Tips: Shopping for studio apartment

When you're looking for a studio apartment, some of the things that are merely important in other apartment searches become critical. What do you really need to think about? Space, light and color are going to be your most critical considerations.

If you are thinking about buying one, practical tips written by apartment specialist Sandra Clockedile in property website apartment.about.com (below) can help you find your dream studio apartment.

Space: When you first walk into the apartment, what feeling do you get? Does it feel closed? Airy? Open? Is there good flow space for traffic? Is most of the floor space in the apartment usable (e.g. is there a long hallway that isn't useful as living space)? Do windows and doors break up the wall space?

Storage: Closet space and storage facilities outside the apartment are important to anyone shopping for an apartment, but they are especially so when you will not have a bedroom or other area to "hide" unsightly or out-of-season items.

Does the complex provide storage facilities for tenants? Ask to see these facilities, and make sure that they are secure, dry, accessible, and ample.

Light: Any interior decorator can tell you that light will make a space seem larger, whereas a lack of light can have the opposite effect. So, make sure the lighting is sufficient enough.

Color: It is a fact of life of the apartment dweller that there are certain things you simply must live with. Chief among these are the colors on the walls and floors. In some cases, painting (and risking losing your security deposit) may be an option, but for the most part, you're stuck. Dark paneling or carpeting can make even a large space seem cave-like. Look for light colored walls and lighter neutral shades in flooring.

As you're thinking about what you want and looking at apartments, keep in mind: how does the space feel; how much storage space is there; is there extra usable space; will you have ample natural light; are the colors going to enhance the available natural light?. JP/apartment.about.com