Q: I've searched the other ugly tile posts. Please don't tell me to keep it! It's really not our style and, frankly, gives my husband a headache (although our 4 year old daughter is thrilled)! Not much to explain. The only major thing not obvious from the pics is that the bathroom is actually two rooms — one with the toilet and one with the sink and tub. The toilet room is a bit claustrophobic with the door closed. The tile in both rooms is purple and black, and hideous. It's a rental, but we have a bit of leeway to fix the apartment. We are willing to spend a little, but not too much — maybe a few hundred. Help! (And thanks.)

What can you learn in 6 seconds? How to make coffee? Maybe how to lay down tile? Some industrious types have worked within the 6 seconds video limitations of the Vine app to create extremely concise, yet informative short format how-to videos...

This week on Renovation Diary: Seth and Allison share what they learned, and Andi shares her gorgeous new kitchen. 

• Seth & Allison's Kitchen: Real-life Lessons from a Real-life Renovation
• Andi's Kitchen Renovation: The Big Reveal

Subway tile is huge for kitchens right now. And for good reason — it looks good in traditional or modern kitchens, with light grout or dark grout. It looks pretty. It looks clean. If you love the look of subway tile but are searching for something just a little different, check out these alternatives from Coverings 2013, the international show that's all about tile. 

If your home is small (under 1000 square feet) and cool (of course it is!) then you know what to do. We invite you to inspire us - and impress our new-for-2013 judges panel - with photos of your compact home along with your real-life tips for living well in stylish small spaces. 

Name: Andi Forker
Type of Project: Kitchen Renovation — full gut remodel
Location: San Francisco, California
Type of building: 1890's Victorian condo

This is the second of our reports from Coverings 2013, the show featuring tile and stone from all over the world. Previously, we shared our favorite picks for new tiles with interesting patterns. This installment is all about texture — tiles you just wanna touch. 

Q: We recently got some new neighbors — a couple with five kids.  They sure love their family time in their backyard. That's fine with us except that when they are outside, they can see right into our house. Unfortunately, the city has restrictions on fence height — no higher than 6 feet. 

Last week I had the opportunity to attend Coverings, the annual show featuring tile and stone from all over the world. I've separated my favorite tile finds into two groups — tiles with interesting patterns, and tiles with fascinating texture. First, the patterns: