The latest article from Digital Web Magazine, Don't Forget to Architect the Home Page by David Wertheimer, is an interesting take on building your home page.
I've found, when I design a site, I start my initial designs on the interior (content) pages. I know people (and you know who you are) that design from the front page in. (bottom-up vs. top-down? Maybe, don't know if it applies with design).
My thought process in this approach is that the home page would somewhat take care of itself. It's needs would be clarified by the design and determinations of the content pages. Which is what he's saying.
The only problem (and it's not really a problem, but just a bigger challenge) is that designing that kick-ass home page is tougher in this manner I've found. I want that fancy call-out and cool, amazing look branded across the front page. And I've found it can be difficult doing it from the top down. Not impossible, but by letting the front page "sort itself out" by spending the time and effort on the interior, sometimes makes determinations for me. And maybe that just irratates me. Wait, I know that bugs me. I hate when things are dictated to me.
But anyways, it's a good article. Go read it.