Before and After: How a NYC Loft Turned a Corner Space Into a Beautiful Nursery (Complete With Walls!)
Four years ago, when Yulia Derdemezis moved into her true one-bedroom apartment near Manhattan’s Gramercy Park neighborhood, she was grateful for the ample space, especially the communal areas. “It was a big loft space that served as our living room and home office,” she explains. “We live in an open-floor concept apartment without walls separating the main living areas, so our living room, office, dining room, and kitchen are in one open space.”
However, when Yulia became pregnant, the home needed to adapt to her new needs. A nursery was at the top of the list. The problem: The unit had only one true bedroom, and Yulia admits she didn’t want to leave “a place we love.” The solution: Yulia decided to utilize the extra space in the common area.
The decision didn’t arise out of a complete surprise, though. Yulia remembers moving in and joking about how the ample living space would prove useful if, one day, they needed a second bedroom. “We always had our eye on the corner area behind the couch, with its large window, as a potential spot,” she says. “Since my job now requires me in the office three days a week, we decided to repurpose the space to better suit our family’s current needs.”
Before starting construction, Yulia ensured that the project was okay with her building manager. Not only did she receive permission but also a contractor recommendation. Unfortunately, because of the building code, the walls couldn’t extend fully to the ceiling, so the space was topped with plexiglass. Yulia admits that it wasn’t ideal, considering it allows too much light from the other rooms. However, she hung blackout film directly on the glass as a solution.
It only took the contractor eight hours to build an entirely new room, for a cost between $2,000 to $3,000. What was once a communal area transformed into a perfect nursery with a gorgeous window, ample space, and cozy decorations, like the heart decals on the wall.
“We’re thrilled with how seamlessly the new room blends in with the existing space,” Yulia shares. “The ‘seamless finish,’ which we opted for, was definitely worth the extra cost. The walls are sturdy, and the room looks like it was always part of the original design. I especially love the huge window!”
Product List
- Crib: Babyletto 4-in-1 Gelato Crib
- Dresser: Babyletto Bondi Dresser
- Glider: Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Recliner
- Rug: Clover Rug from Nestig
- Mirror: Amazon
- Shelving: Scalloped Shelving from Pottery Barn Kids
- Wall Art: ‘Baby Bunny Tail’ from Crate & Kids