Inside the Unconventional, Creative Home of Novelist Regina Sirois and Her Family

When creative minds share both a life and a workspace under one roof, the result is bound to be anything but ordinary. For novelist Regina Sirois and her husband, a visual special effects and computer animation artist, designing a home that could seamlessly accommodate two full-time creative careers alongside raising two young daughters required both patience and imagination. The inspiring details of their daily life, design philosophy, and artistic residence offer a unique glimpse into a household where family and art are inextricably bound.

A Search for Space and Inspiration

Finding a residence that could meet the unique demands of a dual-freelance household is no small task. For the Sirois family, the search required a property featuring a distinct, separate entrance and an adequate workspace for visual effects and computer animation, while simultaneously providing a warm, functional environment for a family with children aged four and nine.

The breakthrough came unexpectedly during a drive past a "For Sale By Owner" sign. Upon inspecting the property, Regina immediately recognized its potential, noting that it ticked every box for their professional and personal requirements. Beyond the practical layout—which included a three-car garage and a built-in shed for lawn care equipment that her husband was quick to point out—the home boasted a remarkable sunroom. Affectionately dubbed the "art room," this sunlit space allows their daughters to channel their creative energies freely without encroaching on the main household areas, ensuring that the kitchen table remains free from sudden artistic endeavors.

Mid-Century Modern Meets Natural Whimsy

Describing their aesthetic is a delightful exercise in balancing contrasting styles. Regina notes that their home does not fit neatly into a single category, though it leans heavily toward mid-century modern infused with an artistic and organic twist.

Unusually, both husband and wife share an equal investment in interior design. While her husband gravitates strictly toward clean, modern lines and harbors an aversion to anything overly ornate or country-inspired, Regina introduces elements of whimsy. Together, they aim for an atmosphere that marries industrial design with natural inspiration—a conceptual pairing Regina playfully describes as looking "like a New York loft married a beach cottage and had a baby."

Remarkably, the arrival of children did not prompt a retreat into child-proofing or a compromise on style. Glass tables and delicate surfaces remain intact simply through clear communication with their daughters rather than an overhaul of their preferred aesthetic. The only true concession to parenthood has been the expansion of their creative outlets, particularly when designing vibrant, limit-free bedrooms for their children.

A Commitment to Intentional Living and Budget-Conscious Design

At the core of the Sirois household philosophy is a strict aversion to clutter and mindless consumption. Regina emphasizes a minimalist mindset to her children, frequently reminding them that accumulating possessions can detract from appreciating what they already own. When new toys enter the picture, a corresponding item is often passed along to a friend. For Regina, a clear physical environment is essential for maintaining focus, productivity, and peace of mind.

This intentional approach extends directly to their financial and design choices. Rather than purchasing temporary furniture or "filler" pieces to immediately solve a decor dilemma, the family practices remarkable patience. They develop comprehensive master plans detailing exact colors, flooring, furniture, and accents, and refuse to buy anything outside of that vision. By utilizing platforms like Craigslist and keeping a sharp eye on clearance sales, they have sourced nearly all of their furnishings over years of patient waiting, freeing up financial resources for future priorities like higher education.

Balancing Work, Family, and Everyday Chaos

Working from home as a novelist while her husband operates his animation studio from a soundproofed basement presents a dynamic of constant proximity balanced by mutual respect. Regina’s desk is strategically positioned just off the kitchen—the beating heart of the home—allowing her to remain accessible to her family while carving out focused writing time when the children are at school or engaged in other activities.

The foundational rule of their professional arrangement is simple: mutual respect and prioritizing family above all else. Neither interrupts the other during the workday unless absolute necessity dictates, yet both are ready to drop their work instantly if their daughters require attention.

Despite the professional demands, the family finds immense joy in their shared daily rhythms. Evenings often involve reading stories in their nine-year-old’s boat-themed bedroom or gathering in the sunroom with the windows wide open to catch the evening breeze. A favorite family ritual involves climbing out onto the roof of the sunroom after the window screens have been removed, sitting together to watch the sun go down.

Reflections on Motherhood and the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award

For Regina, the true treasures of daily life extend far beyond interior design and professional milestones. She speaks with profound fondness for the simple joys of parenting: the sound of her children’s voices, the comfort of their hugs, and the endearing linguistic quirks of her four-year-old daughter—such as collecting "fedder cowections" instead of feather collections. She hopes that one day, her daughters will look back on their childhood home as a safe haven of unconditional love, beauty, and creativity.

This creative environment bore extraordinary fruit when Regina Sirois won the prestigious 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award in the Young Adult category, a major milestone that celebrated her literary talents on a national scale.

Reflecting on her journey as a mother and a writer, Regina notes that her daughters have ultimately become her dearest friends and the individuals she admires most. Looking back, she reflects that understanding this bond earlier might have helped her navigate the inevitable moments of parental frustration with even greater tenderness and grace, replacing criticism with pure appreciation for the magic of raising children.