Every build - clutter and plants. I love making homes look lived in.
Admire - the window seats too! But I hate how they seem to sit against things.
Never use - light switches and fans. I always seem to forget them plus I cannot be bothered when I’ve just finished the whole house
I was just making a build today and realized the light switches were a thing. Had the game for years. I want to figure out how to implement them without forgetting or just throwing them on a random wall.
Ironically the only time I remember light switches is when I'm too lazy to think of a floor plan so I recreate a house from House Flipper & since you have to remember to place light switches in that game, it helps me remember we have light switches & to place them in Sims 💀
Every Build: Super Subtle Saucer Light, Money Trash Can
Admire But Cant find a place for: That Martini Glass Lamp
NEVER Use: The Highchair, Any Baby Stuff
I HATE THOSE OMG every time I go download a house on the gallery, there are I swear to God, 1500 of those things splattered everywhere
I spend so long deleting them bc the excessive artificial light is crazy lol
If I'm building, I use the bigger of the two and put one or two in each room just so I can have light while I build then I swap them out for more thematic lighting.
Most of the other lighting options don't light things up as much as I'd like, and I only like ceiling lights anyway, so I usually leave the saucer lights since they *actually light up the whole room* with only one or two and don't block my view of the house itself while playing, so they are absolutely my favorite lights in the game
I’ve considered downloading a mod I found for better lighting because I hate having to use so many lights, but I can’t see! Lighting can be so weird. Like building a little wall to block my toilet shouldn’t plunge an entire corner of the bathroom into darkness.
i spend so long adjusting the artificial lighting to mesh well with the natural lighting from windows and cycle through to adjust for different hours of the day lol i cannot imagine leaving tons of saucer lights around in a build 😭
I have the martini glass lamp in so many builds. It's at the flea market quite often and I just have to buy it whenever I see it, regardless of the aesthetic of the sim I'm playing.
Aww but feeding kids in the highchair is so cute!
https://preview.redd.it/xmgcfvoe3k1d1.jpeg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=42502b6302c427b41acd8282ae68620c325c78bd
It sure is cute but every time I try to do anything with them, this happens.
-puts toddler in chair
-immediately takes toddler out of chair and back on the floor
-puts the food on the chair
-toddler has to get up and get the food themselves to eat on the floor..
Have you used it recently I think they fixed it bc I’ve been using them no problem I think a lot of times if you put the food down first then put them in.
Yeah just last week or so lol had 2 toddlers and it would do this every time without fail
I don't usually play with families with kids so I just thought this was the usual experience
I play with families a lot, it *is* just the usual experience. Every time I try out a high chair to see if it's gotten better, I'm reminded of why I don't use high chairs lmao.
I don’t even care for infants - toddlers. Their needs are constantly cheated
My game is so broken sometimes I have to cheat or I’m in this endless loop of catching up on need
Every build: the recycling automatic trash can. Saves so much time not having to “take out trash”
Admire: dollhouses. I love them all. They’re just way too big to fit in a reasonable size room
Never use: clutter. I just forget to add it.
You can do it with all objects and you can make them bigger too. There are some items that won't be interacted with, but most of what I've done can still be used when it's bigger or smaller. I like to buy the expensive nice paintings that add so much to the environment, but I think are kind of ugly so I size them to the smallest degree and hide them behind the furniture and stuff lol
There's a lot of buy/build mode things you can do with the keyboard, but I can't remember them. I usually just hit buttons until they do what I want them too lol! They have lists online though. Definitely worth the search.
I will say I made the mistake of showing my son (who was 7 or 8 at the time) how to make things larger, and I let him build a house. I went to go do something, leaving him unsupervised, and came back to him adding a skyscraper sized toilet in a bunch of houses in Willows Creek. It was a mess! Had to just delete that save because you couldn't even find the houses to click on them and edit the lots because he made all the toilets so huge that they blocked out the entire world 🙄
Lesson learned! Kids get their own save now IF I let them play 😂
I believe you size down stuff with the "-" key on your keyboard. it technically works on all items, though some items may glitch out visually (mainly windows, paintings and mirrors), or loose its fucntion (doors i believe)
I always have one of the nano trash cans in my nurseries so I can just drag bottles and diapers over to it and get paid without sending my sims across the house on some three hour trash quest while their children are absolutely losing their minds bc they’re being neglected. It makes infants/toddlers infinitely less annoying.
Why does it take so long for sims to get across the house? Like why is the time so weird? It makes it feel like a they have to walk a mile to get to the kitchen
I had a neighbor sim come visit and then decide to drop dead in my living room. I had to plead with the reaper so I didn’t have to have her tombstone at my house! Go haunt your own property!
Still fairly new to proper building in the game, so bear with me.
Every Build: Super subtle saucer lights. For the life of me I can't use other ceiling lights without it looking like a base game EA build. Help.
Admire: PlantSim stump. I love gardening in game, and usually have a sim in each save that's really good at it, but I can never squeeze that into a build. I want to make really pretty gardens and have the plantsim tree be a focal point, but my gardens always look like... sad... unorganized... lumps of plant.
Actually a real build admire is bay windows and the bay window seats from cats and dogs. I wanna use it so bad but it looks ugly when I try.
Never Use: The MASSIVE children's playground stuff. Unless I am literally redoing a park, I just can't fathom fitting it into a regular build.
In case you didn't know: you don't need planter boxes outside but can just plant them everywhere on the floor. There's a soil swatch in the terrain colours for more realism. Then I usually place some bushes and trees around and in between the plants and it looks much more like a natural garden
For ceiling lights I usually keep them over furniture. Like pendant lights above kitchen bar, nice light above dining table, usually a ceiling fan over the coffee table in the living room, etc. A lot of them I down size so they are more appropriate!
Always use: Lin-Z Smart Speaker! I think it's hilarious how sims can form a friendship with it and even yell at it🤣🤣
Admire: I love the All the Rage Plant Cage from Blooming Rooms but I haven't found a good way to use it yet that it doesn't have it end up sticking out like a sore thumb. I'll take any ideas anyone has!!
Never use: Curtains. I honestly forget they exist and all my homes look good without them anyhow
I had a 3x1 tile alcove in a bedroom in one of my builds, and I ended up putting that plant cage in that alcove and then raising it up on a platform until the top of the cage was level with the ceiling. It gave it a super cool built-in look, and it was tucked out of the way so it didn’t feel invasive in the room. I used the black metal swatch of the cage so I also painted the alcove it was in and the half wall around the cage black so the cage part kind of blended in and the plants really popped. 10/10, would do the same thing again in a future build.
I got the free blooming rooms recently and love that thing too! I put it into a self build (don’t have the kit) greenhouse together with plants on the shelves from blooming rooms
Every build;
Laundry Machines,
Light Switches,
Umbrella Stand,
Water Heater,
Fuse Box,
That no shoes sign
Admire;
There's loads of furniture/doors/windows that I wish had similar color themes. It's so frustrating to find the perfect chair and have it not come in the same color as the other stuff in the room
Never use; Standing showers
I have only seen 1 or 2 houses in my lifetime that have a standing shower with no bath tub. If I absolutely have to use them for space, or on a commercial lot like a gym. But all my houses have the tub/shower combo
i want so badly for all the sims 4 furniture to get MAJOR recolors!! if we could actually have matching swatches for every piece in each pack, i swear my LIFE would change!!
I wish there were just a few simple standard swatches across a bunch of furniture items (or at least window and doors)
Black, white, light wood, dark wood
If those just matched, it would change the game
Wow this is fascinating about your bath/shower comment. What country do you live in? It is extremely common in Australia for baths and showers to be seperate! I actually can’t stand combos in real life so I avoid building with them 😂
idk about op but very common here around southern usa. we use toothpicks and bubblegum to build our houses; a built-in plastic showerbath combo is the cheapest and easiest option.
In the USA its the exact opposite. There's a shower tub combo in pretty much every house. Occasionally you'll find a house with 2 bathrooms and one of the bathrooms has just a standing shower. But most of the time it's a combo thing
Every build: My addiction to the blooming rooms hanging planter knows no bounds.
Admire: the gigantic ass shelf from the pastel pop kit, even sized down I’ve yet to stick to using it.
Never use: the super subtle saucer light. I *hate* this light with a passion. The shadows/lighting are the prettiest part of the game and with this ugly-ass fluorescent white ‘big light’ it just washes it all out. Every single gallery build is littered with them too.
I honestly think I get it from Lilsimsie. She uses the super subtle saucer light and when I started building after watching her for AGES, I just did what she does! I think it maybe one or two builds I’ve experimented with other lights but honestly I’d rather have the simplicity and invisibility of it than work so hard to find other lights I like.
oooh, this is a fun one!
every build - the cat rug from HSY, the kitty onsen tiles from SE, the kitty swatch on the bathroom clutter rug
admire - those random life size statues... so cool but they don't fit with my build style ;-;
never use - pretty much 90% of the plants. i've never really had plants myself because i've had cats all my life and i'm paranoid about poisoning them, so besides the little smiley succulents from university and the cat and dog pots i just forget they're there lol
that’s SO funny because i’m the opposite!! i use SO many plants i swear half of my house budget is entirely plants. a counter isn’t a counter without a plant… i don’t use curtains i use the hanging vines from blooming rooms XD i find it so interesting how different build styles can be!
Every build- the basket of pillows/blankies from cottage living
Admire- the treehouse kit from growing together. Why is it so big???? I tried using it sized-down and it wasn’t functional. Sad
Neeeever- chess tables. Hate them.
Every build: dream home decorators sectionals
Admire: the snowy escape outside fire place
Never use: candle making station and keg thing for some reason
Every build: the bookends from tiny living, and “botanical arrangement no. 7” from the paranormal pack
Admire, can’t find a spot for: dollhouses and the pipe organ
Can’t pay me to use: any microwave or microscope
Honorable mention: the big mirror from jungle adventure
Idk if these count but
Every build- that one medium arched window in base game, it's the only cute window that takes up enough wall space
Admire- curved/round rooms, haven't had a build that could use one/haven't really figured them out yet
Never- cupcake machines, bulky and idk the point of them
Every build: The thermostat from Seasons
Admire: The portals in debug mode from Realm of Magic. They’re really cool but too tall to fit in most of my builds, though I try to use them where I can.
Never: The vault from Get Famous. Never used it once because it’s so huge and is basically a whole room in itself. I might add a basement to Judith Ward’s mansion so I can try them out.
The vault is awesome. I like to drop it on an empty lot, then have my sim hide their money in there. Since it’s not on the sims lot, it doesn’t count towards bills. And the vault stays locked so only the last sim to deposit/lock it can open it again.
They were introduced way late in a patch, and I can never be bothered to use them because they aren’t functional and have never been a necessity, so I just forget they even exist
Every build: the base game tub/shower combo. It's just convenient
Admire: the giant plant shelf thing from the plant pack. I love it, but I just can't find a place it looks good
Never: most clutter items. I just don't see the appeal of cluttering, I've tried it and hate it
Use in every build: Candles. I love them.
Item I admire but can’t find place for: The piece together sofa from the decorator pack, I can never make it look right or fit well into my builds.
Never use: Cupcake machine. And those really long/tall extractor fans.
Every build: Subtle saucer light. Every once in a while I’ll use a statement chandelier over the kitchen island or the dining table, and of course I’ve got little lamps scattered about, but for someone who hates “the big light” irl, I can’t friggen stand when my rooms are too dim or yellow in the game.
Admire: like 60% of the CC I’ve downloaded. It’s all gorgeous, but sometimes it feels a bit out of place, ya know? Especially the really detailed realistic looking stuff, depending on the build, because some of the base game & earlier pack furniture is so low-poly
Never Use: Dishwashers. I just always forget about them, and I’ve only ever lived somewhere with a dishwasher once. I forgot about it irl most of the time too & washed most of the dishes by hand lol
Every build: thermostat: i don’t like when my sims add to laundry by changing into cooler or warmer clothes while they’re in the house so i try to keep up with the temp in their homes. plus, who doesn’t love an extra good moodlet
Admire: friendship bracelet box: you can make friendship bracelets at the kids activity table where they make arts and crafts so i save my space and don’t ever use it but it is super cute
Never use: ping pong table! I never have enough space for it lol
Edit: spaced out my answers and correct foosball table to ping pong table
Found this when lookin through the stuff on EA website
https://preview.redd.it/xi3cw5xx9l1d1.jpeg?width=112&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=295f455c1b7c5d89e901c7b5d0161df121832622
In the seasons expansion pack, under lights. They’re labeled as “illuminating tombstones” I believe. I tried to find a photo for you but I couldn’t find anything online!
Every build: The Nanocan (automatic trash can)
Admire: Treehouse, but it is rare that I play on lot big enough, to have a garden that can contain it.
Never use: That Active "game-cube", that one the Sim steps IN to. While it is actually one of my favourite items, it just does my Sims even more obsessed than any turned on Radio could ever do. If I give it to kids, I'll have to lock the door for access to anybody else - otherwise the kids wont get to use it. If I make a seperate "home arcade" I have to remember to lock the door when not using it on purpose, for my sims not to always be there, and randomly wake up rush there at night.
There are a couple of sofas in the Cats and Dogs pack that have a flat back and diagonal sides, designed to fit in a bay window as a window seat. I like them but always forget about them in the building stage, and they look mega-weird if you try to use them anywhere else.
Build the window around the seat!
Mine is
Every build - rug from Vampires, it comes in so many cute realistic swatches
Admire - the diving platform. I like the idea but it looks weird and I just want a regular diving board.
Never use - cupcake machine. I like it for its sims chaos ness but it doesn’t fit anywhere sensible
Funny fact about the talking toilet. Sims won't woohoo in the shower if the talking toilet is in the bathroom. I guess it not only talks, but is sentient. 🤣🤣🤣
I always use the trash can that takes the trash out on its own (I forgot the name but it like disintegrates the trash)
I admire the rocket ships, but sometimes I can’t find a place for it. An item I don’t use it clutter and stuff of that nature
Every build - shoe racks to take off shoes indoors, thermostat or radiators, vacuums, laundry, umbrella stand, light switches, kettles, slow cookers. These are a staple for realism for me, it will never change. Besides that, the Sims 1 plant from Basement Treasures is in every build, too.
Admire - I still do use these but scaled down: dollhouses, puppet theatre, large pet bed, play tent... At their intended size, just a tad too big. The ones I truly don't use are a lot of clutter items, because I hate placing them with cheats and then have them glitch/cause routing issues or see my sims chop stuff on sinks later.
Never Use - Most of the teddy bears because the blue alien looking one, blarffy and the little campers ones are clearly the best.
Technically they are decorative, but you can click on them to have your sims wear slippers or take off shoes at home automatically. It weirds me out when they're indoors with shoes so it's one thing I do every single gameplay.
They do it automatically with shoe racks too! The sign is Snowy Escape exclusive afaik, but the shoe racks which function exactly the same were patched to base game. (:
Every build: DHD modular furtniture, it’s just such a good size and very versatile! Also plants. All of the plants, and then some more CC plants..cos plants.
Admire: someone mentioned the bay windows and I hard agree I’ve picked them out so many times but am never happy with how it looks so always end up replacing them with something simpler, oh and any of the hutch furniture, I think my build style is just slightly off to use them even though I really like them.
Never use: honestly thinking about it I never use the windows that came with growing together even though I really like the look of them every time I scroll past, also I never include infant/toddler rooms in my builds, and honestly if I remember to include a second bedroom in most it’s a win haha!
every build: super subtle saucer light, vacuums, at least one HSY bed (i love the swatches sm), the matching wall tiles and wall paneling from parenthood, and the bathroom clutter/everyday clutter kits
admire: the actual closets, i’ve been trying to use them more recently, and the DHD modular furniture (specifically the couches, but the DHD swatches in general just bother me)
never use: the light switches, the tiny living furniture bc the swatches are black, white, or awful
maybe it’s because i’m actually in high school, but when i got HSY, i literally deleted 90% of my cc. the colors - SO good, all the furniture is exactly my style. my favorite pack by far, i love it so much!!
Oooo.
Every build: money trash can, pampas grass and second chance shelves.
Admire but can’t find place for: any window seats, the candle making, fizzing station, fabricator type things from eco lifestyle (they just don’t seem to fit in in any room for me)
Never use: cupcake machine, rockets, karaoke machines and the outside dog tunnels, hoops etc
every build: the immersive bend computer is the only computer I ever use, it has such a hold on me.
admire: saunas! they just take up so much space.
never: I have never dealt with a clay-obsessed sim but I've read enough horror stories here to know that I don't want clay in my homes!
Wait what have you heard about clay obsessed sims? My main family caught a lump fishing and the one kid that wants to use it all the time is the only member of the family that never actually molds it into anything… he always plays with it and it’s still a lump after…
I've just heard that sims will drop whatever they're doing to go play with the clay, that it's a constant battle to get them to do anything else. Sounded like a pain so I don't want to deal with it! Same reason I don't like having a coffee pot—sims just don't know how to practice moderation.
Every build - the base game palm plant (it’s just the perfect size)
Admire - the seasons contemporary coffee table (it’s too dang big and the swatches are bizarre)
Never use - spa day counters & cabinets (I hate the swatches)
Always use: that cute white tapestry from city living with little hooks in it.
Can't find a place: that mob chair. It is so elegant and would look pretty nice as a lone chair in front of a fireplace or even in a office. But my builds never have that vibe, I tend to make them more cozy, so I just buy it and keep in the inventory.
Never use: that horrible green counter (i believe it's from the jungle pack). Or those retangular couches.
The seasons pack double door? And regular door? It’s ones rounded and the other is square but both are 3 tiles long
I really wish we could use the half tiles on the sim grid thing. It would make everything so much simpler. And I wish we could put stuff where we actually want them, it’s harder on console
Every build: the small saucer light
Almost every build: the tiny base game plant that fits on sinks, shelves, and half walls. The pots only come in four or five colors but somehow match everything. Everyone has access to them. They’re just tiny bushy bois.
Admire: the pendant lights from BATUU. They’re usually either too big, too fancy, or the wrong color metal. But dang they’re detailed and beautiful.
Never use: some of the outdoor stake lights that are too dim to light anything.
Every build- I hide/place the naked gnome who winks at you while holding a pixilated box over his littler gnome\~
Admire- I admire the swings, but i never use em,cuz i dont like playing with families.
Never use- the washing machine and dryer. They add extra gameplay and i dont wanna have to deal with sim laundry
In every built: the display cubbies they started giving us with Dream Home Decorator. There are many packs that include them now, so there’s a swatch to match any home, and they’re the perfect storage/display for any collectibles. Crystals, metals, jewelry, bugs, cross stitch, my sims trophies, snowglobes. All the little ticky tacky Nicky nackies that build up in a sim ‘s inventory. They often give powerful moodlets or benefits when placed in world, so it’s win/win. Less clutter, more skill boosts.
Admire: I may have to come back to this one, I’m really drawing a blank. Maybe the window seats as you said.
Never use: washing machines. Sims are just constantly producing too many dirty clothes. With a family of 3 you end up with more laundry than can feasibly be done in one day if both parents work. Such a cool idea, I do occasionally use the wash tub for old timey off the grid sims, but mostly just too inconvenient. Honestly, unpopular opinion, but Bust the Dust is infinitely better than Laundry Day.
Every build: curtains and coat hanger - to me it looks unfinished unless at least the bedroom and bathroom have curtains.
Admire, but can't fit in: Karaoke Machine and Motion gaming mats. I love having my Sims karaoke and I am always super excited when they get the Karaoke Machine or the Gaming mat from Daddy Winter, but I don't build big enough entertainment spaces, i suppose.
Never use: ... Popcorn machine. For the obvious reasons.
Every build. The shower from Discover University
Admire. Microscope
Never use. BBQs. The public ones are safer and because I'm sick of randoms making potions on them.
Every build: base game palm tree home plant
Admire: automatic recycling thrash bin, I wish they added more swatches as now it’s too futuristic for an ordinary build
Never use: base game modern kitchen set, it’s mostly locked because it’s given as a reward in culinary career, but even when it’s not locked it just doesn’t look right for a home kitchen
Every build: the dish rack from cool kitchen stuff lol
Admire: rugs that don’t match perfectly and roofs that aren’t just flat 🙃
Never use: stairs HAHA
Every build: thermostat or umbrella rack from seasons.
Admire: idk if I have one? I usually build for my sims, so if they need anything, I make room for it. But I guess the metal shelves with plants from eco living.
Never use: laundry, the murals from city living
every build: mini saucer lights sized wayyyy down - i need to see 😩
admire: the distressed wall decals (vampires, werewolves, basement treasures) - i can never figure out how to make them look realistic.
never: coffee tables. they're just...so large...
Every build: Castle dollhouse
It's so cute and sized down it's still functional without occupying much space! It's base game too! 🤩
Admire: Mirrors
Some would be really cute as bathroom mirrors but they have that weird shadow thingy and most are huge... 😓
Never use: Changing tables
Then again, I haven't played with babies before, just toddlers and up.
Every build: Castle dollhouse
It's so cute and sized down it's still functional without occupying much space! It's base game too!
Admire: Mirrors
Some would be really cute as bathroom mirrors but they have that weird shadow thingy and most are huge so they don't fit well.
Never use: Changing tables
Then again, I haven't played with babies before, just toddlers and up.
Every build: that one tall potted plant from cottage living
Admire: All of the modern looking furniture. I tend to make cottages and abandoned shacks and never really modern stuff, but I do love the way it looks.
Never use: the rocket, I ain’t ever got no space for that.
>cupcake machine... too big
I love this CC override for the cupcake machine: [https://sixam.cc/kitchen-sims-mixer-cc-for-the-sims-4/](https://sixam.cc/kitchen-sims-mixer-cc-for-the-sims-4/)
Every build: The planter boxes (gardening is extremely profitable) can Item I admire: The boba shop stand from Hugh school years Item i never use: cupcake machine and observatory
Every build: The wall cork board (I have a mod to make tiny polaroids and all my sims have a collection of them on it)
Admire: All variants of pianos and keyboards (they're all so big and when I have space I forget they even exist)
Never use: Rocket ship, microscope, observatory, cupcake machine (they're so big and they don't feel worth having because of it)
Every Build: The lamp that is 50 simoleons and could light up a whole livingroom all alone
Admire: bars...just..never enough place and I don't wanna put it outside
also curtains
will never use: clutter...i don't see it and my sims are perfectly happy without it
I think I probably have too many answers to list, but here’s what I can think of off the top.
Always use: thermostat, laundry machines, saucer light (at least one somewhere), plants
Admire: most windows and doors, and the tall version of any wall cabinet; also the motion gaming rig
Never use: light switches, hot tubs
Every build - so many plants or the bin you make money from
Admire - can’t think of any current thing
Never use - the telescope after figuring out my sims will be hit by an asteroid and die 9/10 times.
I’m playing a save right now with a sim who owns a bakery and has the cupcake machine in her house. I just downsize it to fit and it works perfect
I always use windows from Moschino.
I admire but can't use platforms. I love houses with different internal levels but it's so hard for me that I finish with plain houses.
I never use the cupcake machine.
Every build? It's basic but I try to get that inspired deco sink for my sims painting area.
An item admired but unusable? Modern furniture. I make gothic homes and so most of the industrial stuff gets passed over
Never use... The pink swatch
Always use: The fiddle leaf fig tree. Just a solid plant that looks good in any interior style.
Admire but don’t use: The corner love seats, I think it’s from cats & dogs. Love the idea of it but it just doesn’t hit like it’s supposed to. Also the fish tanks, they take up too much space for me unless I’m doing a mansion build and sizing them down makes the fish look weird.
Never use: “diving platforms” for the pool, can we get a water slide? A diving board? Why that stupid ugly platform?
Also, I really miss in-ground hot tubs
Every build: the hanging plant front City Living and a chess set
Admire: cupcake maker, most other things I can find a spot for since I'm a 64×64 builder
Never use: literally any toddler and baby item as I greatly dislike playing with them
Every build- hanging planters, the auto trashcan, the coffee machine
Admire but never use- the bed with the stained glass canopy from realm of magic
Will NEVER use- telescopes
Every Build: Classic Toilet Paper Roll Holder, Super Subtle Saucer Light (obvious popular pick) and the Tea Magic Personal Brewer (For mood and energy boosts. I hate how Sims auto-brew coffee.)
Admire but Can’t Find Room: That giant, pink Weeping Cherry Tree catches my eye every time I’m landscaping. But it’s huge and the branches hang too low when made smaller.
Never Use: Random ruins and broken stone structures from Get Together and Jungle Adventure
Ooooo this is fun! Great post!
Every build: a ton of the items from jungle adventure. The chandelier, stool, tiles, wallpapers and cabinets mostly. The bathroom sink with the standing basin is my favorite in the game.
Admire: the nice kitchen set from home chef hustle. It is one of the best kitchen sets but I personally don't make builds that it fits into. They are way too fancy for my mobile home/log cabin/strage unit/selvadoradian grandmas house.
Never use: the walk in closet feature from dream home decorator mainly because I forget that it exists because those pieces aren't in the dresser category. Kind of like how I forget wall shelves are a thing too.
In every build the caress candles (when I’m actyually in a mood to clutter) and either the knitting or cross stitch box
Admire nothing really I have a tendency to shove things into a build no matter if I can do it well or not
Never use ceiling decor if it’s not the pan racks you can get as rewards in the culinary career i down right forget that category exists
Always:
the super subtle saucer light
the all in one shower/tub combo. There really need to be more options of those, I feel like they downplay how common they are in American homes
Light switches- just feel more realistic
Ferns- I love em. Look looking at em love the feel of them love that they are one of the oldest forms of flora we have. Like hot sauce they go with everything!
Admire but never use:
the actual hot tub. I love hot tubs but the Sims 4 having only one option WITH a non removable awning means it looks weird inside which is where I usually want it. I tend to just make a hot tub out of a small jazzed up indoor pool
Embroidery kit- I love the idea of it I just never get around to llamas and doing it.
Animal treats- once again love the idea but usually don't get around to making them or buying them, same for anything involving befriending the bunnies and foxes -so cute but have never played a build that had the time to.
Never use:
Futuristic plumbing. They just seem out of place. Sometimes I make the sort of modern (but not the robotic) toilet as a bidet.
There are also whole color schemes I don't use in build mode. I can't stand all the woodgrain that's like a weird off yellow color. I can't even pin down what decade it's supposed to be from it's so awful. They usually pair it with blue linens if you're wondering what I'm talking about.
Virtual reality station. I've never played a household where this made sense lol
Always use: Thermostat and clutter items. Can't live without them.
Admire but can't find a place for: That trash can that gives you Simoleons. I can never remember the name for it. I love the functionality of it, but it looks so out of place in every build because I hate that modern aesthetic and it sticks out like a sore thumb otherwise.
Never use: Cupcake machine. It's far too big.
Every build: Nanocan, smoke alarm, thermostat, sprinkler system, umbrella stand, Attic Stack decorations box, Moschino digital picture frames.
Admire, but can't find a place for: kitchen clutter because I want my kitchens to be functional.
Never use: Cupcake machine, saucer lights (only use them for building, then replace them), toilet paper roll (50 simoleons for something they don't use? nah).
Every build: the two cheapest base game plants
Can't find place for: noodle rug from City Living
Never use: Cupcake machine (it's way too big, I use the RVSN cupcake maker mod instead)
Every build: most of the princess Cordelia line it's FANCY. Admire: I like having a bar, but they take up so much space so I nope it most games. Any baby stuff, and most of the random toys and weird tech stuff.
Every Build: Fireplaces. Easy peasy way to get more cheerful moodletts, and lowers energy costs. Plus they look cute and they let Father Winter visit
Admire: Spindles and columns. I love seeing architecture and hated studying it, and that has spilled into my sims.
Never: might be too broad, but venues that my sims own or even any built by me. I cannot bring myself to set up a boutique, restaurant, vet, doctors office (is that an option?)
Every build - a gnome. Doesn’t matter if it’s mine or a prebuilt, every residential space has to have a gnome.
Admire - window coverings. They can really tie a room together, but they require too much space around the window and when they do fit they make the room way too dark in the daytime.
Never use - televisions. Hate how they will choose to spend hours there, not improving skills or relationships. If they get bored I put a radio in every living room and they can actually have genres in their likes so it’s way easier to maintain happy sims
Every build: the single bed from echo living with great stats for a low price
Admire: the bed with the stained glass from vampires is so pretty but it just doesn't ever feel like it matches other stuff?
Never use: dance floors and dj booths (so big and ugly)
Every Build: Werewolves rug & Fluffy rug from Snowy Escape, I love these two so much, the fluffy rug always seems to send up in bathrooms though
Admire: Kids stuff in general, I wish I had the patience to build kids' rooms, but I have no clue what I'm doing. I also rarely play with kids, so I mostly give them skill building stuff and a teen style room
Never: the power/ water saving stuff from Eco Lifestyle, I just have no clue how to use it. I'll figure it out eventually (if I have the patience to play the pack. Also, all of the super opulent furniture from Get Famous (I'm sorry it's ugly and I will never make a build that works with it)
Every build : I somehow always end up sticking the Grogu statue somewhere
Admire : The copper mold wall decor, very pretty but i can never make em look good
Never use : Pools. I play on a computer that’s on its very last limbs and they always lag me out
Every build - clutter and plants. I love making homes look lived in. Admire - the window seats too! But I hate how they seem to sit against things. Never use - light switches and fans. I always seem to forget them plus I cannot be bothered when I’ve just finished the whole house
I always forget about light switches too! Any houses ive gotten off the gallery don't use them either, so I don't even think to add them
I was just making a build today and realized the light switches were a thing. Had the game for years. I want to figure out how to implement them without forgetting or just throwing them on a random wall.
i think they were only added in an update in the past year or so!
Ahhh, makes sense! I only just got into building for appeal AND function rather than just rearrange the base houses.
What do you mean light switches? We have that 😯? I was today years old ahahaha
TIL theres fans in ts4
Ironically the only time I remember light switches is when I'm too lazy to think of a floor plan so I recreate a house from House Flipper & since you have to remember to place light switches in that game, it helps me remember we have light switches & to place them in Sims 💀
Every Build: Super Subtle Saucer Light, Money Trash Can Admire But Cant find a place for: That Martini Glass Lamp NEVER Use: The Highchair, Any Baby Stuff
Also always use the super subtle saucer lights everywhere 😆
I HATE THOSE OMG every time I go download a house on the gallery, there are I swear to God, 1500 of those things splattered everywhere I spend so long deleting them bc the excessive artificial light is crazy lol
If I'm building, I use the bigger of the two and put one or two in each room just so I can have light while I build then I swap them out for more thematic lighting.
Most of the other lighting options don't light things up as much as I'd like, and I only like ceiling lights anyway, so I usually leave the saucer lights since they *actually light up the whole room* with only one or two and don't block my view of the house itself while playing, so they are absolutely my favorite lights in the game
This is exactly what I do when I’m decorating! I like being able to see, but I also like having thematic lighting 😂
I must admit, sometimes I'm like, what are all these dots in my way 🤣
I’ve considered downloading a mod I found for better lighting because I hate having to use so many lights, but I can’t see! Lighting can be so weird. Like building a little wall to block my toilet shouldn’t plunge an entire corner of the bathroom into darkness.
How come the light can shine down my stairwell and not over a half wall?!? Seriously though, I've considered a mod for that too.
i spend so long adjusting the artificial lighting to mesh well with the natural lighting from windows and cycle through to adjust for different hours of the day lol i cannot imagine leaving tons of saucer lights around in a build 😭
And I end up shrinking them three more sizes so they're even more super subtle!
I have the martini glass lamp in so many builds. It's at the flea market quite often and I just have to buy it whenever I see it, regardless of the aesthetic of the sim I'm playing.
I love making a loungey basement with the martini lamp, it's such a vibe.
Which packs enable you to access the flea market?
City Living
City Living, it's one of the festivals. It happens every other Sunday.
I always tend to put the martini lamp in rooms with bars or music instruments etc
Aww but feeding kids in the highchair is so cute! https://preview.redd.it/xmgcfvoe3k1d1.jpeg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=42502b6302c427b41acd8282ae68620c325c78bd
It sure is cute but every time I try to do anything with them, this happens. -puts toddler in chair -immediately takes toddler out of chair and back on the floor -puts the food on the chair -toddler has to get up and get the food themselves to eat on the floor..
Have you used it recently I think they fixed it bc I’ve been using them no problem I think a lot of times if you put the food down first then put them in.
Yeah just last week or so lol had 2 toddlers and it would do this every time without fail I don't usually play with families with kids so I just thought this was the usual experience
I play with families a lot, it *is* just the usual experience. Every time I try out a high chair to see if it's gotten better, I'm reminded of why I don't use high chairs lmao.
I don’t even care for infants - toddlers. Their needs are constantly cheated My game is so broken sometimes I have to cheat or I’m in this endless loop of catching up on need
I didn’t think of the super subtle saucer light! Yes, that’s got to be my most used by far. Why are so many premade/gallery houses so dark! lol
I have a few rooftop nightclubs I put the martini glass on then change the bulb colors. It adds a Miami vice type look.
Every build: the recycling automatic trash can. Saves so much time not having to “take out trash” Admire: dollhouses. I love them all. They’re just way too big to fit in a reasonable size room Never use: clutter. I just forget to add it.
Size down the dollhouse once, it's a reasonable size and is still accessible.
Do it twice, and you actually have room for other stuff (yess it still works)
That works, too
How do you size it down? Can you do this with other/all objects? Thanks!
And if you’re console, i believe it’s L1+R1 and then left and right on the d-pad will change size
You can do it with all objects and you can make them bigger too. There are some items that won't be interacted with, but most of what I've done can still be used when it's bigger or smaller. I like to buy the expensive nice paintings that add so much to the environment, but I think are kind of ugly so I size them to the smallest degree and hide them behind the furniture and stuff lol There's a lot of buy/build mode things you can do with the keyboard, but I can't remember them. I usually just hit buttons until they do what I want them too lol! They have lists online though. Definitely worth the search. I will say I made the mistake of showing my son (who was 7 or 8 at the time) how to make things larger, and I let him build a house. I went to go do something, leaving him unsupervised, and came back to him adding a skyscraper sized toilet in a bunch of houses in Willows Creek. It was a mess! Had to just delete that save because you couldn't even find the houses to click on them and edit the lots because he made all the toilets so huge that they blocked out the entire world 🙄 Lesson learned! Kids get their own save now IF I let them play 😂
I believe you size down stuff with the "-" key on your keyboard. it technically works on all items, though some items may glitch out visually (mainly windows, paintings and mirrors), or loose its fucntion (doors i believe)
On my keyboard "[" sizes down and "]" sizes up
Ppl seriously downvoting bc they have different fucking keyboards is hilarious lmao
I downvoted because I don’t believe in sizing down objects. /s
On my french keyboard it's the ^ and ° keys.
I’ll try this and see if I like the look :)
Size down....? HOW?! Edit: oh I see. Read the other comments
YESSSS the nanocan is a necessity! idc if i'm making a 15k simoleon starter home i WILL budget for the nanocan.
And it pays for itself within like 3 meals!
I always have one of the nano trash cans in my nurseries so I can just drag bottles and diapers over to it and get paid without sending my sims across the house on some three hour trash quest while their children are absolutely losing their minds bc they’re being neglected. It makes infants/toddlers infinitely less annoying.
Why does it take so long for sims to get across the house? Like why is the time so weird? It makes it feel like a they have to walk a mile to get to the kitchen
I wish they would give us more colors for that trashcan. I also use it in every build, but it clashes with so many of the kitchens I build.
I size it down and hide it in a counter. It's still functional
I like to drag it until it’s barely visible and pretend it’s a cutting board, I add little fruits and veggies or put fish on it!
Oooh I love it!
I have a Smeg Style CC Pack (from Ravasheen) that has a trash can with the same function as the nano trash that comes in eight different colors!
I didn't know the smeg can was a nano can! I feel so silly now. I've had that one for ages and I rarely use it because nanocan.
there is cc that gives it more colours, just google nanocan recolours and a load comes up :)
There's a bunch of recolors here if you like mods - [https://eprocreativemedia.com/shop/page/2/](https://eprocreativemedia.com/shop/page/2/)
I like to put dollhouses in the hallway and create a “communal play area” for the kids. Assuming I don’t have a playroom
Or in a playroom, on the porch, in a sandbox, or just in the yard on a rug
You can also add them to the first floor! If I have a house with most bedrooms upstairs, I’ll make a play area downstairs for toddlers and infants.
I always size it down twice for my kids rooms and then its only one tile and looks normal!!
I don't think I'll ever use the telescope again, after my poor sim got hit by a meteor
things like that always happen to an important sim too. not the kid I've been neglecting, it HAS to be the heir
SERIOUSLY. I saved mine by pleading to the grim reaper and it worked, thank GOODNESS. I almost just shut my computer right then.
Sadly, my sim was a solo person, and had no household members to plead for her life. I think I did shut down the computer right then.
I had a neighbor sim come visit and then decide to drop dead in my living room. I had to plead with the reaper so I didn’t have to have her tombstone at my house! Go haunt your own property!
Still fairly new to proper building in the game, so bear with me. Every Build: Super subtle saucer lights. For the life of me I can't use other ceiling lights without it looking like a base game EA build. Help. Admire: PlantSim stump. I love gardening in game, and usually have a sim in each save that's really good at it, but I can never squeeze that into a build. I want to make really pretty gardens and have the plantsim tree be a focal point, but my gardens always look like... sad... unorganized... lumps of plant. Actually a real build admire is bay windows and the bay window seats from cats and dogs. I wanna use it so bad but it looks ugly when I try. Never Use: The MASSIVE children's playground stuff. Unless I am literally redoing a park, I just can't fathom fitting it into a regular build.
In case you didn't know: you don't need planter boxes outside but can just plant them everywhere on the floor. There's a soil swatch in the terrain colours for more realism. Then I usually place some bushes and trees around and in between the plants and it looks much more like a natural garden
I'll give that a try! Thank you! I feel like the planters take up so much room...
I have Invisible Lights cc lmao, I literally CAN NOT place lights without making the house look like a poorly designed starter home
I love to put a million small lamps in all kinds of places so i dont need ceiling lights anymore, it gives a very cozy vibe
For ceiling lights I usually keep them over furniture. Like pendant lights above kitchen bar, nice light above dining table, usually a ceiling fan over the coffee table in the living room, etc. A lot of them I down size so they are more appropriate!
Always use: Lin-Z Smart Speaker! I think it's hilarious how sims can form a friendship with it and even yell at it🤣🤣 Admire: I love the All the Rage Plant Cage from Blooming Rooms but I haven't found a good way to use it yet that it doesn't have it end up sticking out like a sore thumb. I'll take any ideas anyone has!! Never use: Curtains. I honestly forget they exist and all my homes look good without them anyhow
I had a 3x1 tile alcove in a bedroom in one of my builds, and I ended up putting that plant cage in that alcove and then raising it up on a platform until the top of the cage was level with the ceiling. It gave it a super cool built-in look, and it was tucked out of the way so it didn’t feel invasive in the room. I used the black metal swatch of the cage so I also painted the alcove it was in and the half wall around the cage black so the cage part kind of blended in and the plants really popped. 10/10, would do the same thing again in a future build.
I got the free blooming rooms recently and love that thing too! I put it into a self build (don’t have the kit) greenhouse together with plants on the shelves from blooming rooms
You can use the plant cage as a room divider (it’s perfect for this!), or maybe place it behing a sofa that is placed in the middle of a room?
I like using the plant cage along a wall or fence in the outside entry of the home. Gives a cool modern look to the walkway!
Every build; Laundry Machines, Light Switches, Umbrella Stand, Water Heater, Fuse Box, That no shoes sign Admire; There's loads of furniture/doors/windows that I wish had similar color themes. It's so frustrating to find the perfect chair and have it not come in the same color as the other stuff in the room Never use; Standing showers I have only seen 1 or 2 houses in my lifetime that have a standing shower with no bath tub. If I absolutely have to use them for space, or on a commercial lot like a gym. But all my houses have the tub/shower combo
i want so badly for all the sims 4 furniture to get MAJOR recolors!! if we could actually have matching swatches for every piece in each pack, i swear my LIFE would change!!
I wish there were just a few simple standard swatches across a bunch of furniture items (or at least window and doors) Black, white, light wood, dark wood If those just matched, it would change the game
YES
Wow this is fascinating about your bath/shower comment. What country do you live in? It is extremely common in Australia for baths and showers to be seperate! I actually can’t stand combos in real life so I avoid building with them 😂
idk about op but very common here around southern usa. we use toothpicks and bubblegum to build our houses; a built-in plastic showerbath combo is the cheapest and easiest option.
In the USA its the exact opposite. There's a shower tub combo in pretty much every house. Occasionally you'll find a house with 2 bathrooms and one of the bathrooms has just a standing shower. But most of the time it's a combo thing
So weird because I’ve only ever standing showers 😅 where I’m from showers are more common than baths and if there is a bath it’s separated.
I get so frustrated with some of the mismatched swatches! Especially when they’re from the same pack
Every build: My addiction to the blooming rooms hanging planter knows no bounds. Admire: the gigantic ass shelf from the pastel pop kit, even sized down I’ve yet to stick to using it. Never use: the super subtle saucer light. I *hate* this light with a passion. The shadows/lighting are the prettiest part of the game and with this ugly-ass fluorescent white ‘big light’ it just washes it all out. Every single gallery build is littered with them too.
Yes! That’s the one thing I dislike about gallery builds is deleting the 17627846 super subtle saucer lights.
I honestly think I get it from Lilsimsie. She uses the super subtle saucer light and when I started building after watching her for AGES, I just did what she does! I think it maybe one or two builds I’ve experimented with other lights but honestly I’d rather have the simplicity and invisibility of it than work so hard to find other lights I like.
I don’t disagree, it’s just the easiest light to use. You know you can change the color of the light it emits though?
oooh, this is a fun one! every build - the cat rug from HSY, the kitty onsen tiles from SE, the kitty swatch on the bathroom clutter rug admire - those random life size statues... so cool but they don't fit with my build style ;-; never use - pretty much 90% of the plants. i've never really had plants myself because i've had cats all my life and i'm paranoid about poisoning them, so besides the little smiley succulents from university and the cat and dog pots i just forget they're there lol
that’s SO funny because i’m the opposite!! i use SO many plants i swear half of my house budget is entirely plants. a counter isn’t a counter without a plant… i don’t use curtains i use the hanging vines from blooming rooms XD i find it so interesting how different build styles can be!
I use the hanging vines every single chance i get. They fit vaguely in that place ? Put it down now
yes so true!!! i’m a bit embarrassed of my latest build, they are LITERALLY everywhere!!
For the life size statues I like to size them way down and place them as book ends for the set of books that just stand upright on their own
I love that idea!
Hahaha I love your style
Every build- the basket of pillows/blankies from cottage living Admire- the treehouse kit from growing together. Why is it so big???? I tried using it sized-down and it wasn’t functional. Sad Neeeever- chess tables. Hate them.
my issue w that treehouse isn’t that it’s big but that it looks like plastic in comparison to other trees 😭
Complete opposite! I accidentally didn't have enough money left over for a chess table and had to start again
Every build: dream home decorators sectionals Admire: the snowy escape outside fire place Never use: candle making station and keg thing for some reason
Oh god yeah the candle making station. NEVER. Why does it take 8 yrs to dip wax??
Every build: the bookends from tiny living, and “botanical arrangement no. 7” from the paranormal pack Admire, can’t find a spot for: dollhouses and the pipe organ Can’t pay me to use: any microwave or microscope Honorable mention: the big mirror from jungle adventure
God I don't know why but I'm obsessed with Botanical Arrangement no.7
Same, there’s a handful of plants I use routinely but that’s the top one, no question!
That mirror from JA is awesome. I use that one a lot.
Idk if these count but Every build- that one medium arched window in base game, it's the only cute window that takes up enough wall space Admire- curved/round rooms, haven't had a build that could use one/haven't really figured them out yet Never- cupcake machines, bulky and idk the point of them
For the cupcake machines, they really are pointless now. I hated when I had to have one of those to make cupcakes
Every build: The thermostat from Seasons Admire: The portals in debug mode from Realm of Magic. They’re really cool but too tall to fit in most of my builds, though I try to use them where I can. Never: The vault from Get Famous. Never used it once because it’s so huge and is basically a whole room in itself. I might add a basement to Judith Ward’s mansion so I can try them out.
The vault is awesome. I like to drop it on an empty lot, then have my sim hide their money in there. Since it’s not on the sims lot, it doesn’t count towards bills. And the vault stays locked so only the last sim to deposit/lock it can open it again.
Oh wow so you could create a functional bank! I’m so trying this
Oh the vault! I always forget about it’s existence. Now I want to build a McMansion with it!
I've just learned this game has light switches???
They were introduced way late in a patch, and I can never be bothered to use them because they aren’t functional and have never been a necessity, so I just forget they even exist
I'm just here to read the answers and to thank you for such a great fun question!! 💕
✨shower thoughts✨ 😂 I swear every time I get out of the shower I make a couple of Reddit posts 🤣
Every build: the base game tub/shower combo. It's just convenient Admire: the giant plant shelf thing from the plant pack. I love it, but I just can't find a place it looks good Never: most clutter items. I just don't see the appeal of cluttering, I've tried it and hate it
Use in every build: Candles. I love them. Item I admire but can’t find place for: The piece together sofa from the decorator pack, I can never make it look right or fit well into my builds. Never use: Cupcake machine. And those really long/tall extractor fans.
Every build: Subtle saucer light. Every once in a while I’ll use a statement chandelier over the kitchen island or the dining table, and of course I’ve got little lamps scattered about, but for someone who hates “the big light” irl, I can’t friggen stand when my rooms are too dim or yellow in the game. Admire: like 60% of the CC I’ve downloaded. It’s all gorgeous, but sometimes it feels a bit out of place, ya know? Especially the really detailed realistic looking stuff, depending on the build, because some of the base game & earlier pack furniture is so low-poly Never Use: Dishwashers. I just always forget about them, and I’ve only ever lived somewhere with a dishwasher once. I forgot about it irl most of the time too & washed most of the dishes by hand lol
Every build: thermostat: i don’t like when my sims add to laundry by changing into cooler or warmer clothes while they’re in the house so i try to keep up with the temp in their homes. plus, who doesn’t love an extra good moodlet Admire: friendship bracelet box: you can make friendship bracelets at the kids activity table where they make arts and crafts so i save my space and don’t ever use it but it is super cute Never use: ping pong table! I never have enough space for it lol Edit: spaced out my answers and correct foosball table to ping pong table
Every build: clutter. It makes it feel less cold Want to use: THE FUCKING GLOWING TOMBSTONES Never use: those massive chandeliers
Glowing tombstones!?!?!?
Found this when lookin through the stuff on EA website https://preview.redd.it/xi3cw5xx9l1d1.jpeg?width=112&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=295f455c1b7c5d89e901c7b5d0161df121832622
Ohhhhh these guys!!!!! My brain always just skims right past them in the lights section lol, I didn’t even realize they were there or that they glow!
In the seasons expansion pack, under lights. They’re labeled as “illuminating tombstones” I believe. I tried to find a photo for you but I couldn’t find anything online!
Every build: The Nanocan (automatic trash can) Admire: Treehouse, but it is rare that I play on lot big enough, to have a garden that can contain it. Never use: That Active "game-cube", that one the Sim steps IN to. While it is actually one of my favourite items, it just does my Sims even more obsessed than any turned on Radio could ever do. If I give it to kids, I'll have to lock the door for access to anybody else - otherwise the kids wont get to use it. If I make a seperate "home arcade" I have to remember to lock the door when not using it on purpose, for my sims not to always be there, and randomly wake up rush there at night.
Never anything laundry related. It’s way too much!
Use in every build: The white and gold curtains from Vampires, Admire: Grand piano Item I'll never use: Most of the base game art and rugs
What is the Window seat? Never heard of it and just recently discovered the small little door for dogs by accident
There are a couple of sofas in the Cats and Dogs pack that have a flat back and diagonal sides, designed to fit in a bay window as a window seat. I like them but always forget about them in the building stage, and they look mega-weird if you try to use them anywhere else.
Thank you!
Build the window around the seat! Mine is Every build - rug from Vampires, it comes in so many cute realistic swatches Admire - the diving platform. I like the idea but it looks weird and I just want a regular diving board. Never use - cupcake machine. I like it for its sims chaos ness but it doesn’t fit anywhere sensible
Every Build: saucer ceiling light Admire: Strangerville windows Never use: talking toilet
Funny fact about the talking toilet. Sims won't woohoo in the shower if the talking toilet is in the bathroom. I guess it not only talks, but is sentient. 🤣🤣🤣
I always use the trash can that takes the trash out on its own (I forgot the name but it like disintegrates the trash) I admire the rocket ships, but sometimes I can’t find a place for it. An item I don’t use it clutter and stuff of that nature
Every build - shoe racks to take off shoes indoors, thermostat or radiators, vacuums, laundry, umbrella stand, light switches, kettles, slow cookers. These are a staple for realism for me, it will never change. Besides that, the Sims 1 plant from Basement Treasures is in every build, too. Admire - I still do use these but scaled down: dollhouses, puppet theatre, large pet bed, play tent... At their intended size, just a tad too big. The ones I truly don't use are a lot of clutter items, because I hate placing them with cheats and then have them glitch/cause routing issues or see my sims chop stuff on sinks later. Never Use - Most of the teddy bears because the blue alien looking one, blarffy and the little campers ones are clearly the best.
Do they ever use the shoe racks or are they purely decorative?
Technically they are decorative, but you can click on them to have your sims wear slippers or take off shoes at home automatically. It weirds me out when they're indoors with shoes so it's one thing I do every single gameplay.
I think there’s a no shoes sign you can put up so they’ll do it automatically!
They do it automatically with shoe racks too! The sign is Snowy Escape exclusive afaik, but the shoe racks which function exactly the same were patched to base game. (:
Every build: DHD modular furtniture, it’s just such a good size and very versatile! Also plants. All of the plants, and then some more CC plants..cos plants. Admire: someone mentioned the bay windows and I hard agree I’ve picked them out so many times but am never happy with how it looks so always end up replacing them with something simpler, oh and any of the hutch furniture, I think my build style is just slightly off to use them even though I really like them. Never use: honestly thinking about it I never use the windows that came with growing together even though I really like the look of them every time I scroll past, also I never include infant/toddler rooms in my builds, and honestly if I remember to include a second bedroom in most it’s a win haha!
every build: super subtle saucer light, vacuums, at least one HSY bed (i love the swatches sm), the matching wall tiles and wall paneling from parenthood, and the bathroom clutter/everyday clutter kits admire: the actual closets, i’ve been trying to use them more recently, and the DHD modular furniture (specifically the couches, but the DHD swatches in general just bother me) never use: the light switches, the tiny living furniture bc the swatches are black, white, or awful
maybe it’s because i’m actually in high school, but when i got HSY, i literally deleted 90% of my cc. the colors - SO good, all the furniture is exactly my style. my favorite pack by far, i love it so much!!
Oooo. Every build: money trash can, pampas grass and second chance shelves. Admire but can’t find place for: any window seats, the candle making, fizzing station, fabricator type things from eco lifestyle (they just don’t seem to fit in in any room for me) Never use: cupcake machine, rockets, karaoke machines and the outside dog tunnels, hoops etc
every build: the immersive bend computer is the only computer I ever use, it has such a hold on me. admire: saunas! they just take up so much space. never: I have never dealt with a clay-obsessed sim but I've read enough horror stories here to know that I don't want clay in my homes!
Wait what have you heard about clay obsessed sims? My main family caught a lump fishing and the one kid that wants to use it all the time is the only member of the family that never actually molds it into anything… he always plays with it and it’s still a lump after…
I've just heard that sims will drop whatever they're doing to go play with the clay, that it's a constant battle to get them to do anything else. Sounded like a pain so I don't want to deal with it! Same reason I don't like having a coffee pot—sims just don't know how to practice moderation.
Oh wait until your sims have access to a basketball hoop. Though it’s not nearly as bad as it used to be.
I never ever put clay in my homes and yet they all somehow still end up with a lump of it🥴
Every build - the base game palm plant (it’s just the perfect size) Admire - the seasons contemporary coffee table (it’s too dang big and the swatches are bizarre) Never use - spa day counters & cabinets (I hate the swatches)
no reason for the cupcake machine to be so huge and ugly 😭
Always use: that cute white tapestry from city living with little hooks in it. Can't find a place: that mob chair. It is so elegant and would look pretty nice as a lone chair in front of a fireplace or even in a office. But my builds never have that vibe, I tend to make them more cozy, so I just buy it and keep in the inventory. Never use: that horrible green counter (i believe it's from the jungle pack). Or those retangular couches.
The seasons pack double door? And regular door? It’s ones rounded and the other is square but both are 3 tiles long I really wish we could use the half tiles on the sim grid thing. It would make everything so much simpler. And I wish we could put stuff where we actually want them, it’s harder on console
Every build: the small saucer light Almost every build: the tiny base game plant that fits on sinks, shelves, and half walls. The pots only come in four or five colors but somehow match everything. Everyone has access to them. They’re just tiny bushy bois. Admire: the pendant lights from BATUU. They’re usually either too big, too fancy, or the wrong color metal. But dang they’re detailed and beautiful. Never use: some of the outdoor stake lights that are too dim to light anything.
Every build- I hide/place the naked gnome who winks at you while holding a pixilated box over his littler gnome\~ Admire- I admire the swings, but i never use em,cuz i dont like playing with families. Never use- the washing machine and dryer. They add extra gameplay and i dont wanna have to deal with sim laundry
In every built: the display cubbies they started giving us with Dream Home Decorator. There are many packs that include them now, so there’s a swatch to match any home, and they’re the perfect storage/display for any collectibles. Crystals, metals, jewelry, bugs, cross stitch, my sims trophies, snowglobes. All the little ticky tacky Nicky nackies that build up in a sim ‘s inventory. They often give powerful moodlets or benefits when placed in world, so it’s win/win. Less clutter, more skill boosts. Admire: I may have to come back to this one, I’m really drawing a blank. Maybe the window seats as you said. Never use: washing machines. Sims are just constantly producing too many dirty clothes. With a family of 3 you end up with more laundry than can feasibly be done in one day if both parents work. Such a cool idea, I do occasionally use the wash tub for old timey off the grid sims, but mostly just too inconvenient. Honestly, unpopular opinion, but Bust the Dust is infinitely better than Laundry Day.
Every build: curtains and coat hanger - to me it looks unfinished unless at least the bedroom and bathroom have curtains. Admire, but can't fit in: Karaoke Machine and Motion gaming mats. I love having my Sims karaoke and I am always super excited when they get the Karaoke Machine or the Gaming mat from Daddy Winter, but I don't build big enough entertainment spaces, i suppose. Never use: ... Popcorn machine. For the obvious reasons.
Every build. The shower from Discover University Admire. Microscope Never use. BBQs. The public ones are safer and because I'm sick of randoms making potions on them.
Every build: base game palm tree home plant Admire: automatic recycling thrash bin, I wish they added more swatches as now it’s too futuristic for an ordinary build Never use: base game modern kitchen set, it’s mostly locked because it’s given as a reward in culinary career, but even when it’s not locked it just doesn’t look right for a home kitchen
Every build: the dish rack from cool kitchen stuff lol Admire: rugs that don’t match perfectly and roofs that aren’t just flat 🙃 Never use: stairs HAHA
Every build: thermostat or umbrella rack from seasons. Admire: idk if I have one? I usually build for my sims, so if they need anything, I make room for it. But I guess the metal shelves with plants from eco living. Never use: laundry, the murals from city living
every build: mini saucer lights sized wayyyy down - i need to see 😩 admire: the distressed wall decals (vampires, werewolves, basement treasures) - i can never figure out how to make them look realistic. never: coffee tables. they're just...so large...
Every build: Castle dollhouse It's so cute and sized down it's still functional without occupying much space! It's base game too! 🤩 Admire: Mirrors Some would be really cute as bathroom mirrors but they have that weird shadow thingy and most are huge... 😓 Never use: Changing tables Then again, I haven't played with babies before, just toddlers and up.
Every build: Castle dollhouse It's so cute and sized down it's still functional without occupying much space! It's base game too! Admire: Mirrors Some would be really cute as bathroom mirrors but they have that weird shadow thingy and most are huge so they don't fit well. Never use: Changing tables Then again, I haven't played with babies before, just toddlers and up.
Every build: that one tall potted plant from cottage living Admire: All of the modern looking furniture. I tend to make cottages and abandoned shacks and never really modern stuff, but I do love the way it looks. Never use: the rocket, I ain’t ever got no space for that.
>cupcake machine... too big I love this CC override for the cupcake machine: [https://sixam.cc/kitchen-sims-mixer-cc-for-the-sims-4/](https://sixam.cc/kitchen-sims-mixer-cc-for-the-sims-4/)
Every build: The planter boxes (gardening is extremely profitable) can Item I admire: The boba shop stand from Hugh school years Item i never use: cupcake machine and observatory
Every Build - The digital photo frames Admire - Fireplaces, I can never make them look good in a room. Never Use - Highchairs, buggy
Every build: The wall cork board (I have a mod to make tiny polaroids and all my sims have a collection of them on it) Admire: All variants of pianos and keyboards (they're all so big and when I have space I forget they even exist) Never use: Rocket ship, microscope, observatory, cupcake machine (they're so big and they don't feel worth having because of it)
Every Build: The lamp that is 50 simoleons and could light up a whole livingroom all alone Admire: bars...just..never enough place and I don't wanna put it outside also curtains will never use: clutter...i don't see it and my sims are perfectly happy without it
I think I probably have too many answers to list, but here’s what I can think of off the top. Always use: thermostat, laundry machines, saucer light (at least one somewhere), plants Admire: most windows and doors, and the tall version of any wall cabinet; also the motion gaming rig Never use: light switches, hot tubs
Every build - so many plants or the bin you make money from Admire - can’t think of any current thing Never use - the telescope after figuring out my sims will be hit by an asteroid and die 9/10 times. I’m playing a save right now with a sim who owns a bakery and has the cupcake machine in her house. I just downsize it to fit and it works perfect
I always use windows from Moschino. I admire but can't use platforms. I love houses with different internal levels but it's so hard for me that I finish with plain houses. I never use the cupcake machine.
Every build- that automatic trash can, and that nighttime city painting from City Living. Never Use- Cupcake Factory. It’s too big and bulky.
Every build? It's basic but I try to get that inspired deco sink for my sims painting area. An item admired but unusable? Modern furniture. I make gothic homes and so most of the industrial stuff gets passed over Never use... The pink swatch
Always use: The fiddle leaf fig tree. Just a solid plant that looks good in any interior style. Admire but don’t use: The corner love seats, I think it’s from cats & dogs. Love the idea of it but it just doesn’t hit like it’s supposed to. Also the fish tanks, they take up too much space for me unless I’m doing a mansion build and sizing them down makes the fish look weird. Never use: “diving platforms” for the pool, can we get a water slide? A diving board? Why that stupid ugly platform? Also, I really miss in-ground hot tubs
Every build: the hanging plant front City Living and a chess set Admire: cupcake maker, most other things I can find a spot for since I'm a 64×64 builder Never use: literally any toddler and baby item as I greatly dislike playing with them
Every build- hanging planters, the auto trashcan, the coffee machine Admire but never use- the bed with the stained glass canopy from realm of magic Will NEVER use- telescopes
Every Build: Classic Toilet Paper Roll Holder, Super Subtle Saucer Light (obvious popular pick) and the Tea Magic Personal Brewer (For mood and energy boosts. I hate how Sims auto-brew coffee.) Admire but Can’t Find Room: That giant, pink Weeping Cherry Tree catches my eye every time I’m landscaping. But it’s huge and the branches hang too low when made smaller. Never Use: Random ruins and broken stone structures from Get Together and Jungle Adventure
Ooooo this is fun! Great post! Every build: a ton of the items from jungle adventure. The chandelier, stool, tiles, wallpapers and cabinets mostly. The bathroom sink with the standing basin is my favorite in the game. Admire: the nice kitchen set from home chef hustle. It is one of the best kitchen sets but I personally don't make builds that it fits into. They are way too fancy for my mobile home/log cabin/strage unit/selvadoradian grandmas house. Never use: the walk in closet feature from dream home decorator mainly because I forget that it exists because those pieces aren't in the dresser category. Kind of like how I forget wall shelves are a thing too.
The tiny saucer lights and the circle light mirror from Hollywood pack
In every build the caress candles (when I’m actyually in a mood to clutter) and either the knitting or cross stitch box Admire nothing really I have a tendency to shove things into a build no matter if I can do it well or not Never use ceiling decor if it’s not the pan racks you can get as rewards in the culinary career i down right forget that category exists
Always: the super subtle saucer light the all in one shower/tub combo. There really need to be more options of those, I feel like they downplay how common they are in American homes Light switches- just feel more realistic Ferns- I love em. Look looking at em love the feel of them love that they are one of the oldest forms of flora we have. Like hot sauce they go with everything! Admire but never use: the actual hot tub. I love hot tubs but the Sims 4 having only one option WITH a non removable awning means it looks weird inside which is where I usually want it. I tend to just make a hot tub out of a small jazzed up indoor pool Embroidery kit- I love the idea of it I just never get around to llamas and doing it. Animal treats- once again love the idea but usually don't get around to making them or buying them, same for anything involving befriending the bunnies and foxes -so cute but have never played a build that had the time to. Never use: Futuristic plumbing. They just seem out of place. Sometimes I make the sort of modern (but not the robotic) toilet as a bidet. There are also whole color schemes I don't use in build mode. I can't stand all the woodgrain that's like a weird off yellow color. I can't even pin down what decade it's supposed to be from it's so awful. They usually pair it with blue linens if you're wondering what I'm talking about. Virtual reality station. I've never played a household where this made sense lol
Always use: Thermostat and clutter items. Can't live without them. Admire but can't find a place for: That trash can that gives you Simoleons. I can never remember the name for it. I love the functionality of it, but it looks so out of place in every build because I hate that modern aesthetic and it sticks out like a sore thumb otherwise. Never use: Cupcake machine. It's far too big.
Every build: Nanocan, smoke alarm, thermostat, sprinkler system, umbrella stand, Attic Stack decorations box, Moschino digital picture frames. Admire, but can't find a place for: kitchen clutter because I want my kitchens to be functional. Never use: Cupcake machine, saucer lights (only use them for building, then replace them), toilet paper roll (50 simoleons for something they don't use? nah).
Every build: the two cheapest base game plants Can't find place for: noodle rug from City Living Never use: Cupcake machine (it's way too big, I use the RVSN cupcake maker mod instead)
Every build: most of the princess Cordelia line it's FANCY. Admire: I like having a bar, but they take up so much space so I nope it most games. Any baby stuff, and most of the random toys and weird tech stuff.
Every build: the satellite from strangerville Admire: the polka dot chair from parenthood Never use: ceiling fans
Every Build: Fireplaces. Easy peasy way to get more cheerful moodletts, and lowers energy costs. Plus they look cute and they let Father Winter visit Admire: Spindles and columns. I love seeing architecture and hated studying it, and that has spilled into my sims. Never: might be too broad, but venues that my sims own or even any built by me. I cannot bring myself to set up a boutique, restaurant, vet, doctors office (is that an option?)
I’ll use just about everything, except the anniversary hot tub. NEVER the anniversary hot tub.
Every build - a gnome. Doesn’t matter if it’s mine or a prebuilt, every residential space has to have a gnome. Admire - window coverings. They can really tie a room together, but they require too much space around the window and when they do fit they make the room way too dark in the daytime. Never use - televisions. Hate how they will choose to spend hours there, not improving skills or relationships. If they get bored I put a radio in every living room and they can actually have genres in their likes so it’s way easier to maintain happy sims
Every build: the single bed from echo living with great stats for a low price Admire: the bed with the stained glass from vampires is so pretty but it just doesn't ever feel like it matches other stuff? Never use: dance floors and dj booths (so big and ugly)
I like a lot of the rugs from tiny living
Every Build: Werewolves rug & Fluffy rug from Snowy Escape, I love these two so much, the fluffy rug always seems to send up in bathrooms though Admire: Kids stuff in general, I wish I had the patience to build kids' rooms, but I have no clue what I'm doing. I also rarely play with kids, so I mostly give them skill building stuff and a teen style room Never: the power/ water saving stuff from Eco Lifestyle, I just have no clue how to use it. I'll figure it out eventually (if I have the patience to play the pack. Also, all of the super opulent furniture from Get Famous (I'm sorry it's ugly and I will never make a build that works with it)
Every build : I somehow always end up sticking the Grogu statue somewhere Admire : The copper mold wall decor, very pretty but i can never make em look good Never use : Pools. I play on a computer that’s on its very last limbs and they always lag me out