>>532305019
I use Makeplace too first. It can take a while if the initial idea is a bit vague and I'll usually spend some time browsing Housing Snap for ideas or sometimes some of the housing discords for certain bits
I think Makeplace does kinda simulate the lighting, but the ambient light in it is always cranked too high so I usually drop it significantly
Using the item previewer in-game will also help massively to get a better idea how items will work while you're building it in Makeplace