January 2021

READY TO ROAR

As the pandemic stretches into its second year, our studio continues to strike a path of optimism and determination, with an eye toward the future. Historically, pandemics are followed by a period where technology booms and people seek relentless social interaction, such as with the Roaring Twenties, when jazz exploded, the bulldozer was created, the garbage disposal and the electric razor all came into existence, and the Art Deco movement peaked, as modernism influenced fashion and architecture. This decade brought glamour, luxury, and elegance and embraced bold geometries and rich colors. As we move into the 2020s, our team sees a renaissance of these trends. We are designing with mixed metals to create simple luxury. Ultra-modern appliances with retro styles and sleek, clean cabinetry are in demand. Technology is increasingly front and center in home design: voice-controlled everything, from thermostats to audio systems; refrigerators that tell you when you are running out of milk; programmed lights and shades that are in sync with the sunrise and sunset.

At SKA, we are gearing up to be part of this century's comeback. Just as the world sprang back from the Spanish flu of 1918, we are hopeful and excited to come roaring back and savor all of the things that we have put on hold. We envision the world gathering in every possible way, for any and every reason, in ornate function halls, outside rooms designed for large parties, pools and hot tubs meant for big bashes, and elegant dining rooms and kitchens. We anticipate increased multigenerational living, as families thoughtfully consider the impact of the last year. This month, we invite you to look at some of the spaces we have been creating that our clients can't wait to share.


Party spaces prevail for 2021. Layouts with more defined zones, large kitchens, and impressive dining rooms for future dinner parties continue to take shape, as our clients dream of post-pandemic entertaining. High-tech appliances with retro style are in demand, and rich color palettes, pops of color, mixed metals, and marble combine for luxury and elegance.


With so much emphasis on gathering outside this year, it's no surprise that outdoor spaces have become a major focus of our work. Creating comfortable areas for entertaining while exercising social distancing precautions continues to be important, while we also look ahead and envision these outdoor rooms for post-pandemic cookouts, family reunions, and barbecues. Designing multiple outdoor areas with specific uses, versus just one main outdoor space, has also become a trend for 2021.



The Village Kitchen

359 Huron Ave., Cambridge

Giliani and Jessica bring authentic Italian flavors to our bellies almost daily from their quaint restaurant just next to our office on Huron Ave. Their take-out menu includes tons of lunch items, delicious cappuccino,and family friendly dinner options, like pizza, pastas, and salads.