In Your Space Clockwise from top right: The focal point of the living room, besides the view of the ocean, is the custom built wall unit and fireplace mantle. You get a feel of how elegant this home is upon entering the foyer. The kitchen cabinets were recently refinished in white, and granite counter tops and a tumbled marble backsplash were added. A beautiful cherry table is the centerpiece of the dining room. The highlight of the powder room is the vessel sink. There is a beautiful view of the ocean from the kitchen, dining room and living room of this condominium. This lovely oceanfront condominium in Long Branch is a home that many people would dream of owning. With views of the ocean from nearly every room, the couple who lives here gets to have the feeling of living at a beach resort all year long. Interior and event designer Anna Maria Mannarino of Mannarino Designs Inc., Holmdel, was brought in by the homeowners to renovate the condominium. The project was divided into two phases. The first, which is just being completed, was the main area of the home, consisting of the entrance foyer, living room, dining room, kitchen and hallway. The foyer offers visitors a warm welcome and sets the tone for the rest of the space. It features a decorative side table and chair, and beautiful wallpaper covered with images of aged architectural elements. The living room is the center of family living in this home. The room faces the ocean, and with its walls of windows and glass doors that open to a large balcony, you feel as if you are outdoors in the summer sun when sitting in this room. "The homeowners needed this room to serve several functions," Mannarino said. "They wanted a living room that would be a gathering place to entertain guests, as well as a comfortable place to hang out and watch television. The object was to create a space that would easily transform from cozy to sophisticated without losing the integrity of the room." Mannarino replaced a small gas wood burning stove with a grand gas fireplace and had a large custom built-in wall unit, with a beautiful mantle surround, made. In addition to the sofa and loveseat, an unusual coffee table/ottoman was added. This multi-functional piece comes apart into four wedge pieces, creating additional seating when needed. Currently, the mantle is dressed for the autumn season, but soon the wall above it will house a large plasma television. The dining room is home to a beautiful cherry table, with chairs upholstered in a cocoa ultrasuede. Other features are a crystal chandelier, which will soon be surrounded by a recessed dome, adding height and grandeur to this space; a unique sideboard with a marble top and pillars for legs; a rich tapestry of vibrant colors, and a lovely mirror on the wall. This room also offers a terrific view of the ocean through its wall of windows. The large kitchen is white, bright, and very inviting. This room also has a wall of windows that allows the sun to shine in — a great place to sit and enjoy your morning coffee. Part of this kitchen renovation included refinishing the cabinets in white, adding a desk unit and new appliances, and adding granite counter tops with a tumbled marble backsplash. Other features include an island with benches, and a white-washed kitchen table. The powder room, with its over-sized Venetian mirror, aqua marine glass vessel sink, and charming cherubs adorning the walls, is quite a conversation piece. Ceramic tile, chocolate-colored painted walls, and crown molding are used throughout the main living spaces of this home. Phase two of this project will include the renovation of the master bedroom suite, a guest bedroom, an office and a bathroom. Interior design by Anna Maria Mannarino of Mannarino Designs Inc., Holmdel Photos by Farrah Maffai