This small courtyard was designed for an architectural writer/author and his partner, who's an old friend of ours - so of course, it's a favorite for us. Jim and David are gentle people with very sophisticated taste, and we wanted to create a quiet space for them that felt like an extension of their perfectly decorated home. They travel frequently to Scandinavia and are both very interested in the great architecture and the design ideas that have shaped that region, so we looked to some of our favorite people from that region for inspiration... Sigurd Lewerentz, Jørn Utzon etc.

As often happens in very small spaces, each aesthetic decision took on added significance. We utilized precise geometry to provide for an impression of openness, while not consuming too much space. We chose bold textures to craft an intricate story. The four different shades of gray we used, ranging from very dark to very light, give the space gravity and weight without making it feel heavy. One person described it as having 'a hushed elegance,' and we like that.

We're excited to return for Phase 2 later in 2009.

(This project will be profiled in the July issue of Mpls/St Paul Magazine in an article about designers and the choices they make in their own homes.)