She sees her house philosophy as part of a movement toward simpler living, parallel to the ideas in Thomas Moore's Care of the Soul' (HarperCollins) or Sarah Ban Breathnach's Simple Abundance (Warner Books). Susanka sees the Not So Big House as an expression of nonmaterialism, even spiritual values.

Or you could plan for slate roofing, which could last a century, instead of asphalt shingles that are less expensive but have a life span of 20 to 25 years. A better grade of wood, for example, won't need to be refinished as often. Money saved from excess footage can be used for higher-quality materials. Susanka emphasizes that Not So Big is not the same as cheap. Along with increased square footage, amenities once found only in the homes of the rich ó high ceilings and ëëhis'' and ëëher'' sinks in the bath ó are being found in more modest homes. Census Bureau statistics reflect ó that the trend is for homebuilders to build bigger houses, even as the average family size shrinks. On the other hand, NAHB also predicts ó and U.S. The great room idea is catching on, according to the National Association of Home Builders, which predicts that within the next 10 years, 70 percent of new homes will feature large open spaces next to kitchens rather than formal living rooms. ëëThese principles are universally applicable.'' ËëEveryone I talk to seems to relate to these concepts,'' she said.

The Not So Big House sold more than 250,000 copies and led to interviews with Oprah Winfrey and talk-show host Charlie Rose.

ËëSpatial layering'' ó a combination of alcoves, openings, shelving and contrasting surfaces ó can break space into segments that are more intriguing than a big, four-square room, inviting visitors to come and browse and, again, suggesting more space than there really is. With a little adjustment, this space could be used for either formal or informal events, Susanka said.įramed openings, wider than a normal doorway, can create an illusion of more space while marking off different areas of the house. For example, the dining room becomes a dining nook, opening onto the kitchen, often with large windows and a handsome view. Among other ideas, the Not So Big House philosophy eliminates most formal spaces.

Creating the not so big house