THE PERKS OF CREATING A COFFEE HOUSE AT HOME
It’s often our go-to first thing in the morning, a necessity when entertaining and certainly a best friend for many throughout the workday.
Coffee, latte, espresso and many other caffeine brew drinks are a staple in most adult lives. I didn’t start drinking coffee until my late 20s but when I did, I went all out. I’ve always designed the convenience of a coffee station into any of my homes over the years. I love to incorporate my beloved java into my lifestyle. I’ve got a small machine in my home office, a built-in coffee machine in my dressing room (honest) and, of course, a machine in the kitchen that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you crave an easy and inexpensive cuppa or an over-the top demitasse, here are a few of my favourite suggestions for bringing café perks to your own home.
FIRST STOP: COFFEE STATION
Are you a coffee entertainer or lone sipper? Knowing how you consume and serve your favourite beverage will help you plan the location for your coffee station and all the accoutrements you’ll need. Ask yourself, where do you enjoy having coffee? If you love to entertain, then your main coffee centre needs to be where the action is. Whether built-in or free-standing, adding a coffee machine at the rec-room bar, kitchen island or near your dining room ensures serving will be a breeze. If you love to wake up and read the weekend paper in bed, treat yourself to a coffee centre close to the bedroom, like in the dressing room or spare room/office, to save you a trip down to the kitchen. Do you sip on coffee all day? Perhaps a single-brew style or a small pot brew is just for you. Consider an insulated mug or heated coaster to keep your bevvie at the ideal temperature between refills. Many coffee machines are now Apple and android friendly, allowing you to pre-schedule brew times so a fresh hot cup of java is ready when you are.
BUDGET BREWING IN SMALLER SPACES
Squeeze in an at-home café adjacent to your home office or guest bedroom. A slim console table in the hallway between bedrooms or near the home office is the perfect way to create a coffee centre for guests or a co-worker who might be at your place during a long work project. Or outfit a hutch in a guest room with a small coffee maker, mugs and accessories. A mini fridge close by will ensure water and milk are always at hand while you work or guests enjoy some quiet time in their room.
BREW UP IN STYLE
Are you brewing to impress guests? Want to show off your barista skills to your family and friends? Take a class and learn about entertaining with espresso cocktails, latte art and more. Once you have the techniques, you can decide what machine and accessories you’ll need. Java tip: When shopping for a coffee machine, look for a brew-strength option so you can customize each person’s beverage preferences.
ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES FOR AT-HOME CAFÉ FANATICS
First-class foam: Foamed milk is the trick to creating luscious coffees, hot chocolates and desserts. Nespresso’s Barista Milk Recipe Maker ($299) lets you prepare cold or hot frothed milk. You can pre-program fave milk preferences with its integrated touch screen and connected app. I love the cold frothed milk — delicious over fresh summer berries!
Lattes to go: Saying goodbye to house guests? Hand them a fancy coffee as they walk out the door. Recyclable cup and lid kits (Solo Café to Go cups with lids, $6 for 20 at Walmart) let you give guests java to go.
My backup: Instant coffee is a great option for cooking and baking, travelling and camping, or when you run out of fresh. I like Starbucks Via Instant Coffee, which costs less than a dollar per cup. It comes in portion sizes ideal for the travel bag or glove compartment.
Do you have a decor dilemma or want to give feedback? You can contact Karl on Facebook or Instagram at Karl Lohnes Designer. Karl has worked as a home decor expert and product designer for 25 years. He appears Thursdays during the 8 a.m. hour on Global News Morning Montreal.