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The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live Review

Some people's list of life-changing books focuses on works of great spiritual, emotional, political or literary power. Sarah Susanka's The Not So Big House and at least some of its sequels happen to be near the top of mine.

When I ordered the book in 2002 after hearing the author interviewed on NPR, we were living in a rambling old Tudor with 5 bedrooms, a full basement, and enough storage space to absorb just about anything we brought into it. Though I loved the house, I now saw what I had never seen before - how much duplication of function we were supporting (= repairing, cleaning, etc.), and how we had nonetheless managed to miss opportunities to make it our own. Guided by the book, for example, we converted an outdoor stair landing to the screened-in porch we'd always dreamed of but never thought we had a place for, till we realized it could be really tiny and yet both beautiful and functional. Later, when we moved to a smaller house, we didn't feel we'd downsized in the negative sense at all, because following the not-so-big approach, we devoted available resources to making our space the best (rather than the biggest) we could afford.

When I say the book changed my life, I'm not just referring to decorating tricks or clever ways to use the same space in different ways. Absorbing the ideas in this book actually freed up our thinking about how we wanted to live, and live together, in our physical space. We have learned to design our interiors to please ourselves and serve our own needs (open storage! no closet doors!), not someone else's idea of what a house ought to be. Maybe these are things that other people are born knowing or figure out for themselves, but for us, this book was truly an eye-opener.

I highly recommend this book.

The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live Overview

Now available in paperback, the expanded 10th anniversary edition of Sarah Susanka's The Not So Big House is ready to inspire a whole new generation of homeowners and builders. Though a decade has passed, her deceptively simple message remains as powerful as ever: when it comes to our homes, quality should always come before quantity. With comforting guidance and clear language, America's favorite home architect shows how to create a house that emphasizes comfort, beauty, and a high level of detail. This anniversary edition of a contemporary classic features a new introduction by Susanka and 32 bonus pages that explore three additional Not So Big houses.

The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live Specifications

When describing a favorite room in the house, do you find yourself using terms such as "expansive," "formal," and "spacious"--a marble foyer or a formal dining room perhaps? Or do the words "cozy," "intimate," and "warm" come to mind--a cheery little breakfast nook or a window seat complete with plenty of pillows and a breathtaking view? More than likely, you--like thousands of other homeowners--are drawn to the more personal spaces in your home, where comfort, beauty, and efficiency meet. In The Not So Big House, respected architect Sarah Susanka and coauthor Kira Obolensky address our affinity for the "smaller, more personal spaces" and propose "clear, workable guidelines for creating homes that serve both our spiritual needs and our material requirements." The heart of the not-so-big house--which is not "just a small house ... [but] a smaller house," that uses "less space to give greater quality of life," and is designed to not only "accommodate the lifestyles of its occupants" but also to express "our values and our personalities," is discussed in chapter 1, entitled "Bigger Isn't Better." Susanka's urging for homeowners to get creative with their space as well as loads of ideas to encourage that creativity are covered in "Rethinking the House" and "Making Not So Big Work." Discussions of specific needs, such as a home for one and designing for kids, can be found in "Lifestyles of the Not So Rich and Famous," while "Dreams, Details, and Dollars" gets down to the nuts and bolts of the operation, looking at quality versus quantity, budgeting, and what "low end," "middle ground," and "high end" really mean in home design and construction. Lastly, the authors look at the home of the future, which involves simplifying, recycling, reducing waste, and using energy-efficient construction. With more than 200 color photographs, as well as floor plans and Susanka and Obolensky's intelligent and lively dialogue, The Not So Big House is perfect for homeowners ready to rethink their space. --Stefanie Hargreaves

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Customer Reviews

the not so big house - Carol P. Harris - South Carolina
excellent turn around. excellent condition. my problem I wanted hard cover so may actually order again for my office and keep this one for home use.

Loved this book - Patty Biz - East Coast
This book is full of great pictures and better ideas and concepts. I read it cover to cover and it helped shape my thoughts and plans for our next, and last, house. Thank you!

great resource book - Sandy - Houston, Texas, US
Bought this book for my son and daughter in law who are building their first house. I have had one for several years and loved the pictures, ideas and the whole concept of small is better.Susan knows how to take space and make it work big.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 06, 2010 06:48:04

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Monday, September 6, 2010