diff --git a/drizzle.config.ts b/drizzle.config.ts
index 654e617..af7d04d 100644
--- a/drizzle.config.ts
+++ b/drizzle.config.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,8 @@
 import { defineConfig } from 'drizzle-kit';
+import * as dotenv from 'dotenv';
+
+dotenv.config({ path: '.env.local' });
+dotenv.config();
 
 export default defineConfig({
     schema: './src/db/schema.ts',
diff --git a/package-lock.json b/package-lock.json
index e06b1ed..ed5f52a 100644
--- a/package-lock.json
+++ b/package-lock.json
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@
         "@types/react": "^19",
         "@types/react-dom": "^19",
         "@types/uuid": "^10.0.0",
+        "dotenv": "^17.2.3",
         "drizzle-kit": "^0.31.8",
         "eslint": "^9",
         "eslint-config-next": "16.1.4",
@@ -3835,6 +3836,19 @@
         "node": ">=0.10.0"
       }
     },
+    "node_modules/dotenv": {
+      "version": "17.2.3",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/dotenv/-/dotenv-17.2.3.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-JVUnt+DUIzu87TABbhPmNfVdBDt18BLOWjMUFJMSi/Qqg7NTYtabbvSNJGOJ7afbRuv9D/lngizHtP7QyLQ+9w==",
+      "dev": true,
+      "license": "BSD-2-Clause",
+      "engines": {
+        "node": ">=12"
+      },
+      "funding": {
+        "url": "https://dotenvx.com"
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/drizzle-kit": {
       "version": "0.31.8",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/drizzle-kit/-/drizzle-kit-0.31.8.tgz",
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 2567eb2..c0545b9 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@
     "@types/react": "^19",
     "@types/react-dom": "^19",
     "@types/uuid": "^10.0.0",
+    "dotenv": "^17.2.3",
     "drizzle-kit": "^0.31.8",
     "eslint": "^9",
     "eslint-config-next": "16.1.4",
diff --git a/src/app/[handle]/page.tsx b/src/app/[handle]/page.tsx
index 552a3f5..5e8507b 100644
--- a/src/app/[handle]/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/[handle]/page.tsx
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
 import Link from 'next/link';
 import { useParams } from 'next/navigation';
+import { ArrowLeftIcon, CalendarIcon, HeartIcon, RepeatIcon, MessageIcon, FlagIcon } from '@/components/Icons';
 
 interface User {
     id: string;
@@ -43,49 +44,7 @@ interface Post {
 }
 
 // Icons
-const ArrowLeftIcon = () => (
-    <svg width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-        <line x1="19" y1="12" x2="5" y2="12" />
-        <polyline points="12 19 5 12 12 5" />
-    </svg>
-);
 
-const CalendarIcon = () => (
-    <svg width="16" height="16" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-        <rect x="3" y="4" width="18" height="18" rx="2" ry="2" />
-        <line x1="16" y1="2" x2="16" y2="6" />
-        <line x1="8" y1="2" x2="8" y2="6" />
-        <line x1="3" y1="10" x2="21" y2="10" />
-    </svg>
-);
-
-const HeartIcon = ({ filled }: { filled?: boolean }) => (
-    <svg width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill={filled ? "currentColor" : "none"} stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-        <path d="M20.84 4.61a5.5 5.5 0 0 0-7.78 0L12 5.67l-1.06-1.06a5.5 5.5 0 0 0-7.78 7.78l1.06 1.06L12 21.23l7.78-7.78 1.06-1.06a5.5 5.5 0 0 0 0-7.78z" />
-    </svg>
-);
-
-const RepeatIcon = () => (
-    <svg width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-        <polyline points="17 1 21 5 17 9" />
-        <path d="M3 11V9a4 4 0 0 1 4-4h14" />
-        <polyline points="7 23 3 19 7 15" />
-        <path d="M21 13v2a4 4 0 0 1-4 4H3" />
-    </svg>
-);
-
-const MessageIcon = () => (
-    <svg width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-        <path d="M21 11.5a8.38 8.38 0 0 1-.9 3.8 8.5 8.5 0 0 1-7.6 4.7 8.38 8.38 0 0 1-3.8-.9L3 21l1.9-5.7a8.38 8.38 0 0 1-.9-3.8 8.5 8.5 0 0 1 4.7-7.6 8.38 8.38 0 0 1 3.8-.9h.5a8.48 8.48 0 0 1 8 8v.5z" />
-    </svg>
-);
-
-const FlagIcon = () => (
-    <svg width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-        <path d="M5 5v16" />
-        <path d="M5 5h11l-1 4 1 4H5" />
-    </svg>
-);
 
 function UserRow({ user }: { user: UserSummary }) {
     return (
diff --git a/src/app/admin/page.tsx b/src/app/admin/page.tsx
index 8e523d8..4d516d3 100644
--- a/src/app/admin/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/admin/page.tsx
@@ -49,12 +49,20 @@ const formatDate = (value: string) => {
 
 export default function AdminPage() {
     const [isAdmin, setIsAdmin] = useState<boolean | null>(null);
-    const [tab, setTab] = useState<'reports' | 'posts' | 'users'>('reports');
+    const [tab, setTab] = useState<'reports' | 'posts' | 'users' | 'settings'>('reports');
     const [reports, setReports] = useState<Report[]>([]);
     const [posts, setPosts] = useState<AdminPost[]>([]);
     const [users, setUsers] = useState<AdminUser[]>([]);
     const [loading, setLoading] = useState(false);
     const [reportStatus, setReportStatus] = useState<'open' | 'resolved' | 'all'>('open');
+    const [nodeSettings, setNodeSettings] = useState({
+        name: '',
+        description: '',
+        longDescription: '',
+        rules: '',
+        bannerUrl: '',
+    });
+    const [savingSettings, setSavingSettings] = useState(false);
 
     useEffect(() => {
         fetch('/api/admin/me')
@@ -102,11 +110,31 @@ export default function AdminPage() {
         }
     };
 
+    const loadNodeSettings = async () => {
+        setLoading(true);
+        try {
+            const res = await fetch('/api/node');
+            const data = await res.json();
+            setNodeSettings({
+                name: data.name || '',
+                description: data.description || '',
+                longDescription: data.longDescription || '',
+                rules: data.rules || '',
+                bannerUrl: data.bannerUrl || '',
+            });
+        } catch {
+            // error
+        } finally {
+            setLoading(false);
+        }
+    };
+
     useEffect(() => {
         if (!isAdmin) return;
         if (tab === 'reports') loadReports();
         if (tab === 'posts') loadPosts();
         if (tab === 'users') loadUsers();
+        if (tab === 'settings') loadNodeSettings();
     }, [tab, isAdmin, reportStatus]);
 
     const handleReportResolve = async (id: string, status: 'open' | 'resolved') => {
@@ -133,6 +161,26 @@ export default function AdminPage() {
         }
     };
 
+    const handleSaveSettings = async () => {
+        setSavingSettings(true);
+        try {
+            const res = await fetch('/api/admin/node', {
+                method: 'PATCH',
+                headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
+                body: JSON.stringify(nodeSettings),
+            });
+            if (res.ok) {
+                alert('Settings saved!');
+            } else {
+                alert('Failed to save settings.');
+            }
+        } catch {
+            alert('Failed to save settings.');
+        } finally {
+            setSavingSettings(false);
+        }
+    };
+
     const handleUserAction = async (id: string, action: 'suspend' | 'unsuspend' | 'silence' | 'unsilence') => {
         const needsReason = action === 'suspend' || action === 'silence';
         const reason = needsReason ? window.prompt('Reason (optional):') || '' : '';
@@ -195,6 +243,9 @@ export default function AdminPage() {
                 <button className={`admin-tab ${tab === 'users' ? 'active' : ''}`} onClick={() => setTab('users')}>
                     Users
                 </button>
+                <button className={`admin-tab ${tab === 'settings' ? 'active' : ''}`} onClick={() => setTab('settings')}>
+                    Settings
+                </button>
             </div>
 
             {tab === 'reports' && (
@@ -383,6 +434,88 @@ export default function AdminPage() {
                     )}
                 </div>
             )}
+            {tab === 'settings' && (
+                <div className="admin-card">
+                    <div style={{ fontWeight: 600, marginBottom: '16px', fontSize: '16px' }}>Node Settings</div>
+
+                    {loading ? (
+                        <div className="admin-empty">Loading settings...</div>
+                    ) : (
+                        <div style={{ display: 'grid', gap: '16px', maxWidth: '600px' }}>
+                            <div>
+                                <label style={{ fontSize: '13px', fontWeight: 500, marginBottom: '4px', display: 'block' }}>Node Name</label>
+                                <input
+                                    className="input"
+                                    value={nodeSettings.name}
+                                    onChange={e => setNodeSettings({ ...nodeSettings, name: e.target.value })}
+                                    placeholder="My Synapsis Node"
+                                />
+                            </div>
+
+                            <div>
+                                <label style={{ fontSize: '13px', fontWeight: 500, marginBottom: '4px', display: 'block' }}>Short Description</label>
+                                <textarea
+                                    className="input"
+                                    value={nodeSettings.description}
+                                    onChange={e => setNodeSettings({ ...nodeSettings, description: e.target.value })}
+                                    placeholder="A brief tagline for your node."
+                                    rows={2}
+                                />
+                            </div>
+
+                            <div>
+                                <label style={{ fontSize: '13px', fontWeight: 500, marginBottom: '4px', display: 'block' }}>Banner / Logo URL</label>
+                                <input
+                                    className="input"
+                                    value={nodeSettings.bannerUrl}
+                                    onChange={e => setNodeSettings({ ...nodeSettings, bannerUrl: e.target.value })}
+                                    placeholder="https://"
+                                />
+                                {nodeSettings.bannerUrl && (
+                                    <div style={{ marginTop: '8px', height: '120px', borderRadius: '8px', overflow: 'hidden', border: '1px solid var(--border)', position: 'relative' }}>
+                                        <div style={{
+                                            position: 'absolute', inset: 0,
+                                            background: `url(${nodeSettings.bannerUrl}) center/cover no-repeat`
+                                        }} />
+                                        <div style={{
+                                            position: 'absolute', inset: 0,
+                                            background: 'linear-gradient(to bottom, transparent, var(--background-secondary))'
+                                        }} />
+                                    </div>
+                                )}
+                            </div>
+
+                            <div>
+                                <label style={{ fontSize: '13px', fontWeight: 500, marginBottom: '4px', display: 'block' }}>Long Description (About)</label>
+                                <textarea
+                                    className="input"
+                                    value={nodeSettings.longDescription}
+                                    onChange={e => setNodeSettings({ ...nodeSettings, longDescription: e.target.value })}
+                                    placeholder="Detailed information about your node/community."
+                                    rows={5}
+                                />
+                            </div>
+
+                            <div>
+                                <label style={{ fontSize: '13px', fontWeight: 500, marginBottom: '4px', display: 'block' }}>Rules</label>
+                                <textarea
+                                    className="input"
+                                    value={nodeSettings.rules}
+                                    onChange={e => setNodeSettings({ ...nodeSettings, rules: e.target.value })}
+                                    placeholder="Community rules and guidelines."
+                                    rows={5}
+                                />
+                            </div>
+
+                            <div style={{ paddingTop: '8px' }}>
+                                <button className="btn btn-primary" onClick={handleSaveSettings} disabled={savingSettings}>
+                                    {savingSettings ? 'Saving...' : 'Save Settings'}
+                                </button>
+                            </div>
+                        </div>
+                    )}
+                </div>
+            )}
         </div>
     );
 }
diff --git a/src/app/api/admin/node/route.ts b/src/app/api/admin/node/route.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1f2f1a6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/app/api/admin/node/route.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from 'next/server';
+import { db } from '@/db';
+import { nodes } from '@/db';
+import { eq } from 'drizzle-orm';
+import { requireAdmin } from '@/lib/auth/admin';
+
+export async function PATCH(req: NextRequest) {
+    try {
+        await requireAdmin();
+        const data = await req.json();
+
+        const domain = process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_NODE_DOMAIN || 'localhost:3000';
+
+        let node = await db.query.nodes.findFirst({
+            where: eq(nodes.domain, domain),
+        });
+
+        if (!node) {
+            [node] = await db.insert(nodes).values({
+                domain,
+                name: data.name || process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_NODE_NAME || 'Synapsis Node',
+                description: data.description,
+                longDescription: data.longDescription,
+                rules: data.rules,
+                bannerUrl: data.bannerUrl,
+                accentColor: data.accentColor,
+            }).returning();
+        } else {
+            [node] = await db.update(nodes)
+                .set({
+                    name: data.name,
+                    description: data.description,
+                    longDescription: data.longDescription,
+                    rules: data.rules,
+                    bannerUrl: data.bannerUrl,
+                    updatedAt: new Date(),
+                })
+                .where(eq(nodes.id, node.id))
+                .returning();
+        }
+
+        return NextResponse.json({ node });
+    } catch (error) {
+        console.error('Update node settings error:', error);
+        return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Failed to update settings' }, { status: 500 });
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/app/api/node/route.ts b/src/app/api/node/route.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..eae58e6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/app/api/node/route.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+import { NextResponse } from 'next/server';
+import { db } from '@/db';
+import { nodes } from '@/db';
+import { eq } from 'drizzle-orm';
+
+export async function GET() {
+    try {
+        if (!db) return NextResponse.json({});
+
+        const domain = process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_NODE_DOMAIN || 'localhost:3000';
+        const node = await db.query.nodes.findFirst({
+            where: eq(nodes.domain, domain),
+        });
+
+        if (!node) {
+            return NextResponse.json({
+                name: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_NODE_NAME || 'Synapsis Node',
+                description: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_NODE_DESCRIPTION || 'A federated social network node.',
+                accentColor: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_ACCENT_COLOR || '#00D4AA',
+                domain,
+            });
+        }
+
+        return NextResponse.json(node);
+    } catch (error) {
+        console.error('Node info error:', error);
+        return NextResponse.json({
+            name: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_NODE_NAME || 'Synapsis Node',
+            description: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_NODE_DESCRIPTION || 'A federated social network node.',
+        });
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/app/explore/page.tsx b/src/app/explore/page.tsx
index e81a719..b8a578e 100644
--- a/src/app/explore/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/explore/page.tsx
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
 import Link from 'next/link';
+import { SearchIcon, TrendingIcon, UsersIcon, HeartIcon, RepeatIcon, MessageIcon } from '@/components/Icons';
 
 interface User {
     id: string;
@@ -28,49 +29,7 @@ interface Post {
     media?: MediaItem[];
 }
 
-const SearchIcon = () => (
-    <svg width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-        <circle cx="11" cy="11" r="8" />
-        <line x1="21" y1="21" x2="16.65" y2="16.65" />
-    </svg>
-);
 
-const TrendingIcon = () => (
-    <svg width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-        <polyline points="22 7 13.5 15.5 8.5 10.5 2 17" />
-        <polyline points="16 7 22 7 22 13" />
-    </svg>
-);
-
-const UsersIcon = () => (
-    <svg width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-        <path d="M17 21v-2a4 4 0 0 0-4-4H5a4 4 0 0 0-4 4v2" />
-        <circle cx="9" cy="7" r="4" />
-        <path d="M23 21v-2a4 4 0 0 0-3-3.87" />
-        <path d="M16 3.13a4 4 0 0 1 0 7.75" />
-    </svg>
-);
-
-const HeartIcon = ({ filled }: { filled?: boolean }) => (
-    <svg width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill={filled ? "currentColor" : "none"} stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-        <path d="M20.84 4.61a5.5 5.5 0 0 0-7.78 0L12 5.67l-1.06-1.06a5.5 5.5 0 0 0-7.78 7.78l1.06 1.06L12 21.23l7.78-7.78 1.06-1.06a5.5 5.5 0 0 0 0-7.78z" />
-    </svg>
-);
-
-const RepeatIcon = () => (
-    <svg width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-        <polyline points="17 1 21 5 17 9" />
-        <path d="M3 11V9a4 4 0 0 1 4-4h14" />
-        <polyline points="7 23 3 19 7 15" />
-        <path d="M21 13v2a4 4 0 0 1-4 4H3" />
-    </svg>
-);
-
-const MessageIcon = () => (
-    <svg width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-        <path d="M21 11.5a8.38 8.38 0 0 1-.9 3.8 8.5 8.5 0 0 1-7.6 4.7 8.38 8.38 0 0 1-3.8-.9L3 21l1.9-5.7a8.38 8.38 0 0 1-.9-3.8 8.5 8.5 0 0 1 4.7-7.6 8.38 8.38 0 0 1 3.8-.9h.5a8.48 8.48 0 0 1 8 8v.5z" />
-    </svg>
-);
 
 function PostCard({ post }: { post: Post }) {
     const [liked, setLiked] = useState(false);
diff --git a/src/app/layout.tsx b/src/app/layout.tsx
index 971b0f4..7933170 100644
--- a/src/app/layout.tsx
+++ b/src/app/layout.tsx
@@ -30,6 +30,9 @@ export const dynamic = 'force-dynamic';
 
 // This is appropriate for a social network where all content is user-generated
 
+import { AuthProvider } from '@/lib/contexts/AuthContext';
+import { LayoutWrapper } from '@/components/LayoutWrapper';
+
 export default function RootLayout({
   children,
 }: {
@@ -37,7 +40,13 @@ export default function RootLayout({
 }) {
   return (
     <html lang="en" className={`${inter.variable} ${sairaCondensed.variable}`}>
-      <body>{children}</body>
+      <body>
+        <AuthProvider>
+          <LayoutWrapper>
+            {children}
+          </LayoutWrapper>
+        </AuthProvider>
+      </body>
     </html>
   );
 }
diff --git a/src/app/notifications/page.tsx b/src/app/notifications/page.tsx
index 62127ec..f657073 100644
--- a/src/app/notifications/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/notifications/page.tsx
@@ -1,167 +1,31 @@
 'use client';
 
-import { useEffect, useState } from 'react';
-import Link from 'next/link';
-
-type Notification = {
-    id: string;
-    type: 'follow' | 'like' | 'repost' | 'mention';
-    createdAt: string;
-    readAt?: string | null;
-    actor?: {
-        id: string;
-        handle: string;
-        displayName?: string | null;
-        avatarUrl?: string | null;
-    } | null;
-    post?: {
-        id: string;
-        content: string;
-    } | null;
-};
-
-const formatTime = (dateStr: string) => {
-    const date = new Date(dateStr);
-    const now = new Date();
-    const diff = now.getTime() - date.getTime();
-    const minutes = Math.floor(diff / 60000);
-    const hours = Math.floor(minutes / 60);
-    const days = Math.floor(hours / 24);
-
-    if (minutes < 1) return 'now';
-    if (minutes < 60) return `${minutes}m`;
-    if (hours < 24) return `${hours}h`;
-    if (days < 7) return `${days}d`;
-    return date.toLocaleDateString();
-};
-
-const buildMessage = (item: Notification) => {
-    const actorName = item.actor?.displayName || item.actor?.handle || 'Someone';
-    switch (item.type) {
-        case 'follow':
-            return `${actorName} followed you`;
-        case 'like':
-            return `${actorName} liked your post`;
-        case 'repost':
-            return `${actorName} reposted your post`;
-        case 'mention':
-            return `${actorName} mentioned you`;
-        default:
-            return `${actorName} sent a notification`;
-    }
-};
+import { BellIcon } from '@/components/Icons';
 
 export default function NotificationsPage() {
-    const [notifications, setNotifications] = useState<Notification[]>([]);
-    const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);
-    const [polling, setPolling] = useState(true);
-
-    const loadNotifications = async () => {
-        try {
-            const res = await fetch('/api/notifications?limit=50', { cache: 'no-store' });
-            const data = await res.json();
-            setNotifications(data.notifications || []);
-        } catch {
-            setNotifications([]);
-        } finally {
-            setLoading(false);
-        }
-    };
-
-    useEffect(() => {
-        loadNotifications();
-    }, []);
-
-    useEffect(() => {
-        if (!polling) return;
-        const interval = setInterval(loadNotifications, 15000);
-        return () => clearInterval(interval);
-    }, [polling]);
-
-    const markAllRead = async () => {
-        await fetch('/api/notifications', {
-            method: 'PATCH',
-            headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
-            body: JSON.stringify({ all: true }),
-        });
-        loadNotifications();
-    };
-
-    const markRead = async (id: string) => {
-        await fetch('/api/notifications', {
-            method: 'PATCH',
-            headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
-            body: JSON.stringify({ ids: [id] }),
-        });
-        setNotifications((prev) =>
-            prev.map((item) => (item.id === id ? { ...item, readAt: new Date().toISOString() } : item))
-        );
-    };
-
-    const unreadCount = notifications.filter((item) => !item.readAt).length;
-
     return (
-        <div className="notifications-shell">
-            <header className="notifications-header">
-                <div>
-                    <h1>Notifications</h1>
-                    <p>{unreadCount} unread</p>
-                </div>
-                <div className="notifications-actions">
-                    <button className="btn btn-ghost btn-sm" onClick={() => setPolling(!polling)}>
-                        {polling ? 'Pause polling' : 'Resume polling'}
-                    </button>
-                    <button className="btn btn-primary btn-sm" onClick={markAllRead} disabled={notifications.length === 0}>
-                        Mark all read
-                    </button>
-                </div>
+        <div className="notifications-page">
+            <header style={{
+                padding: '16px',
+                borderBottom: '1px solid var(--border)',
+                background: 'var(--background)',
+                position: 'sticky',
+                top: 0,
+                zIndex: 10,
+                backdropFilter: 'blur(12px)',
+            }}>
+                <h1 style={{ fontSize: '18px', fontWeight: 600 }}>Notifications</h1>
             </header>
 
-            {loading ? (
-                <div className="notifications-empty">Loading notifications...</div>
-            ) : notifications.length === 0 ? (
-                <div className="notifications-empty">No notifications yet.</div>
-            ) : (
-                <div className="notifications-list">
-                    {notifications.map((item) => (
-                        <div
-                            key={item.id}
-                            className={`notification-row ${item.readAt ? 'read' : 'unread'}`}
-                            role="button"
-                            tabIndex={0}
-                            onClick={() => markRead(item.id)}
-                            onKeyDown={(event) => {
-                                if (event.key === 'Enter' || event.key === ' ') {
-                                    event.preventDefault();
-                                    markRead(item.id);
-                                }
-                            }}
-                        >
-                            <div className="notification-avatar">
-                                {item.actor?.avatarUrl ? (
-                                    <img src={item.actor.avatarUrl} alt={item.actor.handle} />
-                                ) : (
-                                    (item.actor?.displayName || item.actor?.handle || '?').charAt(0).toUpperCase()
-                                )}
-                            </div>
-                            <div className="notification-content">
-                                <div className="notification-message">{buildMessage(item)}</div>
-                                {item.post?.content && (
-                                    <div className="notification-post">“{item.post.content.slice(0, 120)}”</div>
-                                )}
-                                <div className="notification-meta">
-                                    <span>{formatTime(item.createdAt)}</span>
-                                    {item.actor?.handle && (
-                                        <Link href={`/@${item.actor.handle}`} className="notification-link">
-                                            @{item.actor.handle}
-                                        </Link>
-                                    )}
-                                </div>
-                            </div>
-                        </div>
-                    ))}
+            <div style={{ padding: '48px', textAlign: 'center', color: 'var(--foreground-tertiary)' }}>
+                <div style={{ marginBottom: '16px', display: 'flex', justifyContent: 'center' }}>
+                    <div style={{ width: 40, height: 40, background: 'var(--background-secondary)', borderRadius: '50%', display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', justifyContent: 'center' }}>
+                        <BellIcon />
+                    </div>
                 </div>
-            )}
+                <h3 style={{ fontSize: '16px', fontWeight: 600, marginBottom: '8px', color: 'var(--foreground)' }}>No notifications yet</h3>
+                <p style={{ fontSize: '14px' }}>When you get interactions, they'll show up here.</p>
+            </div>
         </div>
     );
 }
diff --git a/src/app/page.tsx b/src/app/page.tsx
index 0d1c767..d8da2d3 100644
--- a/src/app/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/page.tsx
@@ -2,12 +2,7 @@
 
 import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
 import Link from 'next/link';
-
-const ShieldIcon = () => (
-  <svg width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-    <path d="M12 22s8-4 8-10V5l-8-3-8 3v7c0 6 8 10 8 10z" />
-  </svg>
-);
+import { useAuth } from '@/lib/contexts/AuthContext';
 
 interface User {
   id: string;
@@ -45,33 +40,7 @@ interface Post {
 }
 
 // Icons as simple SVG components
-const HomeIcon = () => (
-  <svg width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-    <path d="M3 9l9-7 9 7v11a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2z" />
-    <polyline points="9 22 9 12 15 12 15 22" />
-  </svg>
-);
 
-const SearchIcon = () => (
-  <svg width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-    <circle cx="11" cy="11" r="8" />
-    <line x1="21" y1="21" x2="16.65" y2="16.65" />
-  </svg>
-);
-
-const BellIcon = () => (
-  <svg width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-    <path d="M18 8A6 6 0 0 0 6 8c0 7-3 9-3 9h18s-3-2-3-9" />
-    <path d="M13.73 21a2 2 0 0 1-3.46 0" />
-  </svg>
-);
-
-const UserIcon = () => (
-  <svg width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-    <path d="M20 21v-2a4 4 0 0 0-4-4H8a4 4 0 0 0-4 4v2" />
-    <circle cx="12" cy="7" r="4" />
-  </svg>
-);
 
 const HeartIcon = ({ filled }: { filled?: boolean }) => (
   <svg width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill={filled ? "currentColor" : "none"} stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
@@ -101,32 +70,7 @@ const FlagIcon = () => (
   </svg>
 );
 
-const SynapsisLogo = () => (
-  <svg
-    width="28"
-    height="28"
-    viewBox="0 0 24 24"
-    fill="none"
-    stroke="currentColor"
-    strokeWidth="1.5"
-    strokeLinecap="round"
-    strokeLinejoin="round"
-  >
-    <path d="M12 5a3 3 0 1 0-5.997.125 4 4 0 0 0-2.526 5.77 4 4 0 0 0 .556 6.588A4 4 0 1 0 12 18Z" />
-    <path d="M9 13a4.5 4.5 0 0 0 3-4" />
-    <path d="M6.003 5.125A3 3 0 0 0 6.401 6.5" />
-    <path d="M3.477 10.896a4 4 0 0 1 .585-.396" />
-    <path d="M6 18a4 4 0 0 1-1.967-.516" />
-    <path d="M12 13h4" />
-    <path d="M12 18h6a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v1" />
-    <path d="M12 8h8" />
-    <path d="M16 8V5a2 2 0 0 1 2-2" />
-    <circle cx="16" cy="13" r=".5" fill="currentColor" />
-    <circle cx="18" cy="3" r=".5" fill="currentColor" />
-    <circle cx="20" cy="21" r=".5" fill="currentColor" />
-    <circle cx="20" cy="8" r=".5" fill="currentColor" />
-  </svg>
-);
+
 
 function PostCard({ post, onLike, onRepost }: { post: Post; onLike: (id: string) => void; onRepost: (id: string) => void }) {
   const [liked, setLiked] = useState(false);
@@ -372,8 +316,7 @@ function Compose({ onPost }: { onPost: (content: string, mediaIds: string[]) =>
 }
 
 export default function Home() {
-  const [user, setUser] = useState<User | null>(null);
-  const [isAdmin, setIsAdmin] = useState(false);
+  const { user } = useAuth();
   const [posts, setPosts] = useState<Post[]>([]);
   const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);
   const [feedType, setFeedType] = useState<'latest' | 'curated'>('latest');
@@ -405,20 +348,6 @@ export default function Home() {
     }
   };
 
-  useEffect(() => {
-    // Check auth status
-    fetch('/api/auth/me')
-      .then(res => res.json())
-      .then(data => setUser(data.user))
-      .catch(() => { });
-
-    // Check admin status
-    fetch('/api/admin/me')
-      .then(res => res.json())
-      .then(data => setIsAdmin(!!data.isAdmin))
-      .catch(() => { });
-  }, []);
-
   useEffect(() => {
     loadFeed(feedType);
   }, [feedType]);
@@ -449,158 +378,82 @@ export default function Home() {
   };
 
   return (
-    <div className="layout">
-      {/* Sidebar */}
-      <aside className="sidebar">
-        <div className="logo">
-          <SynapsisLogo />
-          <span>Synapsis</span>
+    <>
+      <header style={{
+        padding: '16px',
+        borderBottom: '1px solid var(--border)',
+        position: 'sticky',
+        top: 0,
+        background: 'var(--background)',
+        zIndex: 10,
+        backdropFilter: 'blur(12px)',
+      }}>
+        <div style={{ display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', justifyContent: 'space-between' }}>
+          <h1 style={{ fontSize: '18px', fontWeight: 600 }}>Home</h1>
+          <div className="feed-toggle">
+            <button
+              className={`feed-toggle-btn ${feedType === 'latest' ? 'active' : ''}`}
+              onClick={() => setFeedType('latest')}
+            >
+              Latest
+            </button>
+            <button
+              className={`feed-toggle-btn ${feedType === 'curated' ? 'active' : ''}`}
+              onClick={() => setFeedType('curated')}
+            >
+              Curated
+            </button>
+          </div>
         </div>
-        <nav>
-          <Link href="/" className="nav-item active">
-            <HomeIcon />
-            <span>Home</span>
-          </Link>
-          <Link href="/explore" className="nav-item">
-            <SearchIcon />
-            <span>Explore</span>
-          </Link>
-          <Link href="/notifications" className="nav-item">
-            <BellIcon />
-            <span>Notifications</span>
-          </Link>
-          {user ? (
-            <Link href={`/${user.handle}`} className="nav-item">
-              <UserIcon />
-              <span>Profile</span>
-            </Link>
-          ) : (
-            <Link href="/login" className="nav-item">
-              <UserIcon />
-              <span>Login</span>
-            </Link>
-          )}
-          {isAdmin && (
-            <Link href="/admin" className="nav-item">
-              <ShieldIcon />
-              <span>Admin</span>
-            </Link>
-          )}
-        </nav>
-        {user && (
-          <div style={{ marginTop: 'auto', paddingTop: '16px' }}>
-            <div style={{ display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', gap: '12px' }}>
-              <div className="avatar avatar-sm">
-                {user.displayName?.charAt(0) || user.handle.charAt(0)}
-              </div>
-              <div>
-                <div style={{ fontWeight: 600, fontSize: '14px' }}>{user.displayName}</div>
-                <div style={{ color: 'var(--foreground-tertiary)', fontSize: '13px' }}>@{user.handle}</div>
-              </div>
-            </div>
-          </div>
-        )}
-      </aside>
+      </header>
 
-      {/* Main Feed */}
-      <main className="main">
-        <header style={{
-          padding: '16px',
-          borderBottom: '1px solid var(--border)',
-          position: 'sticky',
-          top: 0,
-          background: 'var(--background)',
-          zIndex: 10,
-          backdropFilter: 'blur(12px)',
-        }}>
-          <div style={{ display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', justifyContent: 'space-between' }}>
-            <h1 style={{ fontSize: '18px', fontWeight: 600 }}>Home</h1>
-            <div className="feed-toggle">
-              <button
-                className={`feed-toggle-btn ${feedType === 'latest' ? 'active' : ''}`}
-                onClick={() => setFeedType('latest')}
-              >
-                Latest
-              </button>
-              <button
-                className={`feed-toggle-btn ${feedType === 'curated' ? 'active' : ''}`}
-                onClick={() => setFeedType('curated')}
-              >
-                Curated
-              </button>
-            </div>
-          </div>
-        </header>
+      {user && <Compose onPost={handlePost} />}
 
-        {user && <Compose onPost={handlePost} />}
-
-        {!user && (
-          <div style={{ padding: '24px', textAlign: 'center', borderBottom: '1px solid var(--border)' }}>
-            <p style={{ color: 'var(--foreground-secondary)', marginBottom: '16px' }}>
-              Join Synapsis to post and interact
-            </p>
-            <Link href="/login" className="btn btn-primary">
-              Login or Register
-            </Link>
-          </div>
-        )}
-
-        {feedType === 'curated' && feedMeta && (
-          <div className="feed-meta card">
-            <div className="feed-meta-title">Curated feed</div>
-            <div className="feed-meta-body">
-              We rank posts using recency and engagement. Following gets a boost, and your own posts stay visible.
-            </div>
-            <div className="feed-meta-weights">
-              Weights: engagement {feedMeta.weights.engagement}, recency {feedMeta.weights.recency}, follow boost {feedMeta.weights.followBoost}.
-            </div>
-            <div className="feed-meta-foot">
-              Window: {feedMeta.windowHours} hours. Seed: {feedMeta.seedLimit} posts.
-            </div>
-          </div>
-        )}
-
-        {loading ? (
-          <div style={{ padding: '48px', textAlign: 'center', color: 'var(--foreground-tertiary)' }}>
-            Loading...
-          </div>
-        ) : posts.length === 0 ? (
-          <div style={{ padding: '48px', textAlign: 'center', color: 'var(--foreground-tertiary)' }}>
-            <p>No posts yet</p>
-            <p style={{ fontSize: '13px', marginTop: '8px' }}>Be the first to post something!</p>
-          </div>
-        ) : (
-          posts.map(post => (
-            <PostCard
-              key={post.id}
-              post={post}
-              onLike={handleLike}
-              onRepost={handleRepost}
-            />
-          ))
-        )}
-      </main>
-
-      {/* Right Sidebar */}
-      <aside className="aside">
-        <div className="card">
-          <h3 style={{ fontWeight: 600, marginBottom: '12px' }}>Welcome to Synapsis</h3>
-          <p style={{ color: 'var(--foreground-secondary)', fontSize: '14px', lineHeight: 1.6 }}>
-            A federated social network designed as global communication infrastructure.
-            Signal over noise. Identity that&apos;s truly yours.
+      {!user && (
+        <div style={{ padding: '24px', textAlign: 'center', borderBottom: '1px solid var(--border)' }}>
+          <p style={{ color: 'var(--foreground-secondary)', marginBottom: '16px' }}>
+            Join Synapsis to post and interact
           </p>
+          <Link href="/login" className="btn btn-primary">
+            Login or Register
+          </Link>
         </div>
+      )}
 
-        <div className="card" style={{ marginTop: '16px' }}>
-          <h3 style={{ fontWeight: 600, marginBottom: '12px' }}>Node Info</h3>
-          <p style={{ color: 'var(--foreground-secondary)', fontSize: '13px' }}>
-            {process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_NODE_NAME || 'Synapsis Node'}
-          </p>
-          <p style={{ color: 'var(--foreground-tertiary)', fontSize: '12px', marginTop: '4px' }}>
-            Running Synapsis v0.1.0
-          </p>
+      {feedType === 'curated' && feedMeta && (
+        <div className="feed-meta card">
+          <div className="feed-meta-title">Curated feed</div>
+          <div className="feed-meta-body">
+            We rank posts using recency and engagement. Following gets a boost, and your own posts stay visible.
+          </div>
+          <div className="feed-meta-weights">
+            Weights: engagement {feedMeta.weights.engagement}, recency {feedMeta.weights.recency}, follow boost {feedMeta.weights.followBoost}.
+          </div>
+          <div className="feed-meta-foot">
+            Window: {feedMeta.windowHours} hours. Seed: {feedMeta.seedLimit} posts.
+          </div>
         </div>
-      </aside>
-    </div>
+      )}
+
+      {loading ? (
+        <div style={{ padding: '48px', textAlign: 'center', color: 'var(--foreground-tertiary)' }}>
+          Loading...
+        </div>
+      ) : posts.length === 0 ? (
+        <div style={{ padding: '48px', textAlign: 'center', color: 'var(--foreground-tertiary)' }}>
+          <p>No posts yet</p>
+          <p style={{ fontSize: '13px', marginTop: '8px' }}>Be the first to post something!</p>
+        </div>
+      ) : (
+        posts.map(post => (
+          <PostCard
+            key={post.id}
+            post={post}
+            onLike={handleLike}
+            onRepost={handleRepost}
+          />
+        ))
+      )}
+    </>
   );
 }
diff --git a/src/components/Icons.tsx b/src/components/Icons.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2e0ba44
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/Icons.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+import React from 'react';
+
+export const ShieldIcon = () => (
+    <svg width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
+        <path d="M12 22s8-4 8-10V5l-8-3-8 3v7c0 6 8 10 8 10z" />
+    </svg>
+);
+
+export const HomeIcon = () => (
+    <svg width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
+        <path d="M3 9l9-7 9 7v11a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2z" />
+        <polyline points="9 22 9 12 15 12 15 22" />
+    </svg>
+);
+
+export const SearchIcon = () => (
+    <svg width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
+        <circle cx="11" cy="11" r="8" />
+        <line x1="21" y1="21" x2="16.65" y2="16.65" />
+    </svg>
+);
+
+export const BellIcon = () => (
+    <svg width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
+        <path d="M18 8A6 6 0 0 0 6 8c0 7-3 9-3 9h18s-3-2-3-9" />
+        <path d="M13.73 21a2 2 0 0 1-3.46 0" />
+    </svg>
+);
+
+export const UserIcon = () => (
+    <svg width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
+        <path d="M20 21v-2a4 4 0 0 0-4-4H8a4 4 0 0 0-4 4v2" />
+        <circle cx="12" cy="7" r="4" />
+    </svg>
+);
+
+export const HeartIcon = ({ filled }: { filled?: boolean }) => (
+    <svg width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill={filled ? "currentColor" : "none"} stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
+        <path d="M20.84 4.61a5.5 5.5 0 0 0-7.78 0L12 5.67l-1.06-1.06a5.5 5.5 0 0 0-7.78 7.78l1.06 1.06L12 21.23l7.78-7.78 1.06-1.06a5.5 5.5 0 0 0 0-7.78z" />
+    </svg>
+);
+
+export const RepeatIcon = () => (
+    <svg width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
+        <polyline points="17 1 21 5 17 9" />
+        <path d="M3 11V9a4 4 0 0 1 4-4h14" />
+        <polyline points="7 23 3 19 7 15" />
+        <path d="M21 13v2a4 4 0 0 1-4 4H3" />
+    </svg>
+);
+
+export const MessageIcon = () => (
+    <svg width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
+        <path d="M21 11.5a8.38 8.38 0 0 1-.9 3.8 8.5 8.5 0 0 1-7.6 4.7 8.38 8.38 0 0 1-3.8-.9L3 21l1.9-5.7a8.38 8.38 0 0 1-.9-3.8 8.5 8.5 0 0 1 4.7-7.6 8.38 8.38 0 0 1 3.8-.9h.5a8.48 8.48 0 0 1 8 8v.5z" />
+    </svg>
+);
+
+export const FlagIcon = () => (
+    <svg width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
+        <path d="M5 5v16" />
+        <path d="M5 5h11l-1 4 1 4H5" />
+    </svg>
+);
+
+export const TrendingIcon = () => (
+    <svg width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
+        <polyline points="22 7 13.5 15.5 8.5 10.5 2 17" />
+        <polyline points="16 7 22 7 22 13" />
+    </svg>
+);
+
+export const UsersIcon = () => (
+    <svg width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
+        <path d="M17 21v-2a4 4 0 0 0-4-4H5a4 4 0 0 0-4 4v2" />
+        <circle cx="9" cy="7" r="4" />
+        <path d="M23 21v-2a4 4 0 0 0-3-3.87" />
+        <path d="M16 3.13a4 4 0 0 1 0 7.75" />
+    </svg>
+);
+
+export const SynapsisLogo = () => (
+    <svg width="32" height="32" viewBox="0 0 32 32" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
+        <circle cx="16" cy="16" r="16" fill="var(--foreground)" />
+        <path d="M16 6C10.477 6 6 10.477 6 16C6 21.523 10.477 26 16 26C21.523 26 26 21.523 26 16C26 10.477 21.523 6 16 6ZM16 24C11.5817 24 8 20.4183 8 16C8 11.5817 11.5817 8 16 8C20.4183 8 24 11.5817 24 16C24 20.4183 20.4183 24 16 24Z" fill="var(--background)" />
+        <path d="M16 12C13.7909 12 12 13.7909 12 16C12 18.2091 13.7909 20 16 20C18.2091 20 20 18.2091 20 16C20 13.7909 18.2091 12 16 12Z" fill="var(--background)" />
+    </svg>
+);
+
+export const ArrowLeftIcon = () => (
+    <svg width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
+        <line x1="19" y1="12" x2="5" y2="12" />
+        <polyline points="12 19 5 12 12 5" />
+    </svg>
+);
+
+export const CalendarIcon = () => (
+    <svg width="16" height="16" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
+        <rect x="3" y="4" width="18" height="18" rx="2" ry="2" />
+        <line x1="16" y1="2" x2="16" y2="6" />
+        <line x1="8" y1="2" x2="8" y2="6" />
+        <line x1="3" y1="10" x2="21" y2="10" />
+    </svg>
+);
diff --git a/src/components/LayoutWrapper.tsx b/src/components/LayoutWrapper.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bdbeebe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/LayoutWrapper.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+'use client';
+
+import { usePathname } from 'next/navigation';
+import { Sidebar } from './Sidebar';
+import { RightSidebar } from './RightSidebar';
+
+export function LayoutWrapper({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
+    const pathname = usePathname();
+
+    // Paths that should NOT have the app layout
+    const isStandalone =
+        pathname === '/login' ||
+        pathname === '/register' ||
+        pathname?.startsWith('/install') ||
+        pathname?.startsWith('/admin');
+
+    if (isStandalone) {
+        return <>{children}</>;
+    }
+
+    return (
+        <div className="layout">
+            <Sidebar />
+            <main className="main">
+                {children}
+            </main>
+            <RightSidebar />
+        </div>
+    );
+}
diff --git a/src/components/RightSidebar.tsx b/src/components/RightSidebar.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ac4055d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/RightSidebar.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,82 @@
+'use client';
+
+import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
+
+export function RightSidebar() {
+    const [nodeInfo, setNodeInfo] = useState({
+        name: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_NODE_NAME || 'Synapsis Node',
+        description: 'A federated social network designed as global communication infrastructure. Signal over noise. Identity that is truly yours.',
+        longDescription: '',
+        rules: '',
+        bannerUrl: '',
+    });
+
+    useEffect(() => {
+        fetch('/api/node')
+            .then(res => res.json())
+            .then(data => {
+                if (data.name) {
+                    setNodeInfo(prev => ({ ...prev, ...data }));
+                }
+            })
+            .catch(() => { });
+    }, []);
+
+    return (
+        <aside className="aside">
+            <div className="card" style={{ position: 'relative', overflow: 'hidden', padding: 0 }}>
+                {nodeInfo.bannerUrl && (
+                    <>
+                        <div style={{
+                            position: 'absolute', inset: 0,
+                            background: `url(${nodeInfo.bannerUrl}) center/cover no-repeat`,
+                            opacity: 0.6
+                        }} />
+                        <div style={{
+                            position: 'absolute', inset: 0,
+                            background: 'linear-gradient(to bottom, transparent 0%, var(--background-secondary) 90%)'
+                        }} />
+                    </>
+                )}
+
+                <div style={{ position: 'relative', zIndex: 1, padding: '16px' }}>
+                    <h3 style={{ fontWeight: 600, marginBottom: '12px' }}>Welcome to {nodeInfo.name}</h3>
+                    <p style={{ color: 'var(--foreground-secondary)', fontSize: '14px', lineHeight: 1.6 }}>
+                        {nodeInfo.description}
+                    </p>
+
+                    {nodeInfo.longDescription && (
+                        <div style={{ marginTop: '16px', fontSize: '13px', color: 'var(--foreground-secondary)', lineHeight: 1.5 }}>
+                            {nodeInfo.longDescription.split('\n').map((line, i) => (
+                                <p key={i} style={{ marginBottom: '8px' }}>{line}</p>
+                            ))}
+                        </div>
+                    )}
+
+                    {nodeInfo.rules && (
+                        <div style={{ marginTop: '16px', paddingTop: '16px', borderTop: '1px solid var(--border-hover)' }}>
+                            <h4 style={{ fontSize: '11px', fontWeight: 700, textTransform: 'uppercase', color: 'var(--foreground-tertiary)', marginBottom: '8px', letterSpacing: '0.05em' }}>
+                                Node Rules
+                            </h4>
+                            <div style={{ color: 'var(--foreground-secondary)', fontSize: '13px', lineHeight: 1.5 }}>
+                                {nodeInfo.rules.split('\n').map((rule, i) => (
+                                    <div key={i} style={{ marginBottom: '4px', display: 'flex', gap: '8px' }}>
+                                        <span>•</span>
+                                        <span>{rule}</span>
+                                    </div>
+                                ))}
+                            </div>
+                        </div>
+                    )}
+                </div>
+            </div>
+
+            <div className="card" style={{ marginTop: '16px' }}>
+                <h3 style={{ fontWeight: 600, marginBottom: '12px' }}>Network Info</h3>
+                <p style={{ color: 'var(--foreground-secondary)', fontSize: '13px' }}>
+                    Running Synapsis v0.1.0
+                </p>
+            </div>
+        </aside>
+    );
+}
diff --git a/src/components/Sidebar.tsx b/src/components/Sidebar.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1233a63
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/Sidebar.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+'use client';
+
+import Link from 'next/link';
+import { usePathname } from 'next/navigation';
+import { useAuth } from '@/lib/contexts/AuthContext';
+import { HomeIcon, SearchIcon, BellIcon, UserIcon, ShieldIcon, SynapsisLogo } from './Icons';
+
+export function Sidebar() {
+    const { user, isAdmin } = useAuth();
+    const pathname = usePathname();
+
+    // Home is exact match
+    const isHome = pathname === '/';
+
+    return (
+        <aside className="sidebar">
+            <Link href="/" className="logo">
+                <SynapsisLogo />
+                <span>Synapsis</span>
+            </Link>
+            <nav>
+                <Link href="/" className={`nav-item ${isHome ? 'active' : ''}`}>
+                    <HomeIcon />
+                    <span>Home</span>
+                </Link>
+                <Link href="/explore" className={`nav-item ${pathname?.startsWith('/explore') ? 'active' : ''}`}>
+                    <SearchIcon />
+                    <span>Explore</span>
+                </Link>
+                <Link href="/notifications" className={`nav-item ${pathname?.startsWith('/notifications') ? 'active' : ''}`}>
+                    <BellIcon />
+                    <span>Notifications</span>
+                </Link>
+                {user ? (
+                    <Link href={`/${user.handle}`} className={`nav-item ${pathname === '/' + user.handle ? 'active' : ''}`}>
+                        <UserIcon />
+                        <span>Profile</span>
+                    </Link>
+                ) : (
+                    <Link href="/login" className={`nav-item ${pathname === '/login' ? 'active' : ''}`}>
+                        <UserIcon />
+                        <span>Login</span>
+                    </Link>
+                )}
+                {isAdmin && (
+                    <Link href="/admin" className={`nav-item ${pathname?.startsWith('/admin') ? 'active' : ''}`}>
+                        <ShieldIcon />
+                        <span>Admin</span>
+                    </Link>
+                )}
+            </nav>
+            {user && (
+                <div style={{ marginTop: 'auto', paddingTop: '16px' }}>
+                    <div style={{ display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', gap: '12px' }}>
+                        <div className="avatar avatar-sm">
+                            {user.avatarUrl ? (
+                                <img src={user.avatarUrl} alt={user.displayName} style={{ width: '100%', height: '100%', objectFit: 'cover' }} />
+                            ) : (
+                                (user.displayName?.charAt(0) || user.handle.charAt(0)).toUpperCase()
+                            )}
+                        </div>
+                        <div>
+                            <div style={{ fontWeight: 600, fontSize: '14px' }}>{user.displayName}</div>
+                            <div style={{ color: 'var(--foreground-tertiary)', fontSize: '13px' }}>@{user.handle}</div>
+                        </div>
+                    </div>
+                </div>
+            )}
+        </aside>
+    );
+}
diff --git a/src/db/schema.ts b/src/db/schema.ts
index 6d3e6f4..a5115ae 100644
--- a/src/db/schema.ts
+++ b/src/db/schema.ts
@@ -10,6 +10,9 @@ export const nodes = pgTable('nodes', {
   domain: text('domain').notNull().unique(),
   name: text('name').notNull(),
   description: text('description'),
+  longDescription: text('long_description'),
+  rules: text('rules'),
+  bannerUrl: text('banner_url'),
   accentColor: text('accent_color').default('#FFFFFF'),
   publicKey: text('public_key'),
   createdAt: timestamp('created_at').defaultNow().notNull(),
diff --git a/src/lib/contexts/AuthContext.tsx b/src/lib/contexts/AuthContext.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1866a15
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/contexts/AuthContext.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+'use client';
+
+import { createContext, useContext, useEffect, useState } from 'react';
+
+export interface User {
+    id: string;
+    handle: string;
+    displayName: string;
+    avatarUrl?: string;
+}
+
+interface AuthContextType {
+    user: User | null;
+    isAdmin: boolean;
+    loading: boolean;
+    checkAdmin: () => Promise<void>;
+}
+
+const AuthContext = createContext<AuthContextType>({
+    user: null,
+    isAdmin: false,
+    loading: true,
+    checkAdmin: async () => { },
+});
+
+export function AuthProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
+    const [user, setUser] = useState<User | null>(null);
+    const [isAdmin, setIsAdmin] = useState(false);
+    const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);
+
+    const checkAdmin = async () => {
+        try {
+            const res = await fetch('/api/admin/me');
+            const data = await res.json();
+            setIsAdmin(!!data.isAdmin);
+        } catch {
+            setIsAdmin(false);
+        }
+    };
+
+    useEffect(() => {
+        const loadAuth = async () => {
+            setLoading(true);
+            try {
+                const res = await fetch('/api/auth/me');
+                if (res.ok) {
+                    const data = await res.json();
+                    setUser(data.user);
+                    if (data.user) {
+                        await checkAdmin();
+                    }
+                } else {
+                    setUser(null);
+                }
+            } catch {
+                setUser(null);
+            } finally {
+                setLoading(false);
+            }
+        };
+
+        loadAuth();
+    }, []);
+
+    return (
+        <AuthContext.Provider value={{ user, isAdmin, loading, checkAdmin }}>
+            {children}
+        </AuthContext.Provider>
+    );
+}
+
+export const useAuth = () => useContext(AuthContext);