How can I use mods like BDB or Tantares more creatively?

[Quinby Kerman]

What I mean more specifically is; how can I repurpose and generally use these parts almost like stock parts, and/or mix and match parts.

I've always found realistic mods very cool, but they feel very restricted and cluttered.

[DeadJohn]

A simple way to start mixing mod parts with stock parts is to build a lower stage from one set of parts and an upper stage from a different set. For example, make your lifter with 2.5m stock parts, add a 2.5m fairing on top, then put a BDB Agena or Centaur upper stage inside that fairing.

BDB uses some in-between part size such as 0.9m, 3.125m, etc. The Tweakscale Rescaled fork adopted by JonnyOthan is helpful if you want to combine stock parts with those BDB sizes.

VAB parts clutter is a challenge with BDB because it has so many parts. Mods like The Janitors Closet and VAB Organizer can help by sorting and hiding parts you don't currently want to use.