It would add to the gameplay experience to have multiple NPCs at your base performing various tasks and (maybe) interacting with furniture? This would add life and purpose to building, making your creations feel less lonely and more meaningful.
Having multiple NPCs doing different activities also gives more functionality, motivates to create multiple rooms, and improves the overall base-building experience, adding depth to it. I mean you can already create a lot of beautiful furniture and decorations (Augments), but they currently feel like mere fancy pieces without any real interaction from your companions. At least for me it would give me a sense of purpose to create something cozy for my fellow companions and things to do =)
I would love something like this too. It would make our Respite Estates more vibrant and busy.
I'd love to meet NPCs on our travels - maybe with their own stories - who are specialists in a particular crafting tree. We could then employ them in our Estates to augment/improve that particular crafting bench. So things like a cook/chef, a gardener, a blacksmith (or similar for the era?) etc.
I don't necessarily want them to craft/gather for me, but having them about the place would make our homes feel more lived in.
I'd also REALLY love a Butler/Valet or Ladies Maid. Not sure what they would do but my main Realmwalker would definitely want one! ;)