The good news? There are lots of ways to add style, colour, and personality to your home without breaking any rules. Here’s how you can customise your space the smart (and approved!) way.
 

1. Get to know the do’s and don’ts

Before picking up a paintbrush or hammer, it’s worth checking your lease or referring to the Resident Handbook. This will give you clarity about things like painting, drilling, or any other changes. A quick scan now could save you a headache later.
 

2. Add a splash of colour with feature walls

Here’s where it gets exciting; we’ve partnered with COAT paints to offer residents a curated palette of paint colours to create your perfect feature wall. Whether you’re into calming neutrals or bold colours, you can add a splash of personality to your home without overstepping any rules. You can speak to your neighbourhood’s team at reception to find out more!
 

3. Bring in colour through decor

If feature walls aren’t your thing, you can still add some vibrance through your decor. Colourful candles, throws, cushions, rugs, and artwork can make all the difference when it comes to creating a space that feels warm and full of personality. It’s an easy, rule-friendly way to add your style and switch things up whenever you like.
 

4. Command hooks and strips are your best friend

Command hooks and strips are a total game-changer when it comes to hanging things. They let you hang artwork, mirrors, fairy lights, shelves and more, all without leaving a single mark on the walls. No drilling, no damage, and no stress when it’s time to move out. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully when applying and removing them to keep your walls in perfect condition.
 

5. What you can’t hang, swap

Some things will be too heavy or bulky to hang with command hooks or strips, so instead of drilling into walls for shelves or storage, try using stylish freestanding furniture. Think leaning ladders, open shelving units, or bookcases that double as decor. It’s a simple way to add function and personality without leaving a mark.
 

6. Add a pop of greenery

When you have an empty corner or a spot that just feels like it’s missing something, plants are your secret weapon. They add life, texture, and colour, and there’s something for every style and size of home. From tiny succulents to statement plants, greenery can completely transform the look and feel of a room.
 

7. Use different lighting

Lighting can completely change the mood of a room. Swap harsh bulbs for warmer tones, add a statement lamp, or try plug-in pendant lights for a stylish look without the need for any electrical work. It’s an easy way to make your home feel instantly more inviting.
 

Final tip: Always ask if you’re not sure. We’re here to help you feel at home and that includes helping you personalise your space in ways that are fun, easy, and fully approved.
 
 

The post How to customise your home without breaking the rules appeared first on ila Journal.

Living more sustainably doesn’t have to mean cold showers and candlelit dinners (unless that’s your thing). These energy-saving tips are renter-friendly, easy to stick to, and good for both the planet and your energy bill.
  
 

1. Switch off, not standby

Even when you're not using them, TVs, consoles, and chargers can still use energy in standby mode. Try turning things off at the wall when you're not using them — it adds up more than you think.

2. Get clever with your heating

Set your heating to come on only when you’re home — not when your sofa’s having a lie-in without you. Lowering the thermostat by just 1°C can also cut your heating bill by around 10%.

3. Layer up, not crank up

It may sound obvious, but it's easy to forget — put on an extra layer before turning the heating up. Rugs and curtains can make a big difference too (and they look great).

4. Let the light in

Make the most of natural daylight — open those blinds during the day, and switch to LED bulbs when you need the lights on. They last longer and use a fraction of the energy.

5. Cut down on hot water waste

Showers are the main thing to consider here. Keeping them short (aim for 4–5 minutes) saves both energy and water. Fancy a challenge? Try the “one-song shower” playlist — it's upbeat, effective, and planet-friendly.

Bonus tip: Small steps make a big impact

You don’t need to change everything overnight. Start with one or two of these, and build from there. Every little action adds up — especially across a whole building of like-minded neighbours.
  
 

The post Five easy ways to save energy in your home appeared first on ila Journal.

What can be recycled (most councils accept these):

• Paper & card – think newspapers, toilet roll tubes, cereal boxes (flatten them to save space)
• Plastic bottles – drinks, cleaning products, shampoo bottles (rinse them!)
• Tins & cans – food tins, fizzy drink cans, aerosol cans (make sure they’re empty)
• Glass jars & bottles – all colours welcome, just no lids or corks
• Cartons – juice, milk, soup cartons (check for Tetra Pak symbols)

Top tip: Take the lid off and give it a rinse — if it’s clean enough not to smell, it’s good to go.
  

What can’t be recycled (please don’t wish-cycle these):

• Greasy food containers – pizza boxes, used takeaway trays
• Soft plastic wrappers – crisp packets, cling film, bread bags (unless your local shop collects them)
• Used tissues or paper towels – compostable maybe, recyclable no
• Polystyrene – burger boxes, packing chips = no thanks
• Broken glass or mirrors – dangerous and not the same as jars

Wait, what about…?

• Coffee cups? Usually not recyclable — the inside lining is tricky to separate. Some chains now have specialist collection points.
• Plastic tubs & trays? Depends on the council. Check your local info.
• Batteries, electronics & lightbulbs? Definitely not for normal bins. Most supermarkets have drop-off points or ask us at reception — we’ll point you in the right direction.

Keep it clean

Contamination is one of the biggest reasons recycling gets rejected. If something’s dirty or in the wrong bin, the whole bag might end up in landfill. So give things a quick rinse, and when in doubt — check.
  

Still not sure?

We provide plenty of recycling bins at each of our neighbourhoods, but the setup varies depending on the city. Check your Refuse & Recycling Room in your ila neighbourhood or speak to the team to find out exactly what you can recycle on-site — and where your nearest recycling points are for anything else (like batteries, clothes or electronics).

The post What can be recycled (and what definitely can’t)? appeared first on ila Journal.