After a few weeks away filming Candice Tells All, I’m back. I was so glad to return to the panel for such a fun challenge this week. I loved the look of surprise (and nausea!) when Tanika told the remaining three designers this week’s task was to design an entire home. OK, so the homes were less than 100 square feet in size, but the smaller the home the bigger the challenge and the more creative the designers have to be. We’re talking minimal square feet in which to design and create a stylish bathroom, kitchen, sleeping and living space. Putting things into perspective, my size 11 feet take up about 10 square feet alone, so just fitting Vern, Gwen and myself inside each tiny house” for evaluation was tight and tricky to say the least (“Great cologne, Vern.”).

Throw in not one but two camera challenges and yowza — this is a doozy of a challenge. Here’s how it went down.

As usual, Meg came roaring out of the starting gate with her infectious energy. Her “vintage Palm Beach” style was in all its glory with her bold green and yellow palette. Creating a foyer with the bathroom and closet in the entry was a brilliant use of space, and the floating bench worked wonders as a functional sitting (with storage under) area that kept the space feeling open and airy. I wasn’t, however, as much of a fan of her palette as my panel peers. “Meg’s green” was everywhere — in such an eclectic and personality-driven room, it bordered on monotony and predictability.

The Judges Tour Meg's Tiny House

However, the camera challenges were spot on. I’m glad to see that from week one all the way to week nine our little firecracker Meg kept true to herself and continued to let her personality shine in each and every challenge. She is funny, dynamic and, most of all, very real, and truly deserves to be in the finals.

Meg Poses in Her Tiny House

Karl is in it to win it. Other than the high contrasting colors that made a small space seem even smaller, I couldn’t find a whole lot wrong with his tiny house. His brilliant architectural eye has been his secret weapon in challenge after challenge, and out of all the designers, it’s obvious that he gives complete thought to what the assignment is as a whole.

The Judges Review Karl's Space

From broad concept right down to the final details, Karl is a smart, talented designer who truly deserves to be in the finals. His passion for what he does is infectious and comes across in front of the camera, where he now appears to be completely at ease. He’s a triple threat in this competition — knowledgeable, passionate, likeable, and the perfect opponent for Meg.

Karl in His Finished Space

Oh, Mark. That gorgeous Chiclets smile couldn’t get you through to the finals, and I have one word that did you in: belts. You’ve made a huge name for yourself in this competition with your amazing art installations, but this time, well, let’s just say you were caught with your pants down and we all know why. I would love to give you points for being inventive (or just being you) but this time I really can’t. The argyle pattern on the walls literally made me dizzy when I walked through the space. The home really felt disjointed — other than a cohesive color palette, and your usual smart styling, I was just left wanting more. I’m sad to see you go, but kudos to you for creating some of the most interesting and dynamic elements in this competition. You have a future ahead of you that’s as bright as your smile.

Goodbye, Mark

I also have to say that on my show every day is Hug Your Carpenter Day. Hotty-hot-hot carpenters Chip, Marc (with his GQ haircut) and spicy tamale Carmen also added a lot of fun to this episode. Cheers to you all for a job well done.

I can’t believe we’re down to the finale! My, how time flies when you’re having fun.

What did you think of the tiny house challenge? What questions do you have about episode nine?  Tell us what you’re wondering about in the comments below — the Design Star producer will answer your  most-asked questions on Wednesday.

Candice Olson is a featured blogger for HGTVersus.