We just did a little post-event digging through the entries that were included in The Kitchn's recent small kitchen contest and came up with a list of five kitchen design concepts that are definitely worth bookmarking (and stealing) for anyone considering tackling a design project sometime soon. They are smart, simple and thrifty - kudos to the entrants on their great ideas and gorgeous kitchens!

Shown above, left to right:

1. Think Vertical: By extending the shelving out over the island, the vertical space becomes useful AND functions as an architectural feature in Lucy's 110 square foot DC kitchen.

2. Consider Budget Beautifiers: Paint and pulls go a long way when doing a kitchen decor update on a budget. Alice's 111 square foot Las Vegas kitchen went from outdated and dark to light and bright, thanks in large part to a coat of paint and the addition of some fun, vintage style pulls.

3. Reuse and Recycle: Get creative when it comes to cabinetry. Megumi's 98 squre foot Brussels kitchen makes use of what looks to be older metal filing cabinets that roll in under the wooden counter. Tough, great looking and an excellent example of thinking outside the box.

4. Don't Fight History: Embrace the original era of your kitchen. By adding back in vintage appliances and a retro-style flooring choice, Matt's 105 square foot St. Paul kitchen celebrates the original style of (most likely excellent quality!) vintage cabinetry instead of fighting it.

5. Small Space? Big Pattern!: A bold wallpaper pattern choice packs a punch and makes a tiny space cheerful and substantial in Teresa's 65 square foot SF kitchen.

Visit The Kitchn's contest page for more inspiration.