Woman Is Quoted $2K to Put Up a Flex Wall in N.Y.C. Apartment, So She Uses Plastic Building Blocks Instead (Exclusive)

**Innovative Approach to Apartment Living in New York: Alliyah Barre’s Creative Bedroom Solution**

In the bustling heart of New York City, where space is often a luxury, 24-year-old Alliyah Barre has found an inventive way to maximise her apartment’s potential. Facing challenges with her cramped living conditions, Barre embraced a unique solution—constructing a bedroom using oversized plastic building blocks. This project not only offered her a personal space but also proved to be a creatively satisfying experience.

Barre’s journey began when she realised that a traditional flex wall, which could create a separate bedroom in her apartment, would not only be prohibitively expensive—quoted at nearly £2,000—but also insufficient for her privacy needs. Faced with restrictions from her building management that precluded a door or ceiling-high walls, she began to explore alternative options.

Support from her family played a crucial role in her decision-making. Her mother discovered a set of EverBlocks, the innovative building blocks that allowed users to construct temporary structures, readily available on Facebook Marketplace. These reusable blocks, previously utilised by a family on Manhattan’s Upper West Side to create a play area for their young son, proved to be the perfect fit. The set included a door, and combined with IKEA wardrobes, it offered both privacy and storage.

The financial aspect of this setup was notably appealing. The total cost for Barre to create her new living space amounted to approximately £1,600, which included the blocks and wardrobes, a considerable saving compared to the original flex wall option. This thoughtful approach alleviated her concern over potential costs associated with removing a traditional wall, a service typically priced at £160.

However, constructing the bedroom wasn’t simply a matter of fitting blocks together. Barre faced the challenge of planning how to make a stable structure. With around 125 blocks at her disposal in various shapes and sizes, she transformed the task into a collaborative effort, inviting friends over for a “build my bedroom” dinner. Leveraging resources, she consulted her father via FaceTime and watched instructional videos to ensure a solid build.

What she anticipated would be an easy, childlike project turned into a daunting task as she encountered the technicalities of building stability. “It felt like a high school maths problem,” Barre remarked, acknowledging that the lack of a structured plan made the execution more complex than expected. Over several days filled with trial, error, and teamwork, she succeeded in creating a place that not only fit her living requirements but also expressed her unique flair.

Despite her creative accomplishment, Barre found that soundproofing remained a significant hurdle. The plastic blocks did little to stifle noise, prompting her to purchase additional soundproof panels and utilise her IKEA wardrobes to help buffer sound from shared living spaces. While her new enclosure provided structure, the realities of urban living meant that total privacy was still a challenge.

After a year of enjoying her creatively constructed bedroom, Barre decided it was time to transition back to her hometown of Toronto, Canada. Taking apart her makeshift space proved to be an emotional experience. She captured the process on TikTok, offering others a glimpse into her unconventional living arrangement. Fortunately, the EverBlocks found a new purpose as she passed them on to someone else in need of affordable housing solutions in a city where privacy is paramount.

Reflecting on her experience, Barre shared that building the bedroom initially filled her with anxiety, but she soon embraced the absurdity of living in a room constructed from plastic blocks. “I really grew to love my little castle,” she said, emphasising the joy and satisfaction her unconventional choice brought her during her time in the city.

Barre’s story is a testament to the creativity and resilience of young people navigating the complexities of urban living. In a city renowned for its vibrant energy, her experience underlines the importance of adaptability and innovation, encouraging others to think outside the box when confronted with spatial limitations. Her journey reflects a blend of childhood nostalgia and adult practicality, offering inspiration for those looking to create their own spaces, no matter how unconventional their methods may be.