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First, to explain what I'm talking about, here's how the default install of Safari 8 shows your favorites list when you click on the integrated URL/search bar.
Image credit: Apple
Considering that you were likely going to enter a URL or a search term, the abrupt display of favorites may not be visually desirable. For the first time user, it's a bit of a shock, perhaps a distraction, and, so far as I know, isn't duplicated in any other browser.
The popup of these favorites is dictated by a Safari 8 preference: Safari > Preferences > Search > “Show Favorites.” Here's what the preference looks like.
Deselect the checkbox if you do not want that grid of favorites popping up when you click in the URL bar. Eureka! Now your Safari window is all settled down with a more quiet visual space. It took me awhile to find that preference, but it was a nice find.
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