In the heart of Shark River Hills, designer Anna Maria Mannarino was tasked with breathing new life into an authentic—but timeworn—log cabin kitchen and dining space. Her vision: preserve the charm of the original structure while infusing it with light, modern functionality, and refined style.
Mannarino began by replacing the heavy wood cabinetry with a sophisticated two-tone gray palette—mid-gray painted perimeter cabinets paired with a deeper gray-stained island. Every cabinet and pantry now features easy-glide pull-outs and soft-close drawers, ensuring effortless daily use. Relocating the refrigerator to an adjacent wall created both symmetry and flow, opening sightlines and giving the kitchen a more expansive feel. This shift also allowed the range and hood to be perfectly centered, flanked by generous pot drawers for practical luxury.
The island was reimagined as a hardworking hub, complete with a microwave drawer, sink, dishwasher, trash and recycling pull-outs, utensil storage, spice pullouts, and tray cabinets. To unify the kitchen and dining area, wide-plank silver-gray flooring replaced the mix of wood and tile, creating cohesion and brightness throughout.
In the dining area, Mannarino added a custom built-in bar with ample storage, a beverage cooler, and a sleek smart TV that doubles as an arts display when idle. Natural quartz countertops and a striking slate sheet backsplash bring organic elegance, punctuated with whimsical mixed-metal butterfly hardware—a nod to the client’s personal style.
Layered lighting elevates the entire space, from gold-tone leaf-cutout pendants over the island to a brass-and-bronze chandelier above the dining table, complemented by under-cabinet and display lighting. Mixed metals continue across the hardware, featuring brass faucets, bronze organic knobs, crystal accents, and twig-inspired handles that echo the cabin’s natural surroundings.
The furnishings—an ombre gray sideboard, expandable dining table, and woven wood seating—pay homage to the nearby river and coastal landscape, grounding the modern updates in the home’s rustic roots.
The result is a bright, open, polished retreat that honors the cabin’s original character while offering the convenience, efficiency, and aesthetic sophistication of a fully modern space. A true transformation—and an undeniable win for the homeowners.
Designed by Anna Maria Mannarino
Holmdel, NJ
