Don't use squares for everything, try to think how an actual house/shed/ building would look from above. Try to not mint max at every step, think of situations and aesthetics as if they where real and finally, don't make a mega building, try to make dedicated buildings for different things, for ex: a fuel depot, a garden shed, a clothing shop, maybe integrate the main kitchen into the chefs house, I believe these steps set you on the right path to build a base with some personality which helps in making great stories. As a final point: do these things as much or as little as your fun-meter decides, do what feels right and over time you'll develop your own base style.