ACNH Space Filler & Transition Area Ideas 2025

Finishing your Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH) island can be both exciting and challenging, especially when faced with awkward gaps or small patches of land that don’t seem to fit into your grand plans. If you’ve ever found yourself unsure about how to decorate those in-between spaces or what items to use to connect different areas, you’re not alone. Many players run into this creative block and look for inspiration to make every part of their island feel intentional and cohesive. This guide brings together a wide range of practical ideas and item suggestions to help you tackle those pesky filler and transition areas in 2025, making your island not just complete but also visually interesting and full of character.

ACNH Best Space Filler & Transition Area Ideas 2025

Filler spaces and transitional areas are the connective tissue of an island, providing visual and thematic flow between major builds. These are the small spaces, awkward corners, and narrow pathways that often need something extra to make the whole island feel polished and interconnected. Decorating these spaces doesn’t have to be difficult or overwhelming. In fact, using natural items like flowers, shrubs, and fencing can make these areas look finished and tie the entire island together. These elements add a sense of detail and vibrancy, helping everything feel more cohesive and alive.

Not all filler spaces need to be packed with items; sometimes, simple natural decorations work best and cause less lag. Options like shrubs, flowers, weeds, and fencing are easy to place, customizable, and can be color-coordinated to fit any aesthetic. Farms, small ponds, benches, laundry areas, and little animal-themed scenes can also breathe life into tiny or transitional spaces, making even the smallest corners feel intentional. The key is to blend practicality with creativity, using items that fit your island’s style and the space available.

With that being said, below we present the best design ideas you should try to fill small spaces and transitional areas in Animal Crossing New Horizons:

1. Trees, Shrubs, and Flowers

Trees, in their various sizes and types, are among the most versatile fillers. By stunting trees, you can achieve different heights, adding depth and variation to your spaces. Remember, coconuts require a sand tile to grow, while other fruit trees can be stunted at any stage for more diversity. Don’t overlook bamboo or coconut trees, which work well in many aesthetics. Additionally, items like the pine tree, Evergreen Ash, or round topiary can act as tree substitutes for added greenery.

Shrubs add texture and seasonal interest. With seven different types and multiple color variations, mixing different shrubs can create rich, detailed areas. Timing your Dream Address upload can also ensure all shrubs appear green if you want a consistent look. Flowers serve as classic fillers, and focusing on a specific palette can make your decorating look intentional. You can cluster flowers, plant them on dirt patches, or even create small flower farms for visual impact.

2. Crops and Weeds

Crops - potatoes, wheat, sugar cane, carrots, tomatoes, and pumpkins are fantastic for both large and small filler areas. Pumpkins, especially in white and green, blend seamlessly into natural builds, while sugar cane adds lushness and texture. Weeds are another favorite for filling empty tiles and achieving an overgrown look. They come in different seasonal looks and, when kept under 150 per island, will grow and spread naturally.

3. Custom Designs and Dropped Items

Custom designs can transform a space by adding patterns, fake ponds, stepping stones, or details under items. Pinterest and Instagram are excellent sources for custom codes to suit any theme. Dropped items like crops, fruit, mushrooms, acorns, pine cones, or even turnips and flower bags add a lived-in, realistic touch. Handheld items dropped on the ground, like lost items or paperback books, also work well.

4. Fencing and Small Structures

Fencing can define spaces and add interest. With many customizable options (wood, brick, stone, iron, and more), you can match your fencing to the surrounding area or use it to add contrasting color. Simple additions like lock stakes or steel fencing pieces can subtly mark boundaries or break up repetitive scenery.

5. Natural and Themed Items

Wheat fields, garden rocks, pond stones, and glowing moss items create depth and variation in natural areas. Mushroom items—parasol, partition, and lamps—fit both magical and rustic styles. Don’t forget about potted plants, leaf piles, and standees (tree, shrub, and grass) for extra layering.

Adding animal figures like butterfly and bug models, decoy ducks, or plushies gives areas charm and a touch of whimsy. These are particularly effective around ponds or in meadows.

6. Functional and Decorative Builds

• Farms: Farms are a classic solution for filler and transition areas. You can vary their size and layout, using different crops or even just flowers for a coordinated look.

• Benches and Seating Spots: Simple picnic areas, benches, or sofas with books and snacks create welcoming rest stops. Add bikes or scooters nearby for a more interactive scene.

• Laundry Areas: These can be tucked into narrow spaces, on beaches, or near houses, using clotheslines, baskets, and colorful flowers.

• Gyroid Displays: Gyroids add movement and personality. Group them by color or theme to fill small spaces, and pair them with music for extra fun.

• Delivery and Storage Zones: Stack boxes, barrels, carts, and bags to build realistic delivery or storage areas, especially near Nook’s Cranny or the airport.

• Mechanic Shops and Car Washes: Use technical items, storefronts, and creative props like the Cosmo shower to build unique, themed spaces.

• Restaurants and Cafés: Quick builds like sushi bars, small kitchens, or beachside cafés fill space and offer visual interest without overwhelming the area.

• Birthday or Picnic Areas: Tables, chairs, and balloons set up for a celebration are quick to build and take up awkward spaces beautifully.

7. Pathways, Ponds, and Water Features

Pathways help with flow and are opportunities for creative filler. Using curved or non-linear paths surrounded by natural items keeps things interesting. Small ponds, fake ponds (using custom designs), and streams can fill awkward corners or add focal points to transition areas. Wells, fountains, and yoga spots with mats and music boxes also make excellent use of empty tiles.

8. Specialty and Seasonal Builds

• Wind Turbines: These add height and dynamism to inaccessible or open spaces.

• Kids’ Tents: Tents make forest or campsite areas feel cozy and lived-in, even in spots you can’t reach.

• Fake Inventory Shops: Line up similar items to create plant shops or market stalls in small areas.

• Spa and Relaxation Spots: Use simple patterns, candles, and relaxing props to create tranquil areas on the beach or near rivers.

Filler Space Decorating Process: A Step-by-Step Approach

When decorating a filler or transition area, start with landscaping—add ponds, cliffs, or water features if needed. Next, lay out pathways, avoiding straight lines for a more natural look. Place trees, considering both real and substitute tree items, and decide on a main focus item or small feature (like a farm or wall).

Fill in with wheat fields and fencing, then add shrubs, moss, and flowers, being careful to avoid symmetry or repetitive patterns. Use custom designs and dropped items for extra detail. Finish by scattering weeds for a natural, overgrown effect.

The process is flexible and can be adapted to any theme: foresty, urban, beachy, or whimsical. Don’t hesitate to use trial and error to find combinations that suit your style and the specific shape of your space.