Hugo Fleming, Design Director of award-winning local interior design company Cranberryhome, shows us some clever ways to inject some character into your new home.

Milton Keynes has a plethora of new build homes available from individual builders to national housebuilders.

If you are one of Milton Keynes' residents that finds yourself wishing to put your stamp on your property, here are some autumn design trends to consider.

With the movement towards natural and environmentally friendly materials, jute and rattan are two on-trend choices for autumn 2021.

Try a rattan stool or lamp along with a jute rug for hard floors. Match with soft and luxurious textiles for the perfect look.

I introduced the Japandi style (the Japanese/Scandi fusion) to readers in the July 2020 edition.

So this season, a spa bathroom is a popular choice. Using light wood elements, typical in a Scandi design, you can make your bathroom your centre of wellness and wellbeing.

Deep blue or green kitchens are fast becoming one of the biggest kitchen trends this year. Whether it's paint, cabinetry or tiles, the hues are popping up everywhere.

Adding marble splash backs and brushed brass accents makes this look inviting.

Turning your house into a smart home by customising your lighting to turn on as you enter or unlocking your front door at the touch of a button is so popular.

Wireless charging, LED lighting and mobile-controlled technology in every corner of the home is the way to go. One of our favourites is the Samsung art TV.

"Broken-plan" offers the various functions of an open plan allowing for flexibility by using screens or divides to create zones.

Use your space to incorporate a small designer desk or reading nook. Our homes need to be adaptable so the flexibility of this scheme can work well. John Lewis reported a 73% increase in desks alone this year.

Whatever your space, be creative and don't be afraid to try out some of these ideas to make your house a home.

Hugo is Design Director of Cranberryhome, the award winning interior design and property styling company based in Milton Keynes. Often found at Ask an Expert at Grand Designs Live, Hugo is in demand as an interior designer all over the UK.

This feature was published in the October/November 2021 issue of Celebrate:MK lifestyle magazine. Read the full magazine above or by clicking on this link.