Have you tried playing rotational? I find I lose interest more quickly with a single household, but can keep a multi-household game going pretty easily. With the still limited game play options, it can feel like same thing, different wallpaper at times, but the regular change of faces & scenery can also be inspiring at times. You can also have da variety of households vampires, aliens, a single sim who plays the field, a close-knit family, another family that can't stand each other, a criminal household, etc.... You could also create some households inspired by your favorite books, films & TV shows, that's always fun.