What your asking for is here: Style Manager/edit templates/forum display templates/forumhome_forumbit_level1_nopost
Thats where I am editing mine. However it doesn't replace category topic image bar but just pushes it down. (Unless im coding this wrong)
Here is an example of what I am trying to recreate is
http://www.chefclub.net I have the spacing down and working on the login area but cant for the life of me get the rounded look to my categories. I have the same number of images and trying to duplicate code to work for me but still having no luck.
Surely someone knows how to do this on this site. Where ever you are please help...