Larissa Hill Designs

Words For The Week!!!

2013-04-29T12:17:00.000-04:00

Have you found yours yet???

Heather

Words For The Week!!!

2013-04-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

Come on, dream big!!!

Heather

Words For The Week!!!

2013-04-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

Be courageous!!!

Heather

Words For The Week!!!

2013-04-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

Make your week the best it can be!!!

Heather

Words For The Week!!!

2013-04-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

What makes you happy???

Heather

Words For The Week!!!

2013-03-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

I am starting a new feature today which I have entitled, "Words For The Week". I hope they inspire you and bring a smile to your face!!!

Wishing you a day filled with much happiness!!!

Heather

Leopard LOVE!!!

2013-03-20T10:29:00.000-04:00

If you've been a follower of mine for any length of time, you know that I LOVE any and all Animal Prints. It all started with my mother, who always had an animal print of some sort in our home. My most vivid memory is our leopard print pillows on our long white silk sofa in our living room when I was a little girl. Those pillows still adorn her living room sofa and I still LOVE them!!!

So today I had to share with you an AMAZING makeover by Jenny of her fabulous Craigslist find, Eames Management Chairs in Scalamandre Leopardo Velvet.

Little Green Notebook

Now, this story is not so much about a fabulous DIY but about her great deal on a pair of Eames Soft Pad chairs from the Management line, the deal she scored on 4 yards of Scalamandre Leopardo Silk Velvet on Ebay and the difficult but fabulous upholstery job completed by a professional.

I've also found a new favorite quote, "good animal print is a neutral". Thank you, Jenny of Little Green Notebook!!!

Let me know what you think....

Heather

French Willow DIY!!!

2013-03-08T10:09:00.000-05:00

As I continue on my quest to update our daughters' bathroom, I was looking for ideas on how to update a wicker and metal tower of baskets. This small piece of furniture has served its purpose over time and I wanted to keep it because it is just the right size for the space.

My first thought was to spray paint it and then it dawned on me while perusing Pinterest to create a Grey Wash finish. So, I set out to find the easiest DIY to achieve this 'french willow' look.

Debbie of Confessions Of A Plate Addict shared her instructions for achieving the desired grey washed look in her post, DIY Grey Willow French Laundry Basket and I love it. However, I did not have any Rustoleum Camouflage spray paint on hand and I was anxious to get this project started so I needed to find another tutorial or create one of my own which I ultimately did and share below.

My first step was to apply a mix of ASCP Paris Grey color and I used a Behr color substitute, Sparrow. I combined 1/2 Behr Sparrow paint with 1/2 water to create a wash.

Using a foam brush, I generously painted the wicker leaving some of the original wicker color exposed.

My next step was to bring in a beige color. I chose to incorporate a Behr color substitute, Pecan Sandie for ASCP Old Ochre paint color.

I applied it as a wash of 1/3 paint and 2/3 water as shown below.

I then topped it off with a final coat of Krylon Satin Finish to provide a protective coating.

Finally, I completed my newly refinished 'willow wicker' tower with hand painted tags. I did my best to achieve an iron finish to match the iron on the tower. I first painted the oval discs with a graphite paint and then applied a coat of Min Wax Classic Gray Stain. I let it sit for approximately 5 minutes and then wiped it off.

I then traced the perfect "No.s" for the tags utilizing a 'Jelllyka Delicious Cake' font and then copied over them with my Metallic Silver Sharpie pen.

I finally attached the 'No.' tags with the ever trusty E-6000 Craft Adhesive and voila....

Let me know what you think....

Heather

I'm partying here today....

2013-03-07T14:13:00.004-05:00

What are you up to today???

Heather

Happy Monday!!!

2013-03-04T10:30:00.001-05:00

Have a Great Monday!!!

Heather

It's Friday!!!

2013-03-01T09:31:00.001-05:00

Enjoy your weekend!!!

Heather

American Made Chalk Board Paint!!!

2013-02-27T11:34:00.000-05:00

Many of us have used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in the past. Some of us have created our own.

And now, there's an American Made brand on the market,
Hudson Paint!!! Founded by New York based decorative painter and color consultant, Arno Cornillion. Hudson Paint has been featured in Oprah Magazine, House Beautiful and This Old House.

"Hudson Paint 100% acrylic color chalkboard is a beautiful,washable finish for creating erasable color panels. Lowodor and easy application over wallboard, wood, plaster, masonite, MDF (Medium density fiberboard), primed metal, and wood."

And don't you just love the whimsical, colorful packaging!!!

Hudson Paint

Their color palette includes 30 vibrant and often surprising selections which reflect Anro's decorative painting experiences.

Hudson Paint has 3 additional specialty paints including Floor Paint, Door Paint and Lime Paint.

See what inspires Anro and company on their inspiration page. You can find this fabulous paint company on Facebook at Hudson Paint and at numerous retailers across the country, in Canada and online. Better yet, they offer a smaller 8oz size @ $9.99, plus quart size @ $24.99 and gallon size @ $74.99. I love the variety of sizes and the pricing too!!!

It's always good to buy American Made!!!

Let me know what you think....

Heather

It's Friday!!!

2013-02-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Have a great weekend.....

Heather

Happy Valentines Day!!!

2013-02-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Guess where I am today.....getting ready for a big night out on the town!!!

Wishing you a very Happy Valentines Day,

Heather

MIA Again!!!

2013-02-12T22:35:00.000-05:00

I've been busy working on soooo many projects and I've not taken the time to write about any of them. Isn't that what blogging is all about????

So, I thought I'd give you a little hint of what's to come on Larissa Hill Designs....

From bathroom cabinet makeovers to kitchen cabinet makeovers

to revitalizing Art de Mexico sconces

to mixing my own Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

to painting my dining room chairs

to refinishing and restyling a leather chair

to updating Thrift Store finds

to repainting my Dining Room Sideboard

to refinishing Craigslist finds

to more "Painting For Charity"

to sewing slipcovers and window treatments, upholstering furniture and then some....

I hope you stay tuned for all of it!!!

Let me know what you think....

Heather

Chrome To Brushed Nickel!!!

2013-01-24T10:00:00.001-05:00

I've been working feverishly at completing our daughters' bathroom. I've refinished the cabinets, replaced lighting, painted walls, sewn curtains and changed out the shower curtain and rod but the cabinet hardware just wasn't working for me. I purchased this chrome hardware a couple of years ago and still really like the style and size but not the shiny finish.

So, I set out to find the best way to change the finish. The only option I found online was to use Fine Steel Wool but I didn't have much success.

I figured I had nothing to lose and took out my Extra Fine sanding block and started sanding. With a little bit of grit and grind, I'm thrilled with the outcome. Voila!!!

Let me know what you think.....

Heather

larissa's look for less

2013-01-11T05:00:00.000-05:00

The LOOK

Restoration Hardware's French Library Shelving is a reproduction of the mid-Eastern library bookcase. It is a perfect combination of aged iron and distressed natural hardwood and is priced @ $1695 - $1995.

Restoration Hardware

For LESS

Home Decorators' Industrial Mansard Double Bookshelf provides useful and stylish storage @ $467 with Free Shipping.

Home Decorators

Let me know what you think....

Heather

Power Of Paint!!!

2013-01-09T09:06:00.001-05:00

A big thank you goes out to Maryann @ Power Of Paint for featuring my Thomas The Tank which is a part of my Painting For Charity series!!!

Larissa Hill Designs

Head on over to Power Of Paint to see all of the fabulous paint projects that Maryann features on a daily basis. Better yet, submit yours and be featured!!!

Let me know what you think....

Heather

larissa's look for less

2013-01-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

The LOOK

Restoration Hardware's Brickmaker's Table provides European cache @ $995...

Brickmaker's Table

For LESS

Home Decorators' Holbrook Table adds the same rustic charm @ $379

Holbrook Coffee Table

Let me know what you think....

Heather

Multitasking!!!!

2013-01-04T11:22:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to let you all know that I'm back multitasking and not getting many projects completed and that includes writing about projects I've actually finished.....does any of this sound familiar????

I promise that over the next couple of weeks, I'll have some projects to share with you. Until then, please enjoy Larissa's Looks For Less and a few Blog Crushes!!!

Heather

Larissa's Look for Less

2013-01-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

When I first began blogging, I thought it would be 'worth'while to share affordable options for designer looks, furniture and decor in High Style Low Budget.

Well, I don't know about you but there is nothing I love more than a million dollar look on a dime store budget. So when I find a great deal on a designer look, I'll be sharing it with you.

And here is my first....

Restoration Hardware's 17th Century Monastery Rectangular Dining Table in Brown Acacia finish features balustrade and trestle design is priced at $1195.

The LOOK

Restoration Hardware

Similar in design and size and at less than half the cost, $495 with an additional 25% OFF and free shipping, you can't beat the look of Home Decorators Collection Lauren Dining Table.

For LESS

Home Decorators' Collection

Let me know what you think...

Heather

Welcome 2013!!!

2013-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Momastery

Heather

My Top 12 of 2012

2012-12-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

January started out providing 5 of my top 12.

Craigslist Cane Chairs

Larissa Hill Designs

Auction Console Table Spray Paint Makeover

Larissa Hill Designs

Wedding Garter For Laura

Larissa Hill Designs

Painting for Charity - Lady Bug Chair

Larissa Hill Designs

Candlestick Makeover

Larissa Hill Designs

February brought favorite #6!

Faux Sew Pillows

Larissa Hill Designs

I completely fell off the map through July while focusing on Boobapalooza!!!

In July, I started Painting For Charity once again, #7.

Thomas The Tank

Larissa Hill Designs

I was back creating garters with love for my niece, Natalie. I also designed a wedding card box and a wedding keepsake album for my sister-in-law, #8, #9 & #10.

Here Comes The Bride

Larissa Hill Designs

In November, I reinvented an old family heirloom, #11.

Lions & Tigers & Bears, Oh MY

And then followed it up with a handmade Military Wreath, #12!

Camouflage Military Wreath

I'm looking forward to sharing more repurposing, refinishing and recycling with you in 2013!!!

Let me know what you think....

Heather

2012 Year In Review

2012-12-30T17:09:00.000-05:00

As I look back on this past year, I think the best place to start is my

2012 Resolution List.

Complete the projects that I start! Well, I managed to complete some of them but to be honest with you, I'm seriously ADD and multi-tasking is a part of my being. Needless to say, I did not get all of my projects finished but I did manage to complete some of them. And, you can find them at Completed Projects.
My second goal was to redesign my blog! Once again, I managed to achieve this goal and given that I'm technologically challenged, I feel pretty good about adding borders, redesigning my header and introducing a blog signature. WOOHOO!!!
3rd on my list of resolutions was to start a LINKY party and I did it!!! I feel particularly good about hosting Season's Eatings however silly it may seem to seasoned bloggers. A special thank you goes out to the bloggers who participated.
#4 on my list was to take an Art class. It didn't happen!!!
And finally, my most aggressive goal was to run a 5K. I still can't believe I put this on my list. Well, I tried my best but these old hips just aren't meant for running!!!

And so it goes, 3 out of 5 ain't bad and I think I can almost say 4 since I tried to run.

This year, I've decided that my one and only resolution is to do my BEST in life, in love and in DIYing!!!

Have you set any goals or made any resolutions for 2013? I'd love to hear them!

Heather

Merry ChristmasTime!!!

2012-12-20T05:00:00.000-05:00

Last year at this time, I shared a photo of our family table in my post Our Christmas. In my tablescape, I included treasured photos of loved ones who have passed away, as a remembrance of their love and presence in our lives.

These photos included a picture of my mother and father (deceased), my in-laws, paternal and maternal grandparents and photos of our closet family friends. These pictures brought much joy to our holiday gathering and we delighted in sharing stories about our loved ones.

This year especially, please hold your family and friends close. Too many families will have an empty seat at their table this Christmas. Remember those who have gone before us and celebrate their lives as you share in your Christmas dinner.

artistsandart.org

Merry Christmas!!!

Heather