@Joria: how do you get the illusion of windows in a basement?
Junkyards take a couple days to spawn items. I would definitely use the smaller junkyard if you want to stick to the rules. I've been using the larger one in SV, and it's not working right, generating way too much stuff and giving a hugely unfair advantage to a legacy family. I'm probably going to scrap (pun) that 4 gen legacy because of it. Of course, it's Metro's call for dynasty games.
The illusion of windows is done by buying a shop item called Pastoral Reflections. It is a mirror in the shape of a curved window. Place some plant items across the room from it and frame it with curtains and voila!
I did my basement bedroom in shades of green and white and placed the bed on the far wall. There is a side table on either side of the poster bed which I made white. All the furniture in there is white. I put ivy on either side of the bedside tables toward the corners, put the mirror over the bed and framed it with those huge drapes. I used Leaf light plants in the bedroom and living room. It really surprised me, though I don't know it should have, when the plants turned what was obviously a basement, (despite colorful wall paper and paint!), into a very cozy home. Now if frugal Agnes would just STOP turning off the lights all would be well.
@Metro: Question for you. Do "partnerships" in businesses count in any way? It is not the same as buying the building, but could provide a big boost in finances earlier on, and you could have partnerships for the family in everything except venues BEFORE you bought the building. It could be a big help for those who are only playing Vanilla game.
Starting over again since I'm really not happy with the way it's going.
I had some thoughts about poor, unfortunately visaged, Agnes. I don't believe Agnes is truly unattractive. I think her current appearance, and less than elegant clothing choices, are due to the fact of her great tragedy. Not only did she lose her beloved but in HER mind, she lost all hopes of future generations and any chance at romance. It can actually be quite difficult for a rich woman to marry for love and not just money. So I think she is deliberately wearing a hideous hair do and no make up, or at least not tastefully applied make up, in order to make whoever woos and wins her do so for love of her inner self and not just her pretty face, gorgeous body and finances. This tragedy ALSO affected her personality. I mean, who WOULDN'T be grumpy after all that? Ok, so she's a bit OCD about lights and such but with some tender loving care, a stop at the mirror and dresser and perhaps a child of her own to love she would be a babe! Check it out:
BEFORE:
AFTER:
See wha I mean, Vern? Lol