Apartment Hunting in Bishop Arts: Floor Plan Types and How to Choose
If you’ve started touring bishop arts apartments, you already know the photos are gorgeous and the decisions come fast. It’s exciting. A little noisy, too. Floor plans blur together after the third walkthrough, and suddenly you’re trying to remember which kitchen had the island and which one had… whatever that corner was. Let’s slow it down and choose on purpose.
The classics: studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom
Studios can be surprisingly livable if the layout gives you zones—an alcove for the bed, a wall long enough for a sofa, and ideally a window that doesn’t force you to choose between light and privacy. I’m partial to studios with a defined entry; it keeps the “home” feeling intact instead of walking straight into the bed area.
One-bedrooms are the sweet spot for many renters. Look for clear separation between living and sleeping, yes, but also the small things: Is there a hallway linen closet? A spot for a dining table that isn’t blocking the balcony door? I think storage is where one-bedrooms earn their keep.
Two-bedrooms open options: a roommate, a guest room, or—very common now—a dedicated office. The best splits put bedrooms on opposite sides of the living room so sound doesn’t carry. If you plan to work from home, keep an eye on outlets and natural light in that second room. You’ll notice quickly when 3 p.m. gets dim.
The “almost custom” layouts
Bishop Arts has a few plan styles that don’t fit neatly in simple labels—lofts, corner layouts, and wide-living rooms with extra windows. Lofts win on drama: tall ceilings, sightlines, that open feeling. Corner plans bring cross-breeze and better light (less glare, ironically), while the wide living rooms make furnishing easier than long, narrow rectangles. None of these are mandatory, of course, but if a space makes you exhale when you walk in, pay attention to that.
How to choose (without overthinking it… too much)
- Start with your non-negotiables. A door that separates the bedroom? A bathtub, not just a shower? Balcony for morning coffee? List three must-haves. Only three. More than that and you’ll talk yourself in circles.
- Right-size the layout. A studio can feel bigger than a one-bedroom if the studio’s living area is wider. Bring a tape measure; sofas lie to us. I once swore a 78-inch sofa would fit—until it didn’t.
- Light > square footage (often). South or west exposure gives warm afternoon glow; east brings gentle mornings; north is consistent and great for WFH. If you’re sensitive to heat, perhaps avoid the intense west-facing glass unless there’s good shading.
- Listen for everyday life. Open and close doors. Run the vent hood. Turn on the bathroom fan. Tiny tests reveal whether you’ll love the hum of the place or fight it.
- Plan your entry drop zone. Keys, shoes, bags—the first five feet matter. A layout with a niche or console space keeps the rest of the home calm.
- Check storage honestly. Where will the vacuum live? Luggage? Seasonal décor? If you can’t name a spot, you’ll feel it later.
- WFH reality check. If you take calls, a den or second bedroom can be worth more than extra living room. And if you’re hybrid, maybe it’s not; spend on windows instead. It’s okay to be inconsistent here.
Budget and value (not just rent)
Rent is the headline number, but look at what you get: in-home washer/dryer, energy-efficient appliances, on-site fitness, co-working nooks, package systems, and parking options. Sometimes the slightly higher rent in a better floor plan saves you on off-site coworking or storage. Sometimes it doesn’t. Run both scenarios for a month and see which one you keep thinking about.
Touring tips you’ll actually use
- Visit once in daylight and once near sunset; the Bishop Arts vibe shifts with the light.
- Bring your largest pan and a hanger (odd, yes). If the pan fits the cabinet and the hanger clears the closet bar easily, you’re probably fine.
- Take photos of every closet and the view from the sofa spot. That’s the angle you’ll live with.
In the end, the right home isn’t perfectly rational. It’s the one you keep picturing when you’re back on the street, still thinking about dinner, and you catch yourself planning where the plant goes. If that happens in a studio, great. If it’s one of the larger bishop arts apartments with room for a reading chair—also great. Choose the layout that supports the version of you that shows up on an ordinary Tuesday.
