12 Quotes by Sarah Susanka

So many homes today are the developers vision of what we should need in terms of square footage and rooms and adjacencies, ... 'The Not So Big House' is about how to introduce spirit and personality into our homes. The book is also about giving up the spaces we don't really use and end up making a house feel soulless.

Build about one-third less square footage than you planned for, but build it at a slightly higher dollar cost per square foot, in order to get the character and quality of the space you want.

Every room -- indeed, every square foot . . . has been designed as everyday living space, ... and the money saved by reducing the volume of space has been invested instead in tailoring to fit its owners to a T: on beautiful design and craftsmanship, on healthy and resource-efficient materials, and on better building practices.

This is what Seattle is doing getting architects, builders, designers, etc., on the same page. This is huge.

In the same way that music inspires us to certain feelings, space can do the same thing,

James Hardie(R) siding is a sustainable and marvelous substitute for wood. It's available pre-colored and the finish truly looks like high-grade wood siding. I've used this product line for years, and have been delighted with the results. It's the only product I will consider substituting for wood, and in many climates it's significantly preferable because of its stability.

With all the challenges in the housing market, it's clear we need a new vision for the way we design our homes, our communities-and even our lives.

A Not So Big House feels more spacious than many of its oversized neighbors because it is space with substance, all of it in use every day.

The only way to change the world is to change yourself.