When I first started trying my hand at the more complicated side of home design in FFXIV, it did not take me long to figure out that it really wasn’t the kind of thing that you could just…wing.
After all, there’s nothing worse than spending a couple of hours on a build, and then deciding that you really don’t like it, or that you don’t know what to do with it from here.
So now, I always like to have a vague idea of what I’m doing before I start a project.
Here’s what I do to plan before I start designing a house in FFXIV.
Step 1: Pinterest.
Unsurprisingly, home design in FFXIV is a big thing. Like people commission other people with real money to design their homes big. Which means that there’s a lot on Pinterest to serve as inspiration!
I keep a board on my Pinterest account to save tutorials and inspiring designs, then organize them by what rooms I’d want those designs in so I have an idea of what I’m building before I get started.
Obviously I always add my own flair, and it never ends up looking just like the photos. But it still saves so much time and wasted effort in the long run!
Step 2: Preview housing items.
With the Shadowbringers release, FFXIV introduced an option to preview furnishings in your house before you buy them off the market. It’s my favourite thing.
It’s pretty rare for a housing item in FFXIV to be used for its actual purpose; most designers use parts of items to create a certain look within another design. I use the preview feature to figure out which furnishings match the designs I pick out, and then I can make a list of what I need to buy and craft to bring my design to life!
Step 3: Build grocery lists on Garland Tools.
I don’t believe I’ve mentioned this site before, but it’s an absolute lifesaver for any crafter and house designer. I always create a grocery list of the things I need to craft, and then I create a separate list (which doesn’t end up being a list so much as a collection of cards) of things that I can buy from various vendors so I don’t overspend on the market.
Then, I use my list to go on a spree of creating my housing items, and I stockpile them in the house’s storage if I don’t have enough room in my inventory.
Step 4: Decide on in-house placements.
Before I start creating, I like to have a general idea in my brain of where in a house a certain design is going to go. Because as much of a pain as it is, there will always be limitations! Depending on the size of house, you’ll need to work around pillars, stairs, openings, and other fixtures.
I don’t really use a tool for this, because I’ve always had a knack for spatial awareness. But I imagine even sketching it out would be a good strategy for this part.
Step 5: Design!
Once you know what you’re doing and where it’s going, it’s time to design! You may need to reiterate your design depending on whether it worked the way you expected, and you may need to cycle back to Pinterest and Garland Tools a few times to get it just right.
Now it’s your turn. What do you do to prep for a build?
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One thought on “How I plan housing designs in FFXIV”
Currently my in-game hubby enjoys collecting the most random of items and places it all around the house.. Im trying to figure out how to simplify the space while still creating a space for his quirkiness. For a while he got a floor to himself.. but now is time for a remodel. Im looking forward to using your tips to see what kind of Magic I can create! Thank you!