I would like to have the search box in the header and always display.

currently I have it in the header and it works, but after the search it disappears.  Is there a setting needed and is there specific documentation on how to style the search box?

also if I go to the sign-in page or search page I lose my left side panel.  Is there a way to keep my left panel visable on search and sign-in?

thanks in advance to anyone