Bottom Section Styling Issue

I have opted to show the bottom section for for the LISTINGS pages and SEARCH pages.

there is absolutely no styling options for the bottom section and it looks as if WIDGETS are not styled for this section when used there.

Is there a reason for this?
Is it possible to create styling options for this?
If I can do it myself, what PHP & CSS file would I access to accomplish this?

I want to place recent articles (blog posts) in the bottom section of the LISTING and SEARCH pages.
I need the section to be the same width as the main area as well as having the background be seamless and the same background color as the main section.

In addition, I want to be able to display 3-5 (featured/newest) articles by category that can show:
1. the featured Image (to the left)
2. The Title (Styled)
3. The Snippet/Excerpt (with read more link)