How to Build a Greek Revival in The Sims 4 Like a Nerd
This one was so easy to put together... until it came to a floorplan. There seems to be very little consistency between homes and designers in regard to where each room goes, where the stairs go, and so on, so I did my best. On the plus side that means more creative freedom for you! Whatever you do inside, the outside is guaranteed to be gorgeous with the columns, pediment, symmetrical façade, and elegant roofline and friezes. I did this with just the base game, but of course you don't have to. Ready? Let's build!
If at any point what I am writing doesn't make sense, there is a full video tutorial here that might show a little better than I can tell.
The Greek Revival as a home was originally constructed in the mid 1800s, but you will still see elements used in modern designs, especially in commercial buildings like banks. The tall round columns and triangular pediment over the main entry are probably the main tells of the Greek Revival style, although others include the low hipped roof, tall narrow windows, and use of white and light colored wood throughout the home. Because this home is considered such a classic style, and in one way or another has been around for thousands of years, you can style it to fit in nearly anywhere.
Floorplan
The main footprint of the build will be a large two-story rectangle, with the wider side facing the front. You can use medium or tall walls on the first floor and short or medium on the second. I used medium for both. The floorplan will be pretty symmetrical, and can be closed off rooms joined by large arches, an open floorplan, or a combination. Starts will generally be at the center of the build, but whether they are in that main entry hall or not depends on the home. The main floor will be living space, and if you choose to expand try and keep the home symmetrical.
Some homes may have a deep wraparound deck at the front, some at the back, some all around, and some not at all. However, if you do add one, be sure to cover it and add evenly spaced columns.
Upstairs will be mostly bedrooms. Since these homes often had very large rooms, you can fit in bathrooms pretty easily even if you want your build to feel older. Of course new constructions will have more planning around plumbing.
Exterior
Aside from the entry space, the face of your build will be quite flat. Siding will typically be brick, plaster, narrow siding, and/or stucco, and white. If you use multiple textures, consider using a frieze or floor trim to accentuate the separation between levels. Windows will be tall, paned, and placed two or three tiles symmetrically across the front of your home. For privacy, the upper floor may have complimentarily placed but smaller windows.
For the front entry, make a small deck and add columns. For a two level entry, I like to set the second floor balcony back one tile so I can stretch the front columns all the way to the roof uninterrupted. Top the structure with a gable roof, remove the eaves, and if you have a family crest or flags those would place very well in the open face of the roof.
Before you roof everything, though, place a platform covering the whole roof area. Add white platform trim, then place your hipped roof. This will hide the eave edges, even if they are pulled in, and you can add floor trim or a frieze to customize how thick and fancy you want that roof border to be. Same for the roof above the deck.
Once you have that how you want it, you can place your roof pieces. Other than the pediment, you will be working with mostly closed faces, and use hipped and half hipped roof pieces.
When you are landscaping such an elegant and high-class home, keep order in mind. Tame shrubs around the foundation, contained flowerbeds, and smooth lawns (maybe a fountain if the pond tools are calling your name) will accentuate the build very well.
Interior
High ceilings, white walls, light colored wood floors and cabinets, and the large windows all come together to bring a light and bright vibe to the home. While the floorplan can be open or more closed off, be sure you can have a clear line of sight into the next room and keep ratios in mind when furnishing and decorating. The ancient Greeks were quite into math and beauty combined, after all.
I only removed half a tile from this landing, but if you are looking for a good home to practice opening landings, this is a good one. An easy way is to place a fence or half wall around the area you want to open and delete the floor. If that doesn't work, you can open up the whole floor and build what you want to keep back in with flat floor pieces.
If you want to update this home, the boxy exterior and floorplan make that super easy.
Trade out the round Greek columns for something more square
Choose smaller floor trims and/or friezes and change up the siding colors and textures.
Inside, square off arches, update cabinets and fixtures, and place furniture in a less structured way. You can also warm up the walls with some beige or soft earth tones.
If you want to check out my build, it is on the gallery! My ID is sahmandbean and the lot title is Greek Revival Shell.
If you're interested in floorplans and reference images, check out my collection here on Pinterest.
If you want a more through tutorial, I recommend the video version over on YouTube.
Thanks for building with me today!
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