We used to have two paintings hanging in the space you see above. The problem is, opposite that wall is our fireplace. When we added two large prints on either side of it, suddenly our room felt matchy-matchy. The watercolor I have hanging over our loveseat now is too small — and I overcompensated by adding too much matting — but the picture itself (and the fact that there’s just one) still makes me happy. While trying to find a watercolor I like in a better scale, I realized that I needed a better idea of what size to hunt for. An article on The Nest has some great and simple tips on finding the right size art for your wall — you simply measure the wall space and multiply by .57. I did that for our space and — gulp — now I know that what I need is a watercolor that measures about 20” by 14”. Which leads to a whole other math problem. Budgeting. — Sarah L.

Related: the art of the wall gallery

When I was asked to represent Shelterrific in judging the recent Chicago’s Ugly Bathroom contest, I jumped at the chance! After all, I consider myself an expert in the field since my first apartment (a one-windowed shoebox on Boston’s south shore) contained a bathroom with horrific Barbie-neon pink shower tiles, sink, and toilet. The contest was sponsored by The Tile Shop with the grand prize of a $50,000 bathroom makeover. There were hundreds of entries, and it was incredibly stiff competition: zebra-striped mirrors, shag carpeting, cigarette-burned linoleum, and outdoor light fixtures (yes, in a bathroom).

After much heated debate with my fellow judges (Chicago Home + Garden’s Jan Parr, a couple of WGN staffers, and some Tile Shop representatives) the grand prize was eventually awarded to first-time homeowners Matthew and Suzanne Witt of Evergreen Park, Ill. Matt secretly entered the contest to surprise his pregnant wife, who was forced to endure grimy pink linoleum, falling down yellow plastic tiles, and horror movie-worthy fluorescent lights. After the jump, take a look at the second- and third-place winners. I guarantee they will make your bathroom seem like a spa. — Katie D. (more…)

I know — that it sounds crazy, right? Gorgeous vinyl flooring? Seems unlikely, but I’m afraid it may be true. Actually, not afraid, delighted! Vinyl sheet flooring is just about the most affordable flooring option out there (on a less lovely note, the previous owner of our home thought it’d make great shower tile, too) and these designs from Earthscapes add the element of beauty, something we frugal homeowners can appreciate! And at prices as low as $2.38/sq.ft, we can afford to replace our existing atrocious vinyl floors now, while we save up for a higher-end material later. Professional flooring forums have given the product and its 20-year warranty generally favorable reviews, but read them all anyway if you’re interested in installing these floors yourself. Find the designs shown and many more at Carpet One. — Megan B.