Jocelyn’s Multi-Purpose Nursery for Kids & Adults Alike

published Aug 18, 2014

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Name: Jocelyn, mom of Griff (3) and Lila (8mos)
Location: Tribeca, New York City
Room Size: 150 square feet

The great thing about Jocelyn’s nursery is that it is as completely engaging for kids as it is for adults. Jocelyn has managed to create a kid oasis without overloading the room with too many kid-centric items.

(Image credit: Jill Slater)

When Jocelyn and her husband moved into this loft apartment, they had no kids and the space had a completely different feel. They tried to keep a lot of the previous owners’ built-ins but scraped off old finishes, replaced fixtures and did a lot of painting.

What is now the nursery/guest room had a great custom wall unit that worked as an office early on and easily transitioned to baby changing table and toy storage once the kids arrived. Jocelyn has done a great job using cool objects such as giant travel posters, rugs, and cardboard storage boxes to add bright colors to the space. None of these elements are child-centric and none were purchased in a baby store. When necessary, the room easily works as a guest room. In addition, because it is not overly baby themed, the room more readily adapts and remains in step as her children age.

How would you describe the look and feel of this room?

Colorful and gender neutral.

What is your favorite piece or element?

The vintage posters. I love them because they add bright color to the room and fill the wall space which can be difficult with high ceilings. The kids love them because they are great for the imagination. My baby stares at them and coos while my toddler loves to create stories around them. We also love the Instagram gallery on the wall above the changing table. My toddler does not like being changed, so this distracts him as he asks about family members and travels in the pics.

What was the biggest challenge decorating this room?

As in many NYC apartments, this small room must serve many functions. Initially it was my office, the guest room and the laundry room. Now it is the guest room, laundry room and bedroom for two children. The challenge is to infuse it with personality while maintaining its flexibility as a multi-function room that serves our growing family. We are very efficient with the space. For instance when Lila was born, we designed a custom closet so we could fit clothes for both a girl and boy. My old desk became a changing table and the guest bed is a trundle that pulls out under Griff’s bed.

(Image credit: Jill Slater)

What do your friends say about the room?
It’s colorful and multi-functional.

Do you have any advice for parents creating a room for their child?

I can’t emphasize enough the value of the custom closet. Children grow out of their clothes so quickly! It’s important to keep the clothes organized, viewable and accessible so you don’t miss out on using them.

What, if any, are your additional plans for the room?

I’m not sure we can make it do anything else. We’ve hit capacity. Ha.

If money were no object, what’s your dream plan for the room?

I’d hire an architecture firm to help redo the built-ins and design a really creative themed lofted bed to add some more room for toys and playing.