Marianna Riley

Photo by MRS

I don’t know about y’all, but I’m already in weekend mode! I’m heading home to see mi familia for Easter. So I probably won’t be posting for a few days. Or maybe I will, you never know when the mood will strike! Safe travels & Happy Easter!! xx MRS

Here’s a peek into something I’ve been working on this week!

This room (Elle Decor) gives you a hint at our palette inspiration and the airy, feminine vibe we’re going for. However, we’re going to take pink down a notch and incorporate these funky lamps for a pop of color.

And then pull it together with some throw pillows in this amazing Kravet fabric.

Happy Wednesday! xx MRS

How sweet is this? So cute for a little baby bunny, especially since its been a bit chilly lately. Get it here!

I hate to waste food, and whenever I notice that a few stray bananas are on their last limb, I make banana bread. The thing is, I don’t really love banana bread. Until I tried these. The cupcake situation makes them way easier to handle, more fun to eat and a convenient little breakfast or snack.

These turned out so well that I ended up giving little baskets of them to friends. Sooo by the time I got around to photographing them, I only had the stragglers that I’m keeping for myself. The ones I gifted turned out beautifully- the key with that is to not fill the muffin cups to the top. Get the recipe here. I left out the icing because it just took them to the next level but feel free to give it a go- sounds delish! xx MRS

I got to go to Mexico for a few days for a friends wedding in Merida & it was so wonderful. I fell in love with the historic haciendas, quaint town and of course, the comida! The shopping is great- tons of little tiendas selling handmade guayabera shirts, hammocks and hand rolled cigars. Here are some of my favorite pics from the trip….

The beautiful bride!

xx MRS

I just ordered this chic, robins egg blue garden hose and had to share. Perfect for spring! Get it here.

Xx mrs

I’m always on the lookout for great lighting and Ro Sham Beaux is one of my favorite lines. They are whimsical but still classic in shape and well proportioned for the home or office.

xx

Sofas are a big ticket item, and I see a lot of anxiety arise around this piece of furniture! Everyone has specific needs when it comes to a sofa, and it’s important to find one that is comfortable, the right size annnndd the right look for your home. So…here are my tips when it comes to buying sofas.

One of favorite styles is the English Roll Arm. They are usually deep and super comfortable, but still have a tailored, stylish look. This is a cozy, homey sofa- perfect for a playroom or space you lounge in frequently!

Elle Decor.

Check out the English Roll Arm Collection at Restoration Hardware and the Williams-Sonoma Home Bedford Loveseat. I am also a fan of the Windsor collection sofas at Pottery Barn. There is a huge disparity when it comes to how sofas are built, and whats inside matters. If the construction is poor, not only will your sofa not last as long, it will be way less comfy! I’ve watched these puppies be made in factories and workshops and the methods and materials differ greatly.

Consider having a custom sofa made. This sounds expensive, and it certainly can be, but it can be roughly the same price as using a store annnnd you get exactly what you want. Go through your interior designer for resources.

Sofia Coppola & her English roll arm, House & Garden

Find (or inherit!) a good, old sofa with “good bones” and have it reupholstered. I love doing this. Just make sure that your sofa is worthy, and by that I mean that you need to make sure it’s a style you love and has good construction before you go to all the trouble to have it recovered. You can also have the pillows refilled which can make an enormous difference when it comes to look & comfort.

I always gravitate towards the Chesterfield. This is a timeless style, and they look great in velvet or linen.

Good luck out there! And don’t forget you can email me at marianna@bowmanandriley.com with questions, and I will do my best to answer them or reply right here on the blog! xx MRS

I’ve been swooning over these, and I know you will to. Meet Sharon Montrose…The talented photographer behind these amazing (and affordable) animal prints.

They’re perfect for big and little people…

Check out all of her prints and order at The Animal Print Shop! xx MRS