Located in the former Whole Earth Access Warehouse in Berkeley, GALVINS has spruced up the 8,500 square foot space with a warm coat and top-of-the-line home furnishings. "We cater to the home office and small businesses of 20 to 25 people," says company president Patrick Galvin. "Our goal is to maximize workplace efficiency."

Though you might not know it looking at rush hour, Galvin says more folks are staying off the bridges making and figuring out how to make a living from home via e-mail, fax and phone. He has been in business since 1976 (the original GALVINS is in Redwood City) and has pegged the East Bay as the next nexus of home-based business.

The store's staff is trained to work with the specific needs of each customer, even if that means customizing surface areas. "Our stores offer a level of service and assistance that you won't find at a conventional furniture store," Galvin says.

Note: GALVINS is not to be confused with Galvin Appliance, the home-appliance store located at 619 San Pablo Avenue in Albany. Both stores can save you time and energy but in very different ways.

GALVINS Business and Home Office Furniture, 2929 Seventh Street, Berkeley, (510) 843-7800, www.galvins.com.