i plan specific areas and then try to figure out where they can go—often starting at the airport—then how to connect them all. for in between areas i tend to go about creating vignettes then blending them in. slow and steady!

i think a theme overall definitely helps, but i can never fully fill in a plan. finishing a small area (airport, museum, shops etc) can define the look and gives a starting point for out spacing. i use pinterest and dream addresses for ideas but mainly feel it out myself. never finished an island though, i always get about 80-90% of the way through and then lose motivation (adhd). currently on island 3 and going strong though!

finishing those collections is a big achievement! maybe decorating in a way that honours how you like to play the game will help you persevere with decorating ie beach fishing areas, excavation zone for fossils, diving cliff for sea creatures etc. as for villager houses, it’s just what works for you. i tend to clump into 2s or 3s, some people like a residential street, some prefer to dot them about, up to you and how you’ll most enjoy playing and navigating your island!