By SUSAN FORNOFF, San Francisco Chronicle

SAN FRANCISCO - Maybe you'd like to shop for new home office furniture but have to make do with the old for now. That doesn't mean the home office has to remain a mess. Here are a few tips from the makers of SmartDraw space-planning software:

Setting up a home office

Maybe you'd love to go shopping for new furniture but have to make do with the old for now. That doesn't mean the home office has to remain a mess. Here are a few tips from the makers of SmartDraw space-planning software:

Here's something for the couple who have everything, except a good night's sleep.

The 2009 trend-spotters did their homework and found out that the economy will dictate the home design and lifestyle trends for at least the year to come. If this seems about as surprising as "dog bites man," well, check out five of the trends predicted by JWT marketing, and think about how they might apply to you:

It's not that hard to install a tile backsplash, shower surround, countertop or floor yourself. Many a DIY book or Web site can explain how. That doesn't stop us from making mistakes, however. Here are a few ways to solve problems with tile, courtesy of GlassTileStore.com founder Eli Mechlovitz:

These are hard times for the furniture industry, but the government hasn't offered a bailout -- and the new collections and ideas keep coming. Here's a diverse collection of highlights that may be finding its way to retailers by spring.
--Royal Parisian style for your living room

These are hard times for the furniture industry, but the government hasn't offered a bailout -- and the new collections and ideas keep coming. Here's a diverse collection of highlights that may be finding its way to retailers by spring.
--Royal Parisian style for your living room

The eco-friendly company Fwrap, maker of fabric book covers and gift wrap, has a new line of packaging for the holidays, the Petals collection.
Fwrap uses remnants and scraps of fabric in ways that will make the giver want an equally well-wrapped gift in return. In fact, true friends will use their newly acquired Fwraps on gifts for the person who gave them.

The expenditure of $495 for a menorah may seem exorbitant this year, but this one's from Simon Pearce, which means the craftsmanship is heirloom-worthy.

Save water or save trees?
Those inclined to do the latter will want to install Brondell's new Swash Ecoseat atop their toilets and reduce toilet-paper usage by 75 percent.
The Ecoseat has several things going for it that many chichi toilet seats don't.