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

The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live
reviewed on + 177 more book reviews


Basically: How to build a house with half the square footage but the same price tag. However, the resulting, smaller footprint will better suit the needs of you and your family. The author is an architect and walks you through how to create spaces that reflect the way you spend your time and use your dwelling.

The houses showcased are what I'd call "warm modern." I mean, they have lots of smooth, clear, hard surfaces and clean lines, but lack the severe austerity of most "modern" architecture thanks to liberal use of natural finish materials like exposed wood beams and natural trim, stone fireplaces, and so forth. The result is warm and inviting, and ultimately useful.

The material is presented in an easy-to-absorb and beautiful-to-look-at formate, with lots of big color photos and captions as well as extensive text.