Not So Big Principles

I'm reading not so big remodeling by Sarah Susanka and Marc Vassallo (2009). Turns out Susanka has developed a set of principles, extremely similar to design patterns, for her "not so big" series. The original book was published in 1998. The pattern language, I mean the principles, are online: Not So Big House: Not So Big Principles - Sarah Susanka

The 34 concepts are grouped into Space, Light, and Order, but they can be strung together to form "sentences," just as with A Pattern Language.

Headbands and Beltlines

Space is home to 20 of the concepts. The ones that seem to apply to Trees House are:

• Entering - she approves of the dry, covered stoop
• Doing Double Duty - "For example, if you have two dining spaces, consider turning the more formal one into something else--an in-home office, an extra sitting space, or a hobby room--and make the more informal eating area more inviting..."
• Connecting Views - one should view rooms from one another
• Framed Openings - create the illusion of more space to indicate that you are entering a new area
• Headbands and Beltlines - let the ceiling finish extend to the headband above the doors, like the lid of a box. Beltlines (chair rails and wainscoting) separate the shirt from the pants.
• Wall Insets - she doesn't use the word niche for some reason.

View and Nonview

Light is just 7 patterns. I like:

• Reflecting Surfaces - light walls bounce light deeper inside; mirrors are literal reflectors
• Window Positioning - from the outside, "the arrangement of windows gives a home much of its personality as well as a sense of integrity." Place windows to maximize the amount of light and view for the space it opens into.
• View and Nonview - Use translucent screens appropriately

Grilles and Lattices

Of the 7 patterns of Order, I like:

• Pattern and Geometry - think Frank Lloyd Wright
• Grilles and Lattices - "can add a beautiful and delicate quality to a room."
• Alignments - "When two...elements are lined up with one another, there's a sense of order and quality to the space they are part of."
• Point of Focus - "Every room benefits...from the creation of a focal point to attract attention and give significance to a particular area.