In previous games, players were limited when decorating their Able Sisters’ exteriors. Pixelated paths were basically the only way of landscaping in Animal Crossing: Wild World. I remember trying to spruce up my Animal Crossing: Wild World shops by using mismatched flowers from Tom Nook. I also remember crudely insulting the tanuki tycoon on the bulletin board, but that’s for another time (and probably another place). But even using flowers to decorate was difficult due to the darn pavement beneath the shops.

Even in Animal Crossing: New Leaf, the shopping area was unchangeable. Additionally, players couldn’t curve paths, terraform, or place furniture outside. Therefore the addition of these features to Animal Crossing: new Horizons is what makes the game so attractive.

Players just have so much more freedom and ways to be creative when it comes to exterior design. However, the sudden abundance of tools given to us can be a little daunting. Somehow staring at plain grass doesn’t seem to help inspiration to hit any faster.

Not used to decorating the exteriors of shops in the games, I had no clue where to start. The outside areas of Able Sisters and Nook’s Cranny on my island remained pitifully drab until REALLY recently. Are you in the same boat? Get inspired by these Able Sisters exteriors from Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Why not use one of these amazing path designs around your Able Sisters shop?

For inspiration on decorating other pesky outdoor areas, check out these excellent island entrances and cool campsites.