Choosing an apartment is a big decision. It's a place where you should feel safe, comfortable, and at home. It should reflect your personal lifestyle and be close to all the things that are important to you. But the layout of the apartment should also be a priority. Some apartment layouts are designed for entertaining, while others are better for working at home. The layout you choose should reflect the way you spend your time at your apartment. 

Before you decide on the layout, ask yourself these six questions: 

Am I looking for my own space or a co-living suite? 

One of the first things you'll have to decide is how you want to experience the West LA apartment lifestyle. Are you looking for your own private apartment or do you want to share a space with others? Co-living has become a popular living arrangement for adults in LA because it makes living in the city more affordable. It also gives residents access to their own private space while also sharing common areas. There are many benefits to co-living, but if you're adamant about having your own space, then a traditional apartment would be the way to go.  

Where do I want my bedroom to be?  

You'll be spending a lot of time in your bedroom, so you want it to be a place that is comfortable and convenient.  

• If you're sharing a traditional apartment with a roommate, do you want your bedroom to be close together or do you prefer a split floor plan?  

• Families with kids that are renting an apartment in LA may want to have all the bedrooms close together.  

• Do you want your bedroom to overlook the city?  

• Will it bother you if your bedroom shares a wall with the living room?  

Paying attention to the bedroom placement in an apartment will help you narrow down the right apartment layout for you.  

How much square footage do I need?  

The average size of a one-bedroom apartment in West LA is between 750 and 800 square feet. Depending on what you're used to, this may be plenty of space to live comfortably or you may need to upgrade to a two or three-bedroom apartment to get the space that you need. If you don't need a lot of space, you could consider a studio apartment or a co-living suite. When you know how much square footage you're looking for, you can choose a layout that fits those preferences. 

How much storage do I need? 

Living in an apartment means getting creative with storage space. Utilizing wall space, smart storage solutions, and incorporating dual-purpose furniture will help you maximize space in your apartment. If you're coming with a lot of big, bulky furniture or have accumulated a lot of shoes, clothes, or books, you'll need an apartment layout with ample storage options. If you plan on working from home or using your apartment as a study space, you'll need a place to store office supplies, textbooks, computers, chargers, and other supplies.  

What accessibility concerns do I have? 

One of the first things you should look for when choosing an apartment layout is how accessible it is for you. If you have mobility issues or other physical challenges that make it difficult to navigate a traditional apartment, you'll want a layout that can accommodate you. Maybe this means you're only looking for a first-floor unit, or you need the space close to the parking lot. We could also mean you're looking for a handicap-accessible bathroom, wide hallways, or an apartment that gets plenty of light. No matter how beautiful the apartment is or what great amenities it has, if it's not accessible to you it’s not going to work for you.  

Are nice views or a private outdoor space important to me?  

Traditionally, apartment living means giving up access to a big yard or private outdoor space. But you can find designer apartments all throughout West LA that feature patios, balconies, and great views of the city. These apartments can be few and far between, but you can find them if you look hard enough. If it's important to you to have an outdoor terrace or patio, this feature will narrow down your apartment layout search significantly.  

Another option when choosing a floor plan is to go with one without a patio or balcony and opt to use the outdoor apartment amenities instead.  

Bottom Line 

It's easy to walk through an apartment tour and be mesmerized by the high-end finishes, expansive views, and community amenities. But don't forget to look at the actual layout of the apartment and picture yourself living, working, and moving throughout the space daily. Taking a virtual tour can help you get a feel of the apartment layout and help you make an informed and confident decision. Now that you know what you want in an apartment layout, check out NMS Cara’s floor plan options and pick out the best one for you.