When I started this site almost six years ago, the idea was to help celebrate the kitchen as a place of nourishment, inspiration and joy. It was a spinoff of Apartment Therapy, so while I was a food writer and interested in the actual activity that takes place in the kitchen, we also decided to celebrate the room itself. The design, the functionality, all the questions and answers people have when they reach to make their kitchen the best room in the home – these elements are also important parts of the site.

One way we celebrate the more challenging spaces that people cook in is our Small Cool Kitchens Contest. And today I'm thrilled to announce the winner of this year's event. Read on for the big news!

We are still voting on the Small Cool Kitchens finalists (see the finalists here) but don't let that distract you from the fact that we already have a winner in the international category!

Chosen by popular vote, Jenn in Toronto swept away the competition with her smart, inexpensive, yet chic white kitchen. Read on for a little more about Jenn and her kitchen.

The International Winner
• Jenn's Smart and Cheap Toronto Kitchen

We have seen so many lovely, inspiring small kitchens over the last several weeks. It seemed impossible to choose among them! But the readers have spoken, and here are the four finalists in our Small Cool Kitchens contest — two kitchens from the Owned category, and two from the Rented.

You only have 18 hours to choose your favorite among these four. Which one do you like the best? Elizabeth's bold, inexpensive makeover? Jana and Peter's lovingly remodeled kitchen? Kathleen's serene rental kitchen? Or Jason's clever rental remodel on a budget? Come look through them all, and then vote!

• VOTE HERE FOR YOUR FAVORITE FINALIST

The Finalists
• Elizabeth's Bold, Under-$500 Kitchen Makeover
• Jana & Peter's Labor of Love Remodeled Kitchen
• Kathleen's Serene Rental Kitchen with a View
• Jason's $250 Remodeled Rental Kitchen More

NAME: April
LOCATION: Washington D.C.
SIZE: 110 square feet
WHY MY SMALL KITCHEN IS COOL: Since we live in a rowhouse, it was important to keep it light and airy. The open shelving, with rotating objects and favorite pieces of art, goes a long way...

• LIKE THIS KITCHEN? See more photos of April's Light, Bright and White Kitchen & add it to your favorites

NAME: Brenna
LOCATION: Flat Rock, NC
SIZE: 43 square feet
WHY MY SMALL KITCHEN IS COOL: I love the cheerful efficiency of my small cottage kitchen. With the tiny footprint and open shelving, I can wash, stir, simmer, and put things away without moving from my place in front of the window.

• LIKE THIS KITCHEN? See more photos of Brenna's Cheerful, Efficient Cottage Kitchen & add it to your favorites

NAME: Erin
LOCATION: Gloucester, MA
SIZE: 72 square feet
WHY MY SMALL KITCHEN IS COOL: Our tiny kitchen is incredibly efficient and utilitarian but still feels airy and open.

• LIKE THIS KITCHEN? See more photos of Erin's Tiny Yet Airy Kitchen & add it to your favorites

NAME: Kathleen
LOCATION: Long Beach, CA
SIZE: 48 square feet
WHY MY SMALL KITCHEN IS COOL: It's bright and happy, and everything I need is within reach. It's also good for portion control because if I gain weight I will no longer be able to fit into my "one fanny" kitchen.

• LIKE THIS KITCHEN? See more photos of Kathleen's Super-Bright, Super-Happy Kitchen & add it to your favorites

NAME: Anisa
LOCATION: Madison, WI
SIZE: 103 square feet
WHY MY SMALL KITCHEN IS COOL: This may sound nutty, but it feels like this is the kitchen this house was always supposed to have. We tried hard not to over-modernize, but to instead stay true to the rest of the space. It's warm and welcoming and looks much bigger than it is.

• LIKE THIS KITCHEN? See more photos of Anisa's Warm, Welcoming Kitchen & add it to your favorites

NAME: Jenniffer
LOCATION: New York, NY
SIZE: 100 square feet
WHY MY SMALL KITCHEN IS COOL: What makes our kitchen so cool is that we were able to install all the luxuries we needed in our small space (one wall to be exact). For example, we were able to install a space maker dishwasher underneath the sink and also a 22 inch microwave (specifically made for RV's) over our 24 inch stove. We love the clean lines and simplicity of our kitchen while still looking very hip and modern.

• LIKE THIS KITCHEN? See more photos of Jenniffer's Small Yet Luxurious Kitchen & add it to your favorites

NAME: Grace
LOCATION: Charlotte, NC
SIZE: 110 square feet
WHY MY SMALL KITCHEN IS COOL: The new kitchen design is a balance of old and modern which better suits the age of the house (it was built in the 1920’s). Taking out the divider wall and replacing the tile floor with wood to match the dining area creates one big, open and inviting space.

• LIKE THIS KITCHEN? See more photos of Grace's Old Yet Modern Kitchen & add it to your favorites