Hi, all. After nine years of playing Sims 3, I've finally decided to create a place to share my builds for the game. Up until recently, I've usually only uploaded things I've made for gifting occasions, challenges and contests, and those kinds of things already have a thread for sharing them. The past few months, however, I've found myself with more time on my hands than previously, and I've filled some of that up by building - just whatever comes to mind - and I thought I'd like to share some of those things with you.
Since I still sometimes build for gifting, challenges, etc., I will probably give those creations a mention here, too, but my motivation in making this thread is as a way to share my other builds. I may stick in a sim or household here and there, too, if they go along with a lot.
Some things you may like to know:
* This thread will start with new things I've been making, but all my older creations can be found in
My Studio.
* I only plan to share builds that are CC and CAP free, and I Custard check my builds before uploading them.
(It's possible there is CAP in my earlier builds in my studio that hasn't been mentioned - looks like mid-2016 and forward is definitely without CAP - but I have never used CC in any.)
* I tend to enjoy making and playing smaller lots, so you will probably see a lot of that kind of build from me as we go along.
* Lots are play tested, at a minimum with a walk-through by my tester/upgrader sim to make sure everything is accessible and there are no routing problems. In more complicated situations, I put in families with babies/toddlers and/or pets to make sure it works for everyone who I think will be living there. Community lots go "live" to see how visitors do and that the correct NPC's spawn, etc.
* Frequently, you will find I've upgraded appliances and electronics, and if there is a garden, I may have placed perfect (or at a minimum excellent) quality plants. I'm more likely to do these things for larger, more expensive builds, and less likely to for smaller, less expensive builds. (I won't say "starter" because it's very difficult for me to stay in budget for a true starter, and I'm not likely to ever manage to upload one.
) The rationale for which to upgrade or not upgrade is that sims who live in a smaller house are more likely to just be starting out and may want to advance their skills, while sims who can afford a larger house, may no longer be very concerned with skilling up. There may be exceptions depending on the purpose of a particular build.
I'm still learning, and I hope I'm improving my builds as I go along. Sometimes I look at an older lot I was never really satisfied with and think "hey, that was better than I remember" and other times I look at another - maybe one I remember really liking - and it's more like "what was I thinking?!"
I do like the give and take of sharing, though, and the learning experience. I hope there is something here you will enjoy.
Comments
The Birchwood is a one-story bungalow on a 40x40 lot, furnished for a family. It has three bedrooms (master, nursery, and kids' room with twin beds) and two-and-a-half baths. It has generous outdoor areas - porches, deck, patio - and indoors a roomy living area that I've decided to call a great room. I'm not sure it fits the exact definition of great room, but as I said, it's large and it contains several areas: formal living, family/TV area, and office area. The master bedroom and bath are on one side of the house, with the children's rooms and bath on the other side. The back deck has a hot tub, grill and outdoor dining set, and also in the back is a small green house and kids' swings and hopscotch. The house is done in mostly neutrals and naturals, except the kids' wing is in blues and greens. I tried to make the kids' rooms fairly gender neutral and thought they would be easy to customize to reflect the particular kids who will occupy them.
Appliances and electronics have been upgraded and the greenhouse planted with outstanding to perfect plants.
I'll just mention here that I've recently been playing around with lighting mods in my game and you may notice some color changes from one picture to the next. In particular, for the Birchwood, in one of the exterior shots, the siding looks "butterscotch" to me. That's the effect of one of the Burnt Waffles lighting mods that has a golden cast to it (several of them do). The unmodded color is the "taupe" you see in the other exterior shots (and it still changes a bit at different times of day). Also, I think the autumn picture probably has Burnt Waffles' St. Claire lighting, but it didn't have much effect on the siding. For anyone unfamiliar with lighting mods, let me just add that they're not something that would transfer to your game with a lot file, and even if they were, I didn't use them in my save where I build and export.
BirchwoodFront by Sue H, on Flickr
Picture gallery: https://flic.kr/s/aHskBgeEF2
Link on the Exchange: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9233342
My Sims 3 Studio
My forum builds thread
Lemongrass is my submission for the recently ended Build-N-Share Challenge #203 - East Meets West. The Build-N-Share challenges can be a lot of fun, and this one was particularly so for me. The task was to build a restaurant for a chef couple, one of whom is Asian and the other French, who planned to combine their cuisines in one restaurant. So, what we have here is a Pan-Asian European eatery as it were. I've classified it in game as a hang out, which works with its various components, including the Japanese grill, the baker's oven and accompanying cash register and baked goods displays, the Business as Usual Bistro stove and menus, and a LN bar.
If you haven't already, I encourage you to check out the Build-N-Share challenges thread here: https://forums.thesims.com/en_us/discussion/373316/sims-3-build-n-share-challenge-204-dream-a-little-drea-due-07-31-18/p1
LemongrassFront by Sue H, on Flickr
Picture gallery: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmicyAKh
Link on the Exchange: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9230859
Edited to add: Hi, everyone. I thought of two other things I should let you know about this lot.
(1) The pictures linked are of the Build-N-Share version of Lemongrass. The uploaded version has a few more things added that you can't see in the pictures.
(2) One of the things I added is a bakery display case in the dining room. I was playing my game and noticed all the sims were still hanging out in the kitchen impatiently waiting their turn at the bakery shelves there but that no one was looking at the bakery items in the dining room. Then, I realized I hadn't put one of the small rugs that go with the bakery set under the display case. So, you may want to add one in your game. There IS one under the kitchen shelves.
My Sims 3 Studio
My forum builds thread
Whenever I feel the need to flip through a virtual "Better Homes and Gardens", I shall grab a gander here.
Your builds are creative, charming and always reminds me of how lucky our sims are!
Sims 3 Blog: Have I Got A Story For You!
Sims 4 Blog: Addy Plays Sims 4
The design of the interior of the restaurant looks very nice! The greenery in the edges looks so very great! It looks so very nice and very effective! Very nice layout of the dining area with the dining tables and seats. The type of dining seats used looks very nice. Very nice booth dining areas also. The fish window behind the bar looks very nice!
It is a very nice venue for Sims to enjoy dining at!
http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/817478/hello-come-and-introduce-yourself
http://tinyurl.com/OneRoomOneWeek
http://tinyurl.com/rosemow
My Showcase thread https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/948861/rosemow-s-rooms-showcase
From the sidewalk to the front door, there is plenty of curb appeal. Your use of siding and stone is eye-catching and complements the white wooden railing quite nicely. the wraparound porch on the one side and the little chess nook on the other. The back deck is perfect for hanging outside when the weather cooperates and allows parents or older siblings plenty of unobstructed view for keeping an eye on the younger kiddos. Your greenhouse "room" is a good idea when the greenhouse roofing doesn't suit the design of the home. Gotta love beautiful, easy-to-care-for landscaping that isn't too fussy looking.
Indoors ... wowee! Your use of textures and colors is very calming, soothing and relaxing. The furnishings are comfortable with accented decor that isn't too cluttered ... giving the feel of a cozy home instead of a showoff house. Although this is a home that sims would proudly show off!!! The nectar racks in the living space is a nice idea and the glass decor on the coffee table invokes the image of sipping with a loved one or friends. The sitting area off to the side is nice so the television doesn't distract from sims socializing over a glass of nectar. The master bedroom and en suite is tastefully done and wouldn't upset a sim's masculinity while appealing to feminine sims. The gender neutral palette for the nursery, child bedroom and bathroom is pleasant and cheerful without being too childish.
The layout is spacious and efficient. A favorite thing is keeping the children's wing separate from the adult's. This IS a home any small sim family would love to call their own.
Lemongrass is LOVELY!!!
A menu board and hours of operations sign on the outside is a must! The simple, elegant landscaping and interesting window variations beckon sims forth to explore all of their five senses. The trash pickup area and parking in the back is a nifty idea!
Inside, it's open and airy with a soft palette. The waiting area up front with cashier's station is another nifty idea! The server cleanup station is very clever! the variety in seating options and the fish tank behind the bar. That has got to be the cleanest restaurant kitchen out there! LOVE the efficient use of space allowing for multiple sims to be working back there. The two bathrooms are conveniently located near the kitchens but still welcoming to patrons. LOVE your indoor window "gardens" (have used this in basements but not upstairs ... why did I never think to do it this way?!) that invoke feelings of calm and peacefulness. Dining here must be quite a treat.
Sims 3 Blog: Have I Got A Story For You!
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My Sims 3 Studio
My forum builds thread
Store Install
Unlocked Stencils
random legacy
@suzses I have no idea what you're talking about, these are amazingly beautiful and have a realism about them.
My Sims 3 Studio
My forum builds thread
My Sims 3 Studio
My forum builds thread
This is kind of a lost and found project. It's based on a house I built early in the game (right after we got bunkbeds, I think) and then lost when my first Sims 3 computer went belly up. I had really enjoyed playing that house and for a long time thought about trying to rebuild it. So, this past spring, right before the last gift exchange, I started to remake it but, in the excitement and busyness of the exchange, I forgot all about it . . . until I was looking for another house to add to my current game and had a "what's this" moment.
Anyway, it's all finished now, and I think the layout is exactly the same, although other things aren't.
Greenview is a small two-bedroom home suitable for a family or household of probably not more than four, with perhaps a cat or small dog. Its open floor plan and lot size make it really easy to keep track of where everyone is and what they're up to. I've done the second bedroom as a kids' room with bunkbeds and a crib, but it can accommodate a double bed if that's better for your household's needs.
It has two baths, the second of which does not have a sink. I really like to have a bath/shower combination in the house and liked the two space wide door for that bath, so due to space considerations chose those over a sink. If it's important for you to have one (like for a neat sim), space for the sink could be made either by switching to a shower or by changing to a one space wide door.
There's an empty shed in the backyard waiting to be put to good use - perhaps a hobby or craft space, or a small playhouse for the kids, or even a pet room.
Appliances, electronics and the fireplace have been upgraded. The backyard apple tree and the potted lettuce and tomato plants on the porch are of perfect quality.
GreenviewFront by Sue H, on Flickr
Picture gallery: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmmCi9Je
Link on the Exchange: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9234956
My Sims 3 Studio
My forum builds thread
It is a very nice family home!
http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/817478/hello-come-and-introduce-yourself
http://tinyurl.com/OneRoomOneWeek
http://tinyurl.com/rosemow
My Showcase thread https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/948861/rosemow-s-rooms-showcase
Store Install
Unlocked Stencils
random legacy
Sims 3 Blog: Have I Got A Story For You!
Sims 4 Blog: Addy Plays Sims 4
@ciane Thank you for stopping by and taking a look. I just realized I did two wrap-around porches in a row. I'll have to try for some variety.
Thank you @ADWilson I appreciate your kind comments. I really like to look at other people's builds, too, and then try out some things.
My Sims 3 Studio
My forum builds thread
This month's Build-N-Share Challenge was to create the office of your dreams, and here is mine. Details on the challenge can be found here.
It's set up to be an architect/interior design office building, but I am thinking about using it for my corporate building in my current game by adding a rabbit hole rug. While I haven't tried it out yet, I think the area on the front porch to the right of the main entrance would be a good spot for it.
I'm also thinking about later redoing the building as a home, but that's going to take some time and some thought.
AIDAFront1 by Sue H, on Flickr
Picture gallery: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmn3pxce
Link on the Exchange: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9236707
My Sims 3 Studio
My forum builds thread
It is a very nice nature themed office building for Sims to enjoy working in!
http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/817478/hello-come-and-introduce-yourself
http://tinyurl.com/OneRoomOneWeek
http://tinyurl.com/rosemow
My Showcase thread https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/948861/rosemow-s-rooms-showcase
UPDATE:
Also got the Greenview house! I like the size of it - not to big or small and I like how everything was arranged - where everything is located in the house - nothing took too much or too little space. Everything was just right! Also love the wrap around porch - so romantic. I can imagine my couple sims sitting out on the loveseat at night snuggling. Or sitting by the bushes looking at the stars together at night.
Hi @ClarionOfJoy Thanks for stopping by to take a look and for your nice comments. I'm glad you found some things to try out in your game. I hope they work out well for you.
My Sims 3 Studio
My forum builds thread
In particular, the fourth one has caught my eye. I think it's because everything was done in squares... except that single large round window on the first floor. That breaks it up, and gives it an interest that somehow appeals to me. I could probably explain the reasons if I had some training in architecture or design, but I just know that the round window adds a great deal of appeal to the build. It's not something I would have thought of, but you did, which says something about your artistic ability and ability to visualize.
I haven't looked at the insides of any of them, as they're not of a style I would usually use (they don't exactly fit in DV or C d'A), but I know that when I next play in one of the more modern worlds, I'm going to take a look at all of these, because they're all beautiful.
The only kind of garden I can grow is a virtual one.
Dragons - must haz dragons!
Hope you're getting some play time and having some fun in C d'A and DV. I've had my head stuck in kind of a waterfront town mode lately.
My Sims 3 Studio
My forum builds thread
♥♥♥ My TS3 DNA Thread ♥♥♥
My Sims 3 Studio
My forum builds thread
The Build-N-Share challenge is ongoing until the end of the month, so if you're so inclined, you can check it out here:
https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16650688/#Comment_16650688.
I built my lot with only the base game enabled (my one advantage of being on 1.69), but I can never get Store content disabled doing it that way. Of course, store stuff has a store icon on it (I thought) . . . or maybe not! Anyway, I had decided to take it to a new Sims 3 folder without Store content just to double check it, and I didn't see anything different or missing, etc., and thought it was OK.
But . . . when I uploaded my house to the Exchange, I saw the upload listed two store items, and I had definitely used them. I left the upload up because I liked it that way but have changed it for my Build-N-Share submission, which doesn't have to be uploaded.
While making those changes, I decided to go ahead and upgrade the appliances, etc., and to improve the kitchen stove area (I had hit the challenge budget limit so gave up on that in the first version). The lot was then also nicely depreciated from having my upgraders on the lot for a while. I did all that in my main Sims 3 folder (where everything is enabled again) because my upgrader sims are there and it seemed the easiest way to get the lot and the upgraders together.
Tonight, I uploaded the second version, and what do I see . . . it says there is something from University Life. There really isn't, but I remember that the UL mascot came by when my upgrader sims moved in and left a bucket on the front steps. I think it's still there. I would think it would just be absent for people who don't have UL and may or may not be there for people who do.
I've said a lot of this elsewhere - on My Page and in the Build-N-Share thread - but I thought it might have more longevity here if people are looking at my builds, say, next year.
Without further babbling, here is the lot:
Home Base
HomeBaseExtFront by Sue H, on Flickr
Download link for the second, upgraded version: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9242202
Picture album here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmnT3Bfx
HomeBaseUpgradedList by Sue H, on Flickr
My Sims 3 Studio
My forum builds thread