Out of the Box: Building for Beginners in The Sims 4 (Exterior Wall Details)

9
78755
- Advertisement -

Now that our box has a nice shape (Part 1) and the perfect wall pattern (Part 2), it’s time to wrap up the wall details. These details are the key to bringing light into your house, adding crucial color, and balances the leftover flatness.

The details that we’ll be going over are the windows, doors, and trim. Keep in mind balance while looking over this part, because it comes back in full swing.

Advertisement

20279948264_61eef270e1_o

Let’s Start With Windows!

The first detail we’ll cover is the window treatment. I like to do windows first, when tackling wall details, because there are many different types to choose from, and it’s easier to match everything else to the windows rather than the other way around. In the picture below, notice how some windows share the same qualities. Pick windows with matching panes, frames, and swatches for clean, balanced variation! This also means that you don’t have to use the same exact window everywhere, which can be unrealistic and boring. 20281519003_566b931158_o  

Keep in mind what size your walls are (small, medium, and large). As a beginner rule of thumb, put taller windows (even taller short windows) in tall spaces, and small windows in small spaces. Small windows in big places, and tall windows in short places create an imbalance that is sort of hard to level out, and bring attention to unwanted places.

Window color can also contribute to the overall balance of the house. Look at these different color choices below; the white, blue, and black shutters each tie in a different part of the house. It’s up to you to pick what looks best!

Advertisement

20714476400_bd659bff74_o

Placing your Window!

As you place windows around the house, notice how different areas can be filled by multiple window placements. Don’t try to force a pattern where it can’t fit. Typically your box will the asymmetrical at this point, so keep the pattern in the color and shape of the windows rather than where they go. 20876254906_c938529bd7_o

Choosing your Door!

Doors are the next thing we should pop on. Thankfully, doors are a bit easier to get your head around because there are usually only one or two exterior doors per home, and they go at specialized entrances and exits.

Take a look in the catalog. Like windows, doors share qualities like panes, trim, and colors. Pick out matching patterns to tie in your door to your windows.

Advertisement

20715764639_30cfa2d646_o
If adding a back door to your home, try to find a door that’s the same as the front, but a little more understated. For example, using a medium sized front door can mean using the smaller version as the back door. 20281525033_8a7aa6ca05_o

Choosing the Trim!

And now to put a little ribbon on our box in the form of trim! There’s foundation trim, exterior trim, and roof trim.

If you’re using wall patterns with the vertical trim in the corners, your job’s easy! Choose a foundation and roof trim to match the vertical trim.

Advertisement

If you’re working with walls that are a little less accented, take a look at the colors you chose for your windows and doors. Just like the windows, different colors of trims tie in different colors, and it takes a bit of experimentation to find the perfect balance!

Stick with the smaller trims for beginner homes for now. The bigger trims are for more commercial and thematic homes, which can be added in later once you’re comfortable with the basics.

20279939944_a9d56fdd34_o

Our home is certainly coming together, and we only need a bit more detail to finish up the exterior. Next time, we’ll cover the rest of the exterior: the flooring, porches, and decoration.

Advertisement

Tune in soon!

To Review:

  • Choose windows with similar structures, and use colors that tie in leftover accent colors.
  • Place windows by space, not by symmetry.
  • Use doors that are similar to the windows, and place the more detailed door in your entrance.
  • Utilize existing accent places, like vertical trim and windows, to pick the right color and style for remaining trim.

Article a bit to wordy for you? Here’s the video version!

 

Click here MORE from this series!


 

Advertisement