Digs: Heather and Family

Take a step inside Heather and family's clever and creative world in West Orange, NJ. Christy Kurtz Harmon photographs the artfully curious and perfectly offbeat home.

The Toronto-bred visual artist and mother of two forges a home full of expression. Bright color trumpets the space with heaps of print and pattern-play. The children's artwork and family projects hobnob around pieces she has created, thrifted, or bartered for herself. There is a family warmth throughout the house- aglow in the front parlor and craft space, the retro and cozy kitchen, and the painted staircase (yet not without a dash of humor!) Find a bit of style turned on its ear ...scroll for the tour.

A pair of blush club chairs in the front parlor lounge area bookend an envious kid's craft station.

A funny little menagerie against the most darling wallpaper.

Lotus (4), and Heather conspire craft strategies.

Heather says of the house: "It's quirky and odd at times but is warm and welcome and fun and that about sums up what we were looking for."

Flash (7), displays quite the tablescape beneath the family disco light and mantle artistry.

Heather currently focuses on private custom commissions that usually involve animals, puffballs, or market zodiac animal totems. This family mask project is one of our favorites!

"The large oil painting and smaller encaustic ones in the family room were done by my neighbor Lisa Pressman. She's an incredible inspiration and talent."

Bookish. Richard McGuire's Here , Eames Retrospective.

"Being from Canada, most of our favorite furniture pieces came from estate sales or vintage shops here in NJ." Bearclaw painting by Heather. Thrifted screen prints.

This kitchen!!! "There is an authenticity here that comes from use and age and we are happy to honor that."

The kitchen was likely remodeled in the 50's or early 60's around the chambers stove. Pumpkin tiles, parquet-like wood floating ceiling, and wide windows to boot.

A tongue-in-cheek appeal.

Countertop giggles.

Blue steps! Vintage silhouette prints sourced on eBay (Heather found them a fitting and familiar nod to silhouettes she had also made of the kids from vintage wallpaper.)