Sunday, 17 April 2016

Best Small Condo Design Tips by The Peterson Group Bespoke Condominiums and Residences


Worrying about designing your small condo unit? Well, now you shouldn’t because this article will introduce you to a lot of designing tips prepared by The Peterson Group to help you achieve your specific needs. The following tips are based on various ideas of different individuals living in a condo unit from Singapore, Malaysia, Jakarta Indonesia, etc. You could apply all these to your condo or just select a tip or two.
1) Put mirrors to add more light, allure and illusion. In particular, use large mirrors to give the illusion of more space.
2) Spend a little bit of cash on a closet organization system. This will help you become more organized and save a lot of space.
3) Purchase at least two tall bookcases to arrange your small possessions that are likely to be scattered all over the place, such as books, letters, portable gadgets, etc.
4) Keep a careful eye on everything. Don’t store anything that you’re not using anymore.
5) You don’t need to be an expert to draw a floorplan, right? It doesn’t need to be complicated, just a few basic sketches will do. It can help you better manage the things you already own.
6) Try other colors. Dark brown gloss paint, along with other colors, can also make a room look bigger when combined with the right color furnishings. White is not the only option.
7) It’s possible to replace your dressers with a storage bed.
8) Having traditional freestanding dressers, cabinets and desks could occupy a large space in your condo unit, so consider getting built-ins and modular furniture systems to better utilize your space and organize all your storage needs in one compact area.
9) The excitement of furnishing your condo might trigger impulsive buying of the things you don’t actually need. Take it slow and don’t furnish it all at once. Begin with the most important things first, including a place to sleep such as a couch or a fold-down bed. The Peterson Group Bespoke Condominiums and Residences suggest that you should live with those for some time first before adding more stuff.
10) Make sure that the furniture blends in with the color of your floor or walls to create an illusion for the eyes (e.g. using a monochromatic color scheme)
11) Consider having an expandable dining table.
12) Use the space up to the ceiling by putting some floating shelves, or own shelves that were really tall but have a small footprint. These can help you better arrange your stuff in a small space.
13) Lightweight modern furniture is in demand nowadays because they’re easy to move and pick up. You might want to put this on your list because it’ll be a lot easier for you to move things around and match different purposes. Furniture with legs is likely to be less heavy than those sitting directly on the floor.
14) If you have an extra space in your wall, you can put large paintings into it to make your place more visually fascinating. Pick the ones with cool colors to make your space look bigger.
15) Take away something old if you have something new to bring in your place. Things are not meant to last forever so be smart in handling the space in your condo. Some people tend to keep their things with them because they believe that it might come handy someday.
16) Lots of lamps may do the trick. Having fewer lamps across the area can maximize the space in your condo. This will help the light to spread around and can help draw attention to the entire space you have, giving you a feeling of a bigger space in your condo.
17) Steer clear of the things that can take up floor space.
18) Ask yourself on how you’re going to use your house. Where are you going to place your working table? The dining table? For example, put the storage of your bills, letters, and magazines to the place where you’ll be dealing with papers and other cluttering things.
19) Space limits could be your number one enemy but if you handle everything beforehand, everything will be in order. Plan carefully the things you’ll need in your condo. Your overexcitement to buy the things you thought you’ll need is most likely the reason those things might be no longer needed in the end because of the small space.
20) If you’re alone in your condo and you spend most of your time in the living room and eating there becomes a habit, then you should purchase a coffee or side table that’s really comfortable to eat from. Minimize the space used in your dining area since you’re always in the living room.
21) You shouldn’t add more chairs just for the sake of the guests who might come over in the future. The seats you have for yourself, such as a couch, reading chair, desk chair, dining chair and a stool will be enough for six to seven visitors.
22) Walk into your condo and picture the things you wanted to see first. Focus on the neat sides of things since you don’t want to see the back of your TV from that viewpoint, right?
23) Look for the things with multiple purposes, such as an ottoman with a storage, a bookshelf chair, or a sofa wall bed. Dual purpose furniture for small space could bring a lot of benefit to you.
24) Some people thought that things are less cluttered if they’re behind glass, so a glass-front or a barrister bookcases are considered an option.
25) Small furniture for smaller rooms is also recommended because your condo unit could appear capacious with the help of those.
26) If you believe in the power of transparency, then you should go for acrylic furniture.
27) Maintain cleanliness in your condo all the time because no matter what you do with the furniture, nothing will do the magic if your space is messy.

With this, The Peterson Group Bespoke Condominiums and Residences wishes for a better and more comfortable condo living to everyone.

Thursday, 31 March 2016

How the Community Thrives

The Peterson Group Bespoke Condominiums and Residences ReviewBefore humans lived in cities, they formed closely-knit tribes or villages where almost everyone was related or knew each other as one knew a brother or a sister. Once the city arose, the closeness remained but greatly diminished and limited within the family circle or within certain locations where small associations where established within a community. Although the genuine intimacy and complete dependence on others which existed in tribes no longer exist, a semblance of closeness remained if only to satisfy certain social demands within these communities. This is not to say they lack the sincere and real associations of ancient tribes, only that one would not go to war against a neighbor’s enemies if called upon, although a few might.

The dynamics of residential associations is one delicate subject, if not for its complexity, its propensity to turn sour especially when finances and personalities are concerned. Many neighbors have parted ways because of misunderstandings about what and how projects should be put up for a neighborhood. Having a strong leader helps; but having people who have a deep appreciation of social dynamics and the history of human relations through the millennia will help.
How do we establish strong communities that can thrive in the modern setting?

  1. Leaders matter only when people become leaders themselves
We cannot be leaders all at the same time. But to learn how to become a leader is necessary in appreciating how to find a leader we can respect and follow. Often, our pride prevents us from seeing things through the eyes and minds of others. This is human nature. But, as in the case of a vocal oppositionist to a giant conservatory project in Cornwall, we should tell people what prevents us from supporting an idea or a project and say so; but that when the majority has chosen and decided on a plan, he will keep quiet and go with the decision. A naysayer or doomsayer is, in effect, a leader. A true leader will do well to listen to him or her. What matters in the end, perhaps, is that we should give each other a chance to prove ourselves and our ideas so that when the time comes for us to lead, others would also allow us the opportunity.

  1. People will give only when they expect something; but, sometimes, they give unconditionally
In times of crisis, people tend to give up their comfort and their belongings to help those in dire need. The community will rally behind a project or an idea once they see they can give of their time, money and effort and feel they have done a great service without expecting anything. Every strong community rejoices in the fulfillment of each and every completed event, whether a parade, a construction project, a social event or an emergency operation. Those that do not have a strong leadership tend to keep to themselves and fail to do something good for the community and for themselves. They may pay their dues and attend meetings regularly out of obligation; but their main focus is on their personal affairs. Perhaps, involving people initially in projects that can benefit them may break the ice toward doing more charitable work or social-outreach endeavors as a community.

  1. Assessing and upgrading the community’s involvement according to the demands of the times
Like clubs, many neighborhood associations exist only for themselves and their immediate concerns – parking fees, monthly dues, small community projects and holiday parties. A few might involve themselves with political or social issues that influence their businesses or their neighborhood. Rarely, however, will people invite resource speakers, whether from government, from the private sector or from religious or non-religious groups, to provide a continuing technical, cultural or intellectual input for their members.


A new vision for communities is required to uplift the minds and lives of their members. That vision can be achieved with people realizing that they have a common high-stake in the progress not just in their immediate surroundings but also in outlying areas and even in the entire world. Getting to know your neighbor might be the key to getting to know a bigger world out there. The Peterson Group believes in the need to strengthen and enhance the community.

Thursday, 17 March 2016

Steps to Redecorating your Bedroom

Decorating your rooms is not rocket science for those who know what they want to do with their space. For others, it can be a lot of struggle to identify which stuff to go where. Some people may also be sleeping into the same bedroom layout all the time of their lives. Well, I guess it is high time to redecorate and reshuffle your stuff. Besides, the year of the monkey promises nothing but prosperity for those who are willing to welcome new things and challenges. But there’s no need to hire some professional. Anyone can do the redecoration.

Here are some of the tips the Peterson Group Bespoke Condominium and Residences listed down for you:

1. Use only Necessary Stuff

Bed. Closet. Drawer. These are the necessary items needed in bedroom. Basically, a bedroom only needs a bed to fully function but since having this alone could make the room bare, it is highly important as well to know which piece to put. With this, it can make your room look more spacious. If your room is extra tiny, use taller dressers and shelves to get more storage while taking up less room.

2. Arrange the Furniture you have First

Warning: don’t buy additional furniture before you have definite plans on what to do with the furniture that you currently have. You may regret where to put it in the end.

3. Draw it out

The best way for you to plan is to foresee the placement and arrangement of your room. Even when you don’t know how to draw a perfect blueprint, a simple sketch will do. This way, you can review your plans when you are already starting to rearrange. You can also eliminate some options that won’t work without potentially scratching your floor or walls while moving your dresser for the zillionth time (believe me, it happens).

4. Think about Function

You cannot just merely draw a layout without thinking about the functionality of it all. Think about your lifestyle. Are you the person who would want to watch the TV before drifting to sleep? Or someone who use your drawer often? Take this into great consideration

About the Peterson Group

The Peterson Group Bespoke Condominium and Residences is an expert in providing luxury apartment and housing units to expatriates in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Jakarta, Indonesia. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.petersongroup.info/.

Thursday, 18 February 2016

Advanced Condo Living


Cities are currently packed with urban dwellers who come to the capitals to find good opportunities for work and perhaps to upgrade their lifestyle. Experts believe that two thirds of every country’s population is found in its urban areas. Indeed, both opportunities and challenges are presented in the cities. They are fertile ground for technology to grow, where science and art are bountiful and culture and innovation are reshaped. Leading the competitive race in urbanized civilization are the western countries which have proven time and again that they can advance before others.

Presently, however, Asian countries have shown great potential in modernized advanced living. Those which are considered already developed are Beijing, China, Seoul, South Korea, Tokyo, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. Surprisingly, their developing neighboring nations and their capital are striving to keep up. Among these are Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Jakarta, Indonesia and Taipei, Taiwan. These cities are now being flocked with opportunity seekers from different parts of the country with a little mix of foreign visitors.

Since people continue to pour in, construction of homes are also on the rise. The most appealing on the bunch of home choices, condominiums, is also on the pinnacle of its success.

Aside from the fact that it is more convenient and perhaps practical to choose condo living in the midst of the city, condominiums also offer class and sophistication most suitable for the modern lifestyle where your only complaint encompasses, say, the lack of yard, perhaps.

Real estate agent for The Peterson Group Bespoke Condominium and Residences, Alen Freeman states, “The competition in selling out condo units have become more exciting with the agents having a chance to choose as to whom to sell the unit to. People wanting to buy condos are just pouring in and preselling is at its highest point even when the construction is yet to be completed after 5 years or so”.

It may not entirely be a buyer’s market price wise but the race to sell has driven developers to come up with a variety of creative options to accommodate the increasing demand for more units. Various condo styles are currently available from studio units for either students or business professionals to condo fit for large families.

Moreover, today’s advanced technology has introduced smarter lifestyle for condo living. From 24/7 security protection to high quality maintenance tools and pre-furnished advanced installations, condo owners are assured that they are indeed living with the present generation.

Thursday, 4 February 2016

Condo Parking Facts

Many condo buyers think that once you own a condo unit, you also automatically own the parking space, without reviewing the terms and conditions. Although most condominiums give an entitlement to one parking space for each unit, some of those come with an additional fee. Other spaces are sold individually on a first come, first serve basis. Parking spaces are commonly considered as an exclusive amenity.

However, some condo administrations consider parking spaces as different entity from the amenities proper. They thus charge extra fee for whoever want to avail regardless if he is a tenant or not. In other times, parking spaces are sold separately from the condo unit. This means that “the title holder has absolute and complete ownership, including the right to sell, convey, or encumber the parking or garage space separate from the living unit itself. In some cases, parking and garage spaces are treated as common elements assigned by the declarant for use by a particular unit owner where no deed transfers are necessary”, as per Declaration of Convents, Conditions and Restriction or Condominium Declaration.

Indeed, regulations of parking space ownership are different on different condominium administrations. Yet, it is important for owners to know the basic guidelines in their parking spaces. The Peterson Group Bespoke Condominium and Residences, expert in providing expatriates luxury homes and residential in Singapore, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, defines parking spaces as free parcels, easement parcels, exclusive easement parcels and the right to use the areas. The company may address general, limited and special rights, maintenance, and other related matters. All of these factors affect the insurability of your parking space.

Exclusive rights declaration does not automatically mean you have the rights to sell your parking space. There are contracts where it is stipulated that “…no part of the appurtenant interests of any unit may be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of except as part of a sale, transfer or other disposition of the unit to which such interests are appurtenant”.


No matter how small the space we’re talking about, a parking spot is a huge concern for condo buyers and renters. It is often the basis for disagreements, rants, and complaints. If you own a car, it is best to know all your options before deciding. Talk to the administration or your realtor before plunging into any decision. It is best to review your developer’s parking rules as a way to avoid nightmares in your condo property. 

Thursday, 28 January 2016

Condo Trends for 2016

Now that we are starting well in 2016, the first thing that comes into mind is the new trends that would define the basics of condo living for those who would be redesigning or starting a condo life this year of the monkey. The Peterson Group Bespoke Condominium and Residences, expert in providing luxury condominiums and residences in Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Jakarta, Indonesia has prepared the list of possible trends that would surely mark 2018 all over your condo unit.

1. Room Definition is Back

Open room concept has dominated most designs in the last decade. Large, open living/dining/kitchen areas have all but become the norm now, both in new residential construction and remodels — and as with anything that becomes normalized, it begs to be reinvented yet again. 2016’s desired floor plans will involve more walls, especially when it comes to kitchens and dining areas. For those with prewar apartments: hang tight, because your smaller rooms will feel fresh again soon.

2. Minerals Are In

While polished minerals are a bit polished looking, this year, it can become more natural looking. Homes will be filled with jaded plates and bowls and big chunks of quarts will soon be displayed on dividers. Unpolished semi-precious stones turned into door pulls.

3. Pastels Will be Used in Kitchen

When dark and gloomy kitchen were the luxury emblem, pastel colors inciting comfort and easing pressure are the new in. According to Rose Quarts review, one of the most renowned designers in Singapore, the dreamy trend is set to skyrocket. The new kitchen pastels are quiet, calm and contemplative, not saccharine. Mid-tone greys will have a big place at 2016’s kitchen table as well, providing relief from past years’ moody darks and clinical whites.

4. Short Hung Lighting Fixtures Helps the Room Look Big

Since division of rooms is set to re-establish its glory, condo rooms may appear smaller. It is vital to create a larger impression of the room. With the help of short hung chandeliers or even internally installed lighting, bigger room perspective can be highly achievable. It can also make the ceilings look taller.

5. Zen Themes are Emerging

The greatest complaint of condo owners nowadays is stress and pressure from the workplace. Designers are continuously doing extreme with the introduction of Zen inspired themes integrated in modern homes. In 2016, relaxation is possible with this comfortable setting.

Monday, 18 January 2016

How to Go Green in Apartment Living

You’ll know when you are already in city when you see high-rise buildings and advanced modern technology. The people are also considered far more urbanized and posh in how they act, think and speak.

One more outstanding factor in urban living is the construction of different housing establishments either of condominium or apartment.  Indeed, these types of dwelling are already filling the cities to accommodate the growing density of population while people stagger on and about to find better opportunities in urban dwelling.

One thing is being missed though: the growth and spurge of the environment.

When you are in the city, it seems that thriving of nature does not have a place in it. Nevertheless, no matter where we are or whatever time of the year it is, we should always consider keeping Mother Earth in shape before all the environmentalists’ warnings come true.

Doing something does not need to be too drastic. The Peterson Group Bespoke Condominium and Residences, an expert provider of luxury homes and residential for expatriates in Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Jakarta, Indonesia, teaches us simple things we can do within our own apartments:

1.            Change of Electrical Usage
In Singapore where 80% of the buildings are eco-friendly, many condo developers offer a green power locator which uses energy efficient electricity using combined heat and power as well as renewable energy. If this option is not available to you, you can simple do your part by using electricity in minimal amounts only when necessary.  There is also an option to change your system into an eco-friendly one. Changing your system will typically cost you a few more cents per kilowatt hour but that can be offset by energy efficient appliances.

2.            Conserve Water
Make it your goal to consume less water. In an average, a single individual wastes a bucket of water everyday. You can minimize this by using water only when necessary and utilizing water conserving tools such as smaller shower heads

3.            Reduce Food Waste
According to reviews, 40% of the food ever produced in a country comes to waste everyday. Shop for only grocery items that you know you will use to reduce food waste, and opt for locally grown fresh foods.

4.            Reuse and Recycle

The world has started a campaign on reuse and recycle since early 1800s. We have been conserving energy equivalent to 230 million barrels of oil. Most apartments have this certain program as well. Take part on it.