Not So Big House: Rightsizing for a Fuller Life

What is the Not So Big House Philosophy?

Architect Sarah Susanka revolutionized home design in the late 1990s with her radical idea: happiness comes from well-designed smaller spaces, not oversized McMansions. Her Not So Big philosophy focuses on creating homes where every square foot serves a purpose and reflects the homeowner's personality.

Key Principles of Rightsizing Your Home

1. Quality Over Quantity

Susanka emphasizes that rightsizing isn't about strict square footage—it's about:
- Designing spaces you actually use daily
- Incorporating meaningful elements (like family heirlooms)
- Creating areas that feel inviting rather than cavernous

2. The Psychology of Space

Your home should work with your natural behaviors:
- Notice where you feel comfortable/uncomfortable
- Pay attention to lighting, ceiling heights, and room flow
- Create "breathing spaces" between areas for better transitions

3. The Power of Smaller Spaces

Benefits of downsizing include:
- Stronger family connections (more interaction in shared spaces)
- Lower environmental impact (less energy consumption)
- More creative design solutions (like multi-functional rooms)

Practical Tips to Implement Not So Big Design

For Existing Homes:

1. Conduct a space audit

   • List all rooms and how frequently they're used
   • Identify underutilized areas for repurposing

2. Create optical illusions

   • Add lighted artwork at hallway ends
   • Use strategic pops of color on trim
   • Install Shoji screens to suggest depth

3. Design your "Poyo" (Place of Your Own)

   • Carve out a small personal retreat space
   • Can be as simple as a window seat or attic nook
   • Fill it with items that inspire you

For New Construction:

• Work with the site's natural features
• Include varied ceiling heights for visual interest
• Focus on craftsmanship details in high-use areas

The Lasting Impact of Not So Big Living

Susanka's ideas have become mainstream because they address:
- Sustainability: Smaller homes use fewer resources
- Financial freedom: Lower building and maintenance costs
- Emotional wellbeing: Spaces that truly reflect their occupants

As Susanka notes: "You can have a very big life in a smaller space when you focus on what's meaningful."