Friday link farm: the domestic crop

We can't all squeeze our Craigslist-found furniture into tiny houses. Read up on trends and developments in houses and the stuff that goes inside them.

"Help! DIY Gone Bad" (WSJ, Nov 16, 06) points out one new market that's emerged in the wake of the do-it-yourself boom: the we-will-fix-what-you-couldn't-do-yourself professional.

"Boomers Start to Downsize" (CSM, Jan 11, 07) talks about the beginnings of what may be a developing trend: the first retirement-aged generation to come of age in the era of disposable consumables, and how they'll pare down possessions and unload their 4000 square-foot houses.

"Opportunities Abound for Suppliers of Apparel and Homegoods in Developing Retail Markets, New Retail Forward Studies Report" (RetailForward, Jan 19, 07) reveals results of latest survey in re: markets where there are not so many downsizers.

"Remodelers' Grass Isn't Greener" (Marketwatch, Feb 8, 07) reports on the slowdown in the contractor/remodeling industry as fewer people tap equity or try to flip houses. (Ah, good to know we're bucking that trend.)

"That Pottery Barn Look Isn't So Unique Anymore" (WSJ, Mar 21, 07) outlines the challenges Williams-Sonoma faces as it fends off two challenges: competitors who have knocked off its signature cozy-genteel style, and shifting aesthetic tates.

"The Window Box Gets Some Tough Competition" (NYT, Mar 23, 07) gives readers a heads-up on a growing trend in green building -- the plant-covered roof.

"Why the Container Store Guy Wants to Be Your Therapist" (WSJ, Mar 29, 07) talks about how home-organization stores are training personnel to make emotional connections with customers when they come in all confused over how to handle their clutter.

"A Beautiful Garden for the Right Price" (Marketplace, Apr 6, 07) gives tips for getting the most out of your gardening dollar. And no, the automatic answer is not, "perennials."

"Glam Garages" and "Four Steps to a Neat, Organized Garage" (Marketwatch, Apr 13, 07) examine the growing market category for stuff that organizes all the ... stuff we put in our garages, then gives hints on how to tame the monsters lurking in your own space. (No, building a stage is not recommended.)