The Not So Big House

By Sarah Susanka, Kira Obolensky,

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

Book description

This title offers an inspiration for homeowners and builders from a leading architect. "The Not So Big House" has sold over 500,000 copies since 1998. It features clear guidance that emphasises the use of quality not quantity. This anniversary edition includes 32 extra pages and a new introduction. Now available…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked The Not So Big House as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

When Susanka’s book first came out in the 90s, I felt like she had hit on something that many architects were being challenged by—the expanding popularity of the McMansion. Now with Tiny Houses bookmarking her work at the other end, and with all the at-home needs and complications that came with the pandemic, I still think she has got the formula right: Build better, not bigger. Her chapters include many principles on how to build smaller eloquent, gem houses, and to get away from the clunky, gaudy costume jewelry architecture ruining the American suburbs.

When I realized Alexander’s Pattern Language…

From Shannon's list on timeless architectural principles.

There is a reason this book was a best-seller when it came out in 1998: It is full of wisdom about how to create a deeply personal home that is right-sized to your life. The interiors in The Not So Big House feel a little dated nearly 25 years later (and are not to my personal tastes, which skew more modern), but I still consider this book a must-read for anyone building or renovating a small home. I also love Sara’s book for its quality over quantity message that helped shift the conversation about homes when it debuted. I own…

From Laura's list on small space design.

If you love The Not So Big House...

Ad

Book cover of Tap Dancing on Everest: A Young Doctor's Unlikely Adventure

Tap Dancing on Everest by Mimi Zieman,

Tap Dancing on Everest, part coming-of-age memoir, part true-survival adventure story, is about a young medical student, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor raised in N.Y.C., who battles self-doubt to serve as the doctor—and only woman—on a remote Everest climb in Tibet.

The team attempts a new route up…

Want books like The Not So Big House?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 92 books like The Not So Big House.

Browse books like The Not So Big House

Book cover of Small Space Style: Because You Don't Need to Live Large to Live Beautifully
Book cover of Country Living Tiny Homes: Living Big in Small Spaces
Book cover of Simple Matters: Living with Less and Ending Up with More

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

2,008

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like The Not So Big House, you might also like...

Book cover of Homes by Byrd: The Art & Architecture of Robert Byrd and His Son, Gary

Homes by Byrd by Chris Lukather,

Homes by Byrd examines the story of this father-son team, demonstrating their impact on the design of homes in Southern California and describing the hallmarks of their enduring style.

Byrd homes are archetypes of California living. Many elements of a Byrd Home, such as exposed wood beams, turned posts, rock…

Book cover of Secret St. Augustine: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

Secret St. Augustine by Elizabeth Randall,

A look at the wild, unknown, wacky world of overlooked symbols, emblems, sites, and events in America's oldest ancient city.

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in architecture, philosophy, and urban planning?

Architecture 84 books
Philosophy 1,820 books
Urban Planning 59 books