@Pinkbonbon the home design (not my favourite thing either, same reasons) is quite fun once you get going, doesn't take too long (everyone has a theme) it also opens up different things you can do- polishing, partitions, sparkle hearts, accent walls...you get promoted quite quickly so earn more 'poki' to buy all the new furniture...plus Wardall is now letting me order tons of different items I haven't seen before.
Also, there's facilities on the island you get hired to design (more poki for those!) Currently a school, cafe & restaurant...there's loads of empty buildings and plots so I can see moves island swaps (I'm hoping!, really want some of the villagers on mine!)
It's a massive bit of the upgrade, I'm really tempted to empty my island (not a restart!) and just see what furniture comes about.