With the arrival of Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0, players have more creative options than ever. This update isn’t just about new items and villagers, it’s a fresh start for dreamers and decorators, offering a suite of features, Slumber Islands, and furniture sets that breathe new life into every island. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to shake up your island’s look or try something bold, now is the perfect time.

ACNH Best 3.0 Island Themes & Design Ideas

The 3.0 update has truly expanded the possibilities for island customization. Nintendo’s introduction of Slumber Islands means you’re no longer limited to one style—multiple themes can exist side by side, each with its own unique vibe. The update also brings the resort hotel to your pier, new collaboration items from franchises like Zelda, Splatoon, and LEGO, and a fresh batch of furniture sets that cater to a variety of aesthetics. With all these resources at your fingertips, now is the time to brainstorm new layouts and styles for both your main island and any Slumber Islands you want to create.

With so many new features, it’s easy to feel inspired—or even overwhelmed—when deciding what direction to take. Below are some of the best island themes and design ideas that fit perfectly with everything 3.0 brings to the table.

1. Coastal Vacation Town

The addition of the resort hotel on your island’s pier opens countless possibilities for a beachside escape theme. Imagine designing a coastal vacation town inspired by your favorite lakeside or oceanfront destination. Boardwalk shops, marina-inspired details, and nautical colors set the tone. Scenic walking paths wind past beachside cafes and lakeside bungalows, creating a relaxed yet purposeful atmosphere. For extra charm, add honeymoon bungalows using wedding items you may have stashed away, and consider inviting villagers like Marina, Zucker, Flora, or Lily who naturally fit this setting.

2. Enchanted Forest

Forest core islands never go out of style, but 3.0’s Zelda collaboration items add a magical twist. The enchanted forest theme works beautifully with the new update, letting you create mystical clearings, glowing springs, mossy ruins, and ancient stone paths. Use Zelda items as inspiration rather than strict references—a sword can simply be a sword, not necessarily tied to any franchise. Dusk, fog, or rain settings on Slumber Islands can bring a mysterious atmosphere to life. Villagers like Minu and Tulin, along with others with unique markings or accessories, blend well into this whimsical, storybook world. For a lineup, pair Minu with other villagers who have quirky details to keep things visually interesting.

3. Kidcore & Brickcore

The LEGO collaboration is a dream for Kidcore fans, allowing for a true toy-inspired island. Picture bright neighborhoods, chunky builds, and interiors that channel oversized playrooms or toy hospitals. You can even try themes like preschool classrooms or a LEGO-style downtown. The LEGO furniture’s range of primary and pastel colors makes it easy to build playful, vibrant spaces. Villagers like Cece and Viche are a perfect match for this look, and you can create themed areas based on color (try a yellow-and-blue split island, for example) or even go for a rainbow lineup of villagers for maximum whimsy.

4. Cyberpunk & Urban Skatepark

Splatoon items introduced in 3.0 are ideal for an island that leans into urban or cyberpunk themes. Neon lights, graffiti-style custom designs, skate parks, and back alley plazas come together to create a bustling, stylized cityscape. Set your island at night for maximum effect, and use edgy décor, sticker-bombed walls, and street-inspired hangout spots to bring the scene to life. The Splatoon locker with graffiti, mechanical accents, and colorful lighting blend perfectly into this look. You don’t have to stick to direct Splatoon references—use the items to add texture and attitude, resulting in a colorful, glowing island that still feels distinctly Animal Crossing.

4. Nintendo Theme Park

For players who enjoy variety, a Nintendo theme park island is now more achievable than ever. With expanded collaboration items and Nintendo console furniture, you can divide your island into different “lands”- Zelda, Splatoon, Sanrio, Mario, LEGO, and even a dedicated Animal Crossing zone. Each area can have its own palette, items, and attractions. Use carnival items from the 2.0 update for rides and amusements, and decorate with collaboration décor to set the mood. If creating a full theme park on your main island feels ambitious, consider building smaller themed zones on your Slumber Islands to experiment and have fun.

5. Whimsical Forest Core

A twist on traditional forest core, the whimsical version uses purples, teals, and subtle grays for a more mystical vibe. Incorporate star fragments, mushrooms, secret mini-builds tucked into the trees, and plenty of glowing accents. Villagers with unique features, like Koko, Roswell, or Avery, add an extra layer of intrigue. The focus here is on creating a magical, mysterious setting, perfect for players who want their island to feel like a page from a fantasy novel.

6. Basic Forest Core

For a more classic take, stick with a soft green, brown, and white palette. Add cozy cabins with twinkling lights, well-manicured yards, and clear signs of life. Choose villagers with friendly, approachable designs—think Tulin, Marshall, or other cheerful animal friends. This approach feels more like a tranquil woodland getaway, emphasizing comfort and charm.

7. Two-Color Kidcore

Try narrowing your palette for a bold effect. For example, design an island split between yellow and blue, with villagers chosen to match each color. You can even create a border down the middle, with matching furniture and decorations on each side. This is a playful way to experiment with color theory in your designs, and it’s a great fit for Cece, Viche, and other kidcore favorites.

8. Rainbow Villager Island

Assemble a roster of villagers in every shade of the rainbow—KitKat for red, Stitches for orange, Viche for yellow, Scoot and Drago for green, Cece for blue, Judy for blue and pink, Rod for purple, and Marina for pink. Build areas or neighborhoods themed to each color, using matching items, paths, and accents throughout. This approach is eye-catching and energetic, perfect for those who love bold, joyful designs.

9. Modern Citycore

Leverage new furniture sets with clean lines and metallic finishes to create a modern cityscape. Incorporate Splatoon items for added urban attitude, and use cars, lockers, and mechanical accents throughout. Villagers with more neutral colors and stylish outfits—like Raymond or any business-casual types—fit perfectly in this environment. Think sleek apartments, rooftop gardens, and bustling plazas.