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

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(as of Oct 06, 2026 15:09:59 UTC – Details)

The revolutionary, bestselling classic that redefined American home design―discover why “Not So Big” is the inspiring, money-saving blueprint for the way we live today, making this the perfect gift for every homeowner and homeowner-to-be.

For over two decades, Sarah Susanka’s groundbreaking work has been the definitive call for a new kind of architecture: one built around quality, not quantity.

The Not So Big House offers a powerful, inspiring argument against oversized, inefficient homes and provides the practical plan for creating spaces that are beautifully designed, deeply comfortable, and truly reflect your lifestyle.

This book is theone book to buy if you are planning to build, remodel, or simply rethink your living space because it shows you how to prioritize elements that genuinely matter:

Inspiring Design: Move beyond wasted square footage and discover how to design rooms with meaningful detail, integrated storage, and tailored comfort. See how to create “settle-down places” and versatile spaces that genuinely accommodate modern, flexible living.Money-Saving Wisdom: Learn how scaling back the footprint allows you to redirect funds toward higher-quality materials, better craftsmanship, and energy efficiency, resulting in a home that costs less to maintain and brings greater satisfaction.Timeless Philosophy: This isn’t about tiny houses; it’s about smarter houses. The principles of “Not So Big” design―such as open planning, specialized spaces, and purposeful connections―have become the sustainable foundation of modern residential architecture.

Beautifully photographed and filled with actionable concepts, this volume is an ideal great gift for newlyweds, first-time homeowners, or anyone approaching retirement. It’s the essential guide for building a home―or transforming an existing one―that is as beautiful as it is responsible, proving that less house can mean more life.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Taunton
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 23, 2008
Edition ‏ : ‎ 3rd
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1600850472
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1600850479
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.8 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.3 x 1.05 x 10.45 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #212,554 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #88 in Small Homes & Cottages #119 in Residential Architecture #207 in Home Design & Construction (Books)
Customer Reviews: 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (216) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
Customers find the book informative and valuable, particularly for those planning to build smaller homes, with one customer noting how it helps refine living space concepts. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its excellent ideas, inspirational content, and comprehensive approach to space planning. Additionally, the illustrations are praised for being full of great pictures, and customers consider it worth the price. However, the book’s detailed content receives mixed reviews, with some finding it detail-oriented while others say it’s not detailed enough. Furthermore, several customers note that the book feels outdated.