Forget the greige age: the case for painting your house any colour you like
People who paint their houses unusual colours can end up annoying the neighbours – and falling foul of their local council. But is it anybody else’s business what colour your home is?
Future archaeologists may come to know the early 21st century as the “greige age”, when they start digging up the remnants of buildings painted in knockoff muted Farrow & Ball shades and wonder how we could all be so dull. But there are the brave outliers – those who paint their houses in eye-catching shades or patterns, who risk neighbours’ wrath and sniffy letters from the council.
A woman in Cirencester has had her door painted bright pink (“Flamingo Fun”) for 33 years, but now one of her neighbours has complained to the council, according to the Daily Mail. The council, although apparently not taking further action, had sent her a letter asking her to paint it a colour more in keeping with the conservation area. The house is Grade II listed, so more rules apply, but even if you don’t live in a listed building, can you still paint your house or front door any colour you like?