisture, air, heat, and light.

What you’re looking for in a good storage option is a vacuum seal to keep out air and moisture, and an opaque construction, so those pesky light rays can’t touch your precious beans.

Coffee bean canisters don’t have to be branded. You can easily find decent ones in coffee speciality sections (which many cafes have), or on online malls such as Shopee and Lazada. If shopping online, always comb through the reviews and make sure that the seller is reputable!