đź’ľ Tutorial Mode: Designing in the Beginning Stage of Life
For: Anyone in the “start of life” stage — from kids to 30s — figuring out how to make a space feel personal with almost no money and barely any control.
I look at life like a video game. And when you’re born, you’re basically in tutorial mode — living in someone else’s world, with zero gear, and zero budget.
The beginning of life isn’t about having it all — it’s about figuring out what you like. Learning to thrift. Learning to look at your space not as something to perfect, but as something to experiment with. If you’re here, you’re leveling up.
I’ve moved over 20 times. From Sacramento, to Caldwell, Idaho, all the way to Boston, MA and back. I’ve lived in studios, apartments, houses and countless rooms. I can remember the shape and feeling of each one.
Do you view your room as a container, or, as a canvas? I’ve always seen them as the later, but if you’ve only ever imagined it as simply a place to store your stuff, that’s okay. When you want to, you can start personalizing it and making it truly feel like yous.
đź› Tips by Age
Ages 1–10:
Shelter: You’re living in someone else’s sim. Make the best of it.
Style Tip: Ask for posters, plants, or lights that feel like you.
Gift Idea: Use paint, glue, and chaos to make something for a loved one.
Ages 10–20:
Shelter: Hit up thrift stores and estate sales for cheap unique loot.
Style Tip: Cool sh*t is out there — start documenting what catches your eye.
Gift Idea: Plants and art always make the perfect gift during this phase.
Ages 20–30:
Shelter: Survive, but make it cute and cozy.
Style Tip: Start to curate your character. Hunt for items that make you light up.
Gift Idea: Ask for quality over quantity. A good candle, or that 10” baking pan you’ve been eyeing.
Ages 30–40:
Shelter: Time to fine-tune your world.
Style Tip: Buy fewer clothes, but better ones.
Gift Idea: Start building a meaningful art wall with pieces that say something.
The beginning isn’t about having it all. It’s about figuring yourself out. Your home should change as you change. Start there.
