Island Design Help!

[*Maddy*]

Hey! I definitely need some design help/ideas with my map, buildings, and areas!

This is my map right now! It's fine but it's very bare while also feeling really small and I have no idea what to do with the buildings, rivers, ect.

I want a more natural overgrown kind of vibe but will add some areas and things that look cute! I love cryptids and am looking to add some elements like that in too! I already found some cool designs!

I already know I need more bridge/inclines and such but I don't want to add them until I'm more finished with areas!
Any help would be appreciated!!

 

[Pyoopi]

I don't really having anything concrete to give, just small suggestions.

One of the first references I looked at was Pokemon town maps. Then I started looking at other in-game maps.
I ended up using a real city map for the first half of my island, but now for my second half, I'm back to looking at game maps.

So, this image for example

Spoiler

Obviously, you can't recreate this exactly and it's way too small but it might ground ideas how you like certain houses surrounded by trees or small patches of grass between paths.

 

[matt2019]

I have this problem too!