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.

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.

Pros and Cons of Signing Up With the Peterson Group

In the past, condominium living has been disregarded as a good investment for a variety of reasons. However, this image has since changed dramatically. As people become urbanized, so is modern lifestyle which includes the patronization to the high rise of condo living. The cost for single family homes and townhouses also has risen to great value, hence the demand for more affordable condo housing.

Real estate companies which acts as intermediary between the buyer and the seller is prevalent in cities which have a high demand of urban dwelling.  They offer different approaches to attract buyers into trusting their companies. Almost all of them are adept to business jargons and linguistics as well as on how to play the game.

In developing Asia, one real estate company stands out above the rest.

The Peterson Group Bespoke Condominium and Residences focuses on providing expatriates with dwellings in the cities of Singapore, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With years in service, TPG, as it is being called among its members and partner properties, has provided hundreds of units and unique services to hundreds of expats starting their lives in the abovementioned cities. After years of servitude, however, it seems that the Peterson Group also has their share of complaints. The following are the pros and cons in signing up with them:

1.            Bespoke Services

The company claims special and unique characteristics from others through personalized and customized features and services they offer to clients.

Pro: You can customize the services you want to add in your stay such as personal chauffer, domestic maid, pet care, pet service, tutoring service among others.

Con: Complaints from other members include unsatisfactory performance from the people being hired

2.            Payment Scheme

Just like in any realty services, your agent is being paid through commissions. So you do not have to pay TPG for any unit you have availed. For instances where you have taken advantage of any special service,   the payment should be directed at TPG.

Pro: in case of any trouble for special services, TPG can immediately claim responsibility

Con: complaints regarding the unit proper would be directed to the condo developer. In a lot of cases, it takes a lot of review and necessary processes before getting approved, revised, or in critical issues, refunded.

3.            Membership

Signing up with The Peterson Group does not end on the exchange of unit keys. An association is built for expatriates under TPG’s expat program where annual gathering is being observed

Pro: You can meet new friends and be with people who are in the same shoes as you are

Con: you cannot easily get rid of any connection you have with the company

The Peterson Group Review: Home Trends to Watch Out for in 2016

The Peterson Group Review: Even though we are still far from the advent of hi-tech home modernizations we see on sci-fi movies, we are gradually nearing the easier and more advanced era through smart appliances and devices within our homes. Now that we are nearing the end of another year, we are also set to prepare for new ideas and trends that will soon enter the mainstream market. Before we change our calendars to 2016, let us take a look at some of the trends we should be expecting for the year of the monkey.

1. Texture is in
A lot of furniture in the near future may be filled with different textures of upholstery. Even the pictures on the wall may also have different textures to exude. Expect a lot of fraud fur in the markets and a settee on top of furs. It may be hard to vacuum but at least it is well coordinated with the new trend.

2. Floral is Back
Although it may be too gay but the once outdated floral designs are back on the rack. Floral, including dark ones will soon be reinterpreted and integrated with each other. From paintings to seat covers to table displays, 2016 will be blooming with these imprints.

3. Dramatic Colors are to take the center stage
From black to brown, these different hues will soon be the choice of colors for most luxury homes. Experts even emphasize the use of color shades mostly found in caves to be the new colors of sophistication, modernization and glamour. Shiny colors will also gain attention to complement these dramatic colors. Inlaid silver linings to gold hues are to shine.

4. Blue is the New Black
Since black gets an everlasting fame, it will forever be in the trend. Yet, in 2016, black that complements all colors will soon make way to another dominating color in the wheel. Blue will soon create a big color story. From navy to indigo to denim shades, blue will be the next denominator.

About The Peterson Group
The Peterson Group Bespoke Condominium and Residences is one of the leading providers of luxury homes for expatriates in Singapore, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Our services include special services in pet care, personal chauffer, regular domestic housework and other special requests.

Simple and Achievable Bedroom Tips

Our bedroom is the first place we wake up to and the last place we end up at every day. Most of us consider this place as our most favorite space. It houses our dreams and helps us with different realizations. It also provides comfort, security and privacy. It is therefore of dire importance that we treat it with high regard.

However, a lot of people take their bedrooms for granted. Clutters are everywhere and items are mismatched. They have either intended it that way or they just don’t know what to do with their things. Yet, we have to understand that a cluttered surrounding can affect the way our mind works. If you tend to complain on the way your room is being arranged without doing anything about it, you might also tend to complain on how the world works without contributing anything good.

Understanding the role of bedrooms for our growth and development, The Peterson Group Bespoke Condominium and Residences, expert in providing luxury homes for expatriates in Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Jakarta, Indonesia, has listed some of the most effective bedroom renovations that anyone can master. Take this as tips to organizing the room you love so much and maybe even relate it on your life as well.

1. Create Some Boundaries

Just like in any relationship, things should have boundaries. It does not literally mean that you have to isolate one thing from the other. Putting frames or lines to know where to put certain items is enough to organize your stuff.

2. Provide Extra Space Within

When space is tight, find inner rooms where you can squeeze some of the stuff that you no longer use. For example, the space beneath your bed can be used for storing shoes that you seldom use or the space beneath your drawer can be converted to a book shelf.

3. Think outside the box

It’s time to review your options when you no longer have ideas for a better room. Why not use the empty walls and hang something there? It can be a lamp post or a hanging shelf for your books. Or you can customize the usually unused corner and put a study table there.

4. Personalize it

The main point of having your own bedroom is for your own personalization. It does not make any sense if you design it based on the advices of people around you. Be bold and follow your instinct on what to put where.

How to Be Chic

Chic is in.

With this current trend, I am sure each and every one of us wants to be with the flow. From the latest style of mobile phones to our lifestyle, we all want to be tagged as chic.

The Peterson Group Bespoke Condominium and Residences, provider of luxury apartment and residential for expatriates in Singapore, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia defines chicness in simple synonyms: elegant and stylish.

This trend extends to home styles.

There are just some people who are just elegant whatever they do. Learn from them and follow their path since it is indeed hard to be where they are now.

We have asked some of them to share some secret tips and they almost immediately willingly obliged.

1. Always have a focal point

In review of the past articles featured in The Peterson Group, focal point has been given with at least one emphasis. One solitary statement of a single item can be an anchor of the rest of the objects in a room. It may already be built in or something hanged on the wall. It doesn’t matter as long as it is the first thing that the eyes can rest on upon entry. Have this and you have achieved the first step of being chic.

2. Go Organic

Stylish people are able to incorporate modernity and nature. The dull atmosphere of the cemented wall should be matched with the liveliness of a plant. Being elegant also calls out liveliness and where more can we find the source of that than from living things? A potted house plant will do.

3. Don’t forget some texture

Although mostly ignored, the texture brings depth and emphasis on the feel of the room. The room can be more interesting if you put good textures with each other. Too much on the soft side feels lifeless while too much hard textures feel cold. Balancing between polar extremes can create comfort and elegance.

4. Bring your Personal Style

Copying too much may feel that you are no longer in control of your own home.  The most important part of being chic is you stand out as yourself. Put an item which signifies who you are, perhaps a personal preference of an item. It may even be better if you choose all the items by yourself.

5. Chic People Never Fail at Surprises

As mentioned in the prior warning, too much perfection is not good when it comes to design. Instead, allow the unexpected, or even the weird things to creep into your space. You might be surprised at how stylish that can be.

Which Houseplant Does Not Mind a Little Neglect?

Most people living in cities and in luxury condominiums are busy and although they have the intention of keeping their homes neat and tidy and all their belongings taken care of, you can’t expect them to stay at home as frequently as intended.

The Peterson Group Bespoke Condominium and Residences,  Jakarta, Indonesia expert in finding luxury condominiums and apartments for expatriates in Singapore, , Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Hong Kong, understand this concern. Wouldn’t it be great if some of your belongings wouldn’t be too high maintenance?

There are some key solutions to most of the problems though.

Furniture and appliances can stay in their position and can be cleaned after you arrive. For the damaged ones, you can easily replace them. Pet care can be arranged. Developed and urbanized cities have their own pet nurseries where you can drop off your beloved fur pals and fetch them later after work. Only one problem remains. Who would water the plants?

Let us get some points straight first. Even the most indestructible plant can wither and die with over neglect and when entirely ignored. However, just like some people who have long endurance and can withstand extreme conditions, even to the point of neglect, plants also have stronger specie among them.

·         Bromeliad

At the sight of it, this pretty and sturdy plant truly is a strong plant. With hard leaves and petals, this plant resembles a pineapple and even came from the same bromeliacaea family. It can withstand temperature up to 70 degrees which is very suitable as home plants.

·         Cast-Iron Plant

This sturdy plant has lived up to its name as it can live in a wide range of temperature, can survive poor or low lighting and spotty watering. Warnings from botanic experts even state that this dark-leaved stunner wants to be left alone which can be very beneficial to its busy owners.

·         Prayer Plant

This plant can grow into a thick foliage even when ignored with only enough water to go by. It can be pretty handful for owners who would not want a tiny forest to grow into the room but it is very reliable for those who want some bushy shrub even without time to create one.

·         Kalanchoe

For flower lovers, there are also available pretty plants that only require little care to bloom into a beauty. In many reviews, Kalanchoe is called succulent since it absorbs moist and water once it is fed. The moist within it can also last a long time.