Is there a way to put a search field in an object that allows you to search the text index fields? Example: Instead of configuring a complex and messy looking search component above a view you could have one search box that searchs any text indexed fields in that object, it could work just like the one on the top of the screen but without all of the objects in a drop down next to it - have the search field ONLY search the object you are in. Much cleaner and more simple than the search components.
You can use "Detailed Search" component with only one field "Keywords" - that would do exactly what you're describing.