If you live in an apartment, you may wonder how you can personalize the space so it feels more like home. Although you don't have much control over the color of the walls, the type of floors, and style of the appliances, you can customize the rooms by upgrading fixtures and adding accessories to highlight your personality and support your lifestyle.

Below are some top tips for upgrading apartment fixtures in a property someone else owns. From choosing the new fixtures to protecting the existing décor, these suggestions are a guide for creating a comfortable home in a rented apartment.

1. Do choose fixtures you can take with you.

It's tempting to give the bathroom and kitchen a complete makeover, especially if the fixtures are dated. You may enjoy living in the updated space while in the apartment, but you forfeit the money you spend and the value you add to the place when it's time to move out. Instead of making big improvements, focus on smaller details like the shower head or kitchen faucet.

A simple upgrade, like installing a new faucet in the kitchen, changes the look and feel of the room. For example, the dramatic angles and curves of the Heritage Two-Handle faucet make a statement in the kitchen, even if it's not possible to replace the sink and cabinets. Best of all, if you're planning to buy your own home, you can remove the fixture (don't forget to save the old one so you can put it back in place) and bring it to your new place when it's time to move.

2. Don't choose fixtures that damage the space.

Leaving behind damage is a guaranteed way to forfeit your security deposit, as the landlord can keep it to pay for the necessary repairs. It's important to remember that damage includes more than obvious issues like holes in the wall and broken windows. Some landlords consider alterations like replacing the bathtub or countertops a form of damage if you don't get permission before starting the project.

This is why you should think twice before tackling a project like installing a garbage disposal or changing out the bathtub. These projects may require additional work, like moving plumbing lines or electrical wires, which can be costly now (if you have to hire a professional) and later (if the landlord doesn't appreciate the work).

3. Do accessorize the space.

Adding accessories in the bathroom and kitchen is a quick and easy way to upgrade the spaces without a complete renovation. Not only do items like toilet paper holders and towel rings serve a practical purpose in the room, but they also help tie together design elements like color and style. Best of all, it's possible to add many accessories without damaging the walls and cabinets (filling holes left by nails and screws is a fairly easy project).

A towel warmer in the bathroom heats up towels to keep you warm after a shower. Bathrooms with limited storage space can benefit from a freestanding towel rack with shelves for holding bathing necessities. In the kitchen, a soap dispenser or sink hole cover can make the room more comfortable and convenient to work in for cooking and cleaning.

4. Don't move the lines and layout.

It's helpful to take measurements before purchasing fixtures. Not only should they fit in the space available, but they should also not require moving lines or changing the layout. For example, to replace a sink-mounted faucet with a wall-mounted faucet, the installer has to cut holes in the wall and extend or reroute the water lines to work with the new layout.

Similarly, replacing the bathroom vanity with a contemporary, freestanding model means more than removing the existing vanity. It can leave behind awkward empty spaces if the new vanity is not an exact fit, not to mention finding a place to safely store the original piece. Trying to install a two-hole shower faucet in a shower that currently has a three-hole faucet in place also presents challenges that turn the project into a bigger task since someone will have to open the wall to ensure all the lines connect properly.

5. Do look for fixtures that make you feel more at home.

Perhaps the most significant benefit of upgrading fixtures is the ability to create a space that's functional and comfortable for the people living there. A hand shower with a diverter is a practical addition for those with mobility issues. A raindrop shower system turns the practical act of bathing into a spa-like experience.

In the kitchen, a pull-down faucet brings the convenience of a sprayer into the faucet. This can be a great addition if the kitchen doesn't currently have a side sprayer for rinsing dishes and cleaning the sink. A pull-out faucet is an option for a shallow sink, as it's less likely to splash when the sprayer is in use.

6. Don't add temporary fixtures that clash with the existing décor.

Upgrading apartment fixtures creates an opportunity to add character to the space and highlight your style. However, coordinating with the existing décor can present a challenge. Blending contemporary and vintage pieces may require some extra effort and creativity, but there are ways to make it work.

One option is to stick with the same color or finish that's already in the room. For example, if the cabinet and drawer pulls are a shade of brushed brass, look for a faucet with a similar finish. Contrasting colors, such as black matte paired with polished chrome or oil-rubbed bronze paired with brushed bronze, can also be interesting.

Find Your Upgrades at Kingston Brass

If you're renting a space that needs an upgrade, check out Kingston Brass' selection of fixtures and accessories for kitchens and bathrooms. From sink and shower faucets to toilet handles and towel racks, you can find an array of options for customizing the busiest rooms in the home. Products come in many colors and finishes, from vintage to modern and shiny to matte, which means you can find the right fixture for every room.