‘We were DIY novices – I'd never painted a wall!’

Scarlett Ward and her husband, Sam, embraced a hands-on approach to transform an unloved Victorian terrace into a home full of colour and character

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Scarlett Ward first visited Oxford 10 years ago, and she had no idea then that one day it would become home.

‘It was a spontaneous trip,’ recalls Scarlett, ‘and one of those magical summer days. I had the best time wandering around in the sunshine, admiring the beautiful historic buildings. There was live music, and people were punting on the river, and I remember thinking, I could live here!’

Fast forward to 2022, and Scarlett was living in a flat in Putney with her partner, Sam. Ready to put down roots and buy their first property together, Scarlett floated the idea of moving to Oxford. ‘As we were moving out of London, we wanted somewhere with good energy and a bit of buzz, but that also gave us space to breathe,’ Scarlett explains. ‘Oxford felt like the perfect compromise, and Sam agreed to move here before he’d even visited!’

KITCHEN

'Knocking through to open up the space has made such a difference - it's so much bigger and brighter.'

OUR MUST HAVES

For similar, try Shaker kitchen in Moon White, from £2,087, Wren Kitchens. For similar, try Crispin bamboo handles in Satin Brass, £20.08 each, Choice Handles. For similar, try Lusso Portofino herringbone Sunshine oak LVT flooring, £24.99 per sq m, Stories Flooring. Vinyl matt paint in Nectar Jewels 4, £43.03 for 2.5L, Dulux Trade

WELL HANDLED

It's the unexpected little details, like Scarlett's bamboo handles and carefully chosen vintage finds, that make a home feel personal and full of character

MOVING ON