Thea's Community Lots

[Theachen7]

So I thought I'd actually try to keep up with the challenge this month I probably sound like a broken record when saying I'm not a builder, but yeah. I'm not. But! I would like to practice to get a bit better, so that those rare times when I do get the urge I'll manage to make something decent

So as you might have noticed, I'm slowly (like, very slowly ) building up Ninoo's empty Sunset Valley, Sleepy Meadow. At first I'll mainly move in forum sims, from here and The Sims Daily, but I might plop down some other sims too, because I never can keep a system

I'm not building the entire world from scratch, a lot of community lots I've downloaded, so as to not overwhelm myself completely. But I will try to practice my building skills here

At the moments it's mostly rabbit holes. I do always tend to have a problem filling the rest of the lot up though, I never know what to put around the rabbit hole. So as I was putting down the bookstore/spa from Appaloosa Plains, there was a lot of space at the back, and I figured I'd try to build a little café

Sorry for the long ramble, have some pictures instead!
It's very much WIP (suggestions very welcome!), and only the outside is somewhat done.

Here's the front.

(the bookstore/spa is to the right outside of frame)

At the back/side is a little square-thingy.


At the way back there is a little bench for lovers who want some privacy with their coffee.


And at the other corner next to the bookstore is some outdoor seating.


That's it for now

[Jessica]

Wonderfully done, Thea! It looks so adorable! I love how quaint and cozy it looks. The square and bench in the back are a very nice touch, and I love how you landscaped the outside!

As for suggestions, maybe you could add some more decoration to the front of the café?

It's looking great in any case!

[Theachen7]

Thank you!

And yes, the front needs some doing. I'm always a bit at a loss at how to not make things look empty, which is why I don't really like community lots I guess Maybe I'll try putting some city-ish trees on the pavement

[pureheart]

Charming, Thea! I actually like the front as is -- it looks like a real business-front and adds to the surprise of the lovely back. I especially like the cute little bike rack and in the back, the bench, tucked away for lovers.

Will you be showing us the inside when you get that done?

[Whitnerd]

Oh pretty! The garden out back was a lovely idea. I think you might be right about putting some kind of planters (trees or flowers) out front on the sidewalk. It could be a nice way to tie together the garden and the business front.

[trystiane]

I love it! It was so smart to use the siding next to the door to look like big shutters. And the garden is lovely

[Theachen7]

Thanks guys

Pru, yeah, I'll show the inside Probably won't get do do it until mid-December though. Exams and stuff.

Oh, Karen, that actually wasn't intentional! I just wanted some variation on the wall. But it does look like shutters..! That's actually a pretty good idea, thanks for pointing it out

[trystiane]

What a happy accident then!

[Theachen7]

Yes, I know it's not November anymore
But I did make a community lot, so I thought I'd stick the pictures in here, as I didn't exactly go on a building spree in November

After getting University life I really enjoyed playing the Montaques, but suddenly I had some issues with invisible/unplayable sims and lots of lag and stuff. So I figured I'd put my saves on wait and start a game without any CC, just store stuff. So far it's been ok, I'm thinking maybe that my old oversized library folder may have something to do with the game being slow, so I think I'll stick that somewhere else and just put it in when I need to get out an old family or house or something I've downloaded.

Anyway! I decided to play around in Riverview as I haven't been there in a loooong time, and I figured I'd practice my building by updating/making lots for the different EPs, when I have the urge.

So have a coffee house

Here's the front

(for those who've played in Riverview, it's where the police station used to be. Since I put in the City Hall from Appaloosa Plains it also functions as military and police, so I can use those lots for other things)

And the back.

I used most of the landscaping that was already there, but added more outside seating and a bit of play stuff for kids.

Inside



At the back there's a bit of a reading/sofa nook.


And an overview, for those who enjoy that

Aaaand I've forgotten to put lights in the bathrooms

That's it for now I might decorate it a bit more later, but as I'm currently CC free most of my favourite wall art isn't there
I've also built my first dance club (where the science building used to be), so I may post pictures of that

[Whitnerd]

Ooh, it's cute! I particularly like the reading nook.

I'd love to see your dance club!

[Theachen7]

Thank you Whitney! I really should get some pictures of that dance club...

But have some pictures of my new Sandy-inspired Eco Café instead

I've downloaded the empty world Arkahm by Martine, as it's not too big to be overwhelming for me, and so I've decided to practice my building in it.

Here's the outside..


The porch/terrace thingy where you can eat outside.


The coffee/tea bar.


You can also sample some of the herbs they're growing.


A little sofa nook, for those who like to relax with a book.


And a view through the fish tank wall. Because why not.


And here is Barbra Havers testing out the coffee.


I have decided to try to keep a theme with the simmies living here (which I'm really bad at, so we'll see), they'll all be inspired by literary characters

[Whitnerd]

Cute! I especially like the covered patio.

[Theachen7]

Thanks, Whitney
And I believe I promised you some pictures of the dance club, so here you go!

Here's the bar

Which apparently got a bit mangled with patch 1.55, as none of my sims seem to be able to buy a drink at the moment

Behind the bar there's some seating, and a dance area.


More of the dancing area.


At the other side there's a stage for performances.


And a bubble bar, which Belle Grey is enjoying.


Aaaand, I forgot to take a picture of the outside. Sorry..! It's not terribly exciting, the lot's got some more space I didn't really know what to do with, so I just plopped down the broom arena

[CharlieChomper]

It looks very atmospheric! Nice job!

[Whitnerd]

I love that stage so much.

[Theachen7]

Thank you

[Sylphide]

Thea! "I" am bad at building. I produce only shoebox houses! But what you did here is lovely. And I feel like community lots are the most difficult, unless you are an architect in real life!

You make me laugh when you say you are never good at keeping track of a theme. We should mix half & half of you and me. I'm so organized it's killing me sometimes and I could use some of that creativity you've got (like putting purple genes into the dog's coat...)

So, I just love seeing what you do.