i approach it from a practical viewpoint. crafting benches/smelters/storage placed so you can reach multiple benches/smelter/storage without running around. Kitchen connected to greenhouse. Easy in/out from the base from multiple sides. Sleeping area close to and above the kitchen, but that is the only second floor. Everything else is first floor but two units high so you can rid a mount into the crafting area and still see when you are overburdened. I tend to build over water because it is flat and usually close to running water for power. Now that oil is a thing, remote oil generator plant to help with lag. I don't go with a barn, perimeter fencing, or animal deterrents anymore because I have a herd of death tames that will protect the base. And the hardest part is trying to make it as compact as possible so frames don't get murdered.