I hit just over the 1,100, 000 mark and got the last gold exterior (what I was after). I went for the antique theme which I will keep in about two rooms but the rest will now be changed to other themes or mixtures that take my fancy.
Hm, I was at 20,000 points a few days ago and now I just hit 30,000 points today! I don't even use too many of a series in my house yet...perhaps I should keep on as I am and maybe hit the max prize amount by just designing it as I do!
I got my score up to 115,000 just placing HHA items, bug-off items, and having 4 complete sets in my house. I have almost completely upgraded my house, I'm saving one room in my house purely for a Gracie Grace furniture set.