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The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live (Susanka) Hardcover – Illustrated, September 23, 2008

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 207 ratings

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In The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live, architect Sarah Susanka returns with a special 10th anniversary edition of her groundbreaking book that transformed the way we think about home design.

With a fresh introduction and 16 additional pages exploring three new homes, Susanka reinforces her powerful message: quality should always take precedence over quantity.

Join the movement that has inspired hundreds of thousands of readers and changed the way we approach home living. Discover how
The Not So Big House can help you create a home that truly reflects your lifestyle and values.

Key Features:

  • Timeless Design Philosophy: Emphasizes the importance of creating smaller, more personal spaces that meet our needs and enhance our lifestyles.
  • Updated Insights: Includes new perspectives and examples from homeowners and builders who have embraced the Not So Big movement over the past decade.
  • Practical Guidelines: Offers clear strategies for designing homes that cater to both spiritual and material requirements, regardless of family size or structure.
  • Human-Scale Design: Explores how to create comfort and energy in spaces, drawing on the principles of Frank Lloyd Wright to promote human-centric architecture.
  • Inspiring Case Studies: Features stories of homeowners who have successfully implemented Susanka’s ideas, showcasing the benefits of thoughtful, intentional design.
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sarah Susanka is one of the leading residential architects in the United States. Her first book, "The Not So Big House," topped best-seller charts in Home & Garden categories in its first year of publication. Susanka has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, the Charlie Rose Show, and NPR's Diane Rehm Show. She is a former principal and founding partner of Mulfinger, Susanka, Mahady & Partners, Inc., the firm chosen by LIFE magazine to design its 1999 Dream House.

Kira Obolensky has written for print, film, and stage. She co-authored Sarah Susanka's national bestseller, "The Not So Big House. Kira's book, "Garage, was published in 2001. She has received a number of writing awards and fellowships, including the Kesselring Prize and a Guggenheim fellowship. She lives in Minneapolis.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Taunton Press; Expanded, 10th Anniversary ed. edition (September 23, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1600850472
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1600850479
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.78 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10 x 0.94 x 10 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 207 ratings

About the author

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Sarah Susanka
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For 20 years, architect and author Sarah Susanka has been leading a movement that is redefining the American home and lifestyle. Through her “build better, not bigger” approach to residential design, she reveals that the sense of “home” we seek is a quality that has almost nothing to do with square footage. Her “Not So Big” message has become a launch pad for a new dimension of understanding how we inhabit our homes, our planet, and even our day-to-day lives.

Susanka is the best-selling author of nine books including The Not So Big House, Home By Design, and The Not So Big Life, which collectively have sold well over a million copies. Her books provide the language and tools for homeowners to bring their own dreams of home to life.

As a cultural visionary, Susanka is regularly tapped for her expertise by national media, including “The Today Show,” CNN and The New York Times. Builder Magazine recognized Susanka as one of 30 most notable innovators in the housing industry over the past 30 years, Fast Company named Susanka to their debut list of “Fast 50” innovators whose achievements have helped to change society, and U.S. News and World Report dubbed her an “innovator in American culture.” She is also a recipient of the Anne Morrow Lindbergh Award for outstanding individual achievement toward making positive contributions to our world.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
207 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's concepts interesting and groundbreaking. They appreciate the design with an optimum traffic pattern and no wasted space. The pictures are clear and detail-oriented, with fantastic views looking out the windows. Readers value the valuable tips for using space well and reducing single-use spaces. Many consider it worth the price and a good purchase. However, some feel the content is dated and not current. There are mixed opinions on the level of detail provided, with some finding it clear and detailed, while others feel there is not enough information.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

36 customers mention "Concept"30 positive6 negative

Customers appreciate the book's concept. They find it has interesting ideas and helpful tips for planning homes. The book focuses on open floor plans that create intimacy and simplicity. It is useful for construction businesses and retirement home planning.

"...And while the concepts are incredibly valuable, I was shocked that this authors editors allowed her to call this an "update" while keeping..." Read more

"...How to design a meandering path to slow down your pace and increase your sense of peace. All of this series of books is amazing." Read more

"...And, as an idea book on how to maximize space, and maximize quality of life in a house to make it a home, it deserves top props...." Read more

"1. Many pictures of very beautiful, inspiring houses. Fantastic views looking out the windows...." Read more

10 customers mention "Design"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's design. They find it inspiring, with beautiful spaces and no wasted space. The book provides excellent photographs demonstrating building and decorating techniques. It is recommended by an architect as a good study for people who appreciate unique design built to scale.

"...to a smaller area (again, smaller being relative) that is WELL DESIGNED, not to impress, but rather to be a place where one wants to be...." Read more

"...It takes you from the room design to the light fixtures to give a clear choice of the layout one might want." Read more

"...A buildable lot of this size and with views of this quality, within commuting distance of a major U.S. city, will cost at least $1 million...." Read more

"...Thanks to The Not So Big House, I have a charming cottage that fits perfectly on my fifty-foot lot from which I derive enormous satisfaction." Read more

10 customers mention "Pictures"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the clear and detailed pictures in the book. They enjoy the views from windows and the before and after shots that show how small details can make a difference.

"...It is layer out in an organized way, the pictures are very clear and detail oriented...." Read more

"...In this aspect, the book is inspiring. 3. Many pictures showing very beautiful, very expensive custom woodwork, expensive custom windows..." Read more

"I love all of Sarah Susanka's books. I especially enjoy the photography with before and after shots showing how small details can make a difference...." Read more

"A good book with lots of pictures and ideas but not exactly what I was looking for --- which was information to help with the planning and..." Read more

6 customers mention "Use of space"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the tips in the book for using space effectively. They mention creating multi-purpose spaces and reducing single-use areas. The book provides useful ideas for maximizing space, including built-in storage, and enjoying open spaces.

"...ways to create smaller/intimate spaces within the house, and reducing single-use spaces...." Read more

"...And, as an idea book on how to maximize space, and maximize quality of life in a house to make it a home, it deserves top props...." Read more

"...Design every house with an optimum traffic pattern, with no wasted space. Design a house proportioned on a human scale...." Read more

"...Multiple uses for every space, convenient built in storage, and a feeling of open space, livability and hospitality." Read more

5 customers mention "Value for money"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides good value for money. It shows beautiful, expensive custom woodwork and windows and saves time and money.

"...WAY worth the price. On the flip side, I was disappointed with the very limited number of properties used for demonstration in this book...." Read more

"...3. Many pictures showing very beautiful, very expensive custom woodwork, expensive custom windows, etc...." Read more

"...If it works for you, this book WILL save you time and money, and you get your (not so big) dream house 😃 PS:..." Read more

"A nice book with good pictures and information. Great buy." Read more

9 customers mention "Detail oriented"6 positive3 negative

Customers have different views on the book's detail. Some find it has clear pictures, descriptions, and information on keeping clean and simple living plans. They appreciate the examples and comparisons showing how small details can make a difference. However, others feel there is not enough detail and that it's mostly an idea book rather than a construction book.

"...And this is where this book shines: it shows examples (and comparisons of) big (and even impressive) rooms and houses that seem cold and uninviting,..." Read more

"Not really enough detail. Mostly an idea book, not a construction book. I'll donate it to the library eventually." Read more

"...is layer out in an organized way, the pictures are very clear and detail oriented...." Read more

"...I've appreciated the attention to detail and focus on how we really live...." Read more

6 customers mention "Dated content"0 positive6 negative

Customers find the book's content outdated. They mention it's visually outdated, the finishes are out of date, and the concept is old.

"...In part the book is dated having been written in the early 90's and updated in 2008, but I feel the author simply missed her mission...." Read more

"...Love the concept, but this book isn't current...." Read more

"...: (1) many of the houses are actually pretty big and (2) its all a bit dated...." Read more

"...Today the book seems old and outdated. Also, small homes today are smaller than these not so big houses!" Read more

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2 out of 5 stars
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I purchased and paid more for this book because it said “very good” condition. Now that I have received it, I do not agree. It is “Acceptable” at best. Binding is coming loose and it is Well Worn.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2015
    We are designing a new home and had a vague sense of disconnection from the first round of drawings that showed us huge rooms and vaulted ceilings. This book is helping me understand why I was uncomfortable with the hugeness. Using these concepts, we are working on a second round of drawings w/ our architect, and on this round we are working varied ceiling heights, looking for ways to create smaller/intimate spaces within the house, and reducing single-use spaces. Honestly, using these ideas I'm guessing we will reduce space by a third. WAY worth the price. On the flip side, I was disappointed with the very limited number of properties used for demonstration in this book. And while the concepts are incredibly valuable, I was shocked that this authors editors allowed her to call this an "update" while keeping all the photos of circa-1980 technology.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2020
    The Not So Big House series is a huge aid in making a livable, pleasant home in a smaller house. Do we really feel good in a giant, high ceilinged room with straight metallic lines? Or in a cushioned window seat with an oak dropped soffit above? There are so many principles that Susanka brings out which just make "why didn't I think of that" design sense. She also has a book in the series on how to integrate your beautiful grounds into your home with a feel of living in both at the same time. How to design a meandering path to slow down your pace and increase your sense of peace. All of this series of books is amazing.
    9 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2012
    I see some complaints that people are quantifying the square footage of the Not So Big House. YES, some of them are still big... For some big families, 4000 sq ft might be Not So Big. For some individuals who like to live big, even 4000 sq ft might be Not So Big. I think another term that could be used would be JUST RIGHT. For one person, depending on his/her lifestyle, 4000 sq ft might be Just Right.

    Some people are saying "What?!? I live in 1,500 sq ft" or even "800 sq ft" ... and this book "has examples of 2,500 sq ft... that's not 'Not So Big'!!!". Well, yes, FOR THAT PERSON. Again, it's not about the actual size. It's about being JUST RIGHT.

    Again, the complaints of some reviewers focus really on area covered, rather than the real focus of the book: quality of life in one's living space. The book does say, in one example, that a couple with children moved from a 4,000 sq ft McMansion to a 2,500 sq ft house THAT WAS NOT MUCH MORE INEXPENSIVE than the 4,000 sq ft house -- in other words, it costs almost as much, even though it is only roughly 60% the size of their former bigger house. But, the point is, this book was giving ideas on how we really use rooms and areas of the house, so not only are the areas of use maximized, but also ENJOYED.

    Spend on details like trimmings, lighting, etc... on details that count (to make it cozy, inviting, warm, or whatever effect one is after), instead of area, and instead of having just a big house, you end up with a LIVEABLE house.

    And this is where this book shines: it shows examples (and comparisons of) big (and even impressive) rooms and houses that seem cold and uninviting, to a smaller area (again, smaller being relative) that is WELL DESIGNED, not to impress, but rather to be a place where one wants to be. And that is precisely what a home should be -- a place where one wants to be. The Not So Big House is really just another way of saying the HOME that is FOR YOU.

    There are many examples of making basically small areas like the dining, living, kitchen, etc... and make it seem like one BIG area because of the lack of walls, and yet still make them separate (using lighting, ceiling height, etc) from each other. But, it looks bigger, even if it's really Not So Big.

    This is an idea book, not a book about actual square feet (I really should be using square meters, because it's metric where I'm from, but anyway...). And, as an idea book on how to maximize space, and maximize quality of life in a house to make it a home, it deserves top props.

    I rate this book 4.5 stars (not quite the 5 I gave), because even if this is the 10th anniversary edition, it could use more pictures/examples of the Not So Big lifestyle and designs, and how they all work.
    30 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2013
    I bought this book to get ideas for a remodel we are doing. It is layer out in an organized way, the pictures are very clear and detail oriented. It takes you from the room design to the light fixtures to give a clear choice of the layout one might want.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2008
    1. Many pictures of very beautiful, inspiring houses. Fantastic views looking out the windows. A buildable lot of this size and with views of this quality, within commuting distance of a major U.S. city, will cost at least $1 million.

    At this moment in time the U.S. is exiting a housing bubble and entering a deep recession. Americans have an unfortunate lust to purchase far more house than they can afford. Must architect Susanka feed this lust?

    2. This is a book about a design philosophy: Design every room to be a comfortable, informal, frequently used, multi-purpose space. Design every house with an optimum traffic pattern, with no wasted space. Design a house proportioned on a human scale. In this aspect, the book is inspiring.

    3. Many pictures showing very beautiful, very expensive custom woodwork, expensive custom windows, etc. Here again, pursuit of this ideal would bankrupt every American middle-class worker. Some reviewers have offered the excuse: "An architect-designed house must necessarily be very expensive." But this excuse won't fly: architect Susanka explicitly offers the houses in her book as an alternative to the $500,000 super-sized tract house.

    4. Beautiful spaces with none of the clutter of daily life. No children live here, no dogs, no messy adults, no artists immersed in their projects and raw materials. Apparently the owners are busy professionals who only use the house for entertaining.

    The only sign of life here is the professional photographer, employed by an architecture journal.

    Architect Susanka really should view a few programs on HGTV, to see how humans actually live.
    52 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Cecebe Girl
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great book if you are planning to build or rennovate.
    Reviewed in Canada on January 20, 2020
    We have a copy of this and other Not So Big House books and we used them extensively when we built a cottage home and renovated another property. We also bought a copy of this book for friends who are starting the planning/design process before they build. Without the principles and ideas in The Not So Big House we wouldn't have the beautiful home we now have. I cannot recommend this book highly enough if you are planning to build or renovate. If you really pay attention to what the author says, you will save yourself a lot of money plus you'll get a home that really works for you and you'll enjoy living in it for many years.
  • M. Conlin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in Canada on September 4, 2019
    I love Sarah Susanka’s designs. She has a very interesting way of creating multipurpose spaces for better functionality in a house. This is not designing about tiny houses, this is about designing houses that use every space for a functional purpose. Not having wasted space or rooms that are rarely used.
  • Elizabeth Fish
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
    Reviewed in Canada on August 9, 2019
    Plenty of practical ideas about how to make the best use of space and build a Not So Big, but very comfortable, home on a budget.
  • Toronto Cris
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good starter book for small houses, dated
    Reviewed in Canada on August 6, 2016
    Second time I buy this book. I would have liked to see more 'modern' small concepts in there, but overall, a good book with good advice for designing small layouts. The images are dated now.
  • Hudson Isherwood
    5.0 out of 5 stars Still great!
    Reviewed in Canada on February 11, 2015
    There are already so many great reviews of this book I don't need to add more but if you are interested in designing a home or working with what you have this really is full of great ideas.