‘Tasteless’ homeowners are slammed over ‘Grey Plague’ trend

‘Tasteless’ homeowners have been slammed over a trend of ruining pretty homes with dreary paint-jobs, supersized fences and Astro-turf lawns, dubbed the ‘Grey Plague’. 

A number of examples have been shared online in recent weeks, showing how once picturesque white houses, often dating back centuries, have been transformed into ugly, grey mountains stripped of greenery and often with imposing front features.

The worst offenders, according to scores of social media users, appear to be Edwardian and Victorian redbrick homes clad in dreary grey render, with some described as ‘truly shocking.’

One Victorian home, complete with a pretty turret, was given a grey makeover in Woodford Green, Essex, with commenters saying the owners had ruined a decent house.

All the white wooden windows were changed to grey plastic while the home was rendered in a dark colour.

One Victorian home, complete with a pretty turret, was given a grey makeover in Woodford Green, Essex, as shown in the above animation, with commenters saying the owners had ruined a decent house

Phillip Downer then went on to show an example of a 1970s home turned ugly, grey, duckling, which he described as a ‘humourless reboot’

A number of examples have been shared online in recent weeks, showing how once picturesque white houses, often dating back centuries, have been transformed into ugly, grey mountains stripped of greenery and often with imposing front features

A number of examples have been shared online in recent weeks, showing how once picturesque white houses, often dating back centuries, have been transformed into ugly, grey mountains stripped of greenery and often with imposing front features 

The grey features on this house also caused immense frustration among the purists on Twitter

The grey features on this house also caused immense frustration among the purists on Twitter

Joseph Kaz, who spotted it, said: ‘One of my favourite examples of #greyplague on a historic Victorian house in Woodford Green, Essex.

Urban planner Peter Kelly responded in horror, saying: ‘At the risk of sounding like a snob, Grey Plaguers always have that car too.

‘I can picture their new back garden too. A square of AstroTurf framed in black planters with a large plastic dining table.’

And Wildraar added: ‘Yes, ruined a decent house,’ while Philip Downer said: ‘That is truly shocking. Looks as they’re progressively wrecking the fenestration as well. These people are maniacs. #greyplague.’

Phillip Downer then went on to show an example of a 1970s home turned ugly, grey, duckling, which he described as a ‘humourless reboot.’

Is your neighbour a ‘Grey Plaguer’? 

Get in touch: tom.pyman@mailonline.co.uk

He tweeted: ‘Sunday morning Grey Plague – this update of 1970s Executive Modern is notable as much as anything for its massive anti-peasant gate.

‘As usual, the original is no great shakes – just somehow jollier and more engaged than its humourless reboot.’ 

Cathy Rosamund Stillman-Lowe said: ‘I completely agree with you. Often the anti-peasant gate is set in cheap and nasty panel fencing, round here. Humourless reboot is an excellent summing up.’

Another Tweeter posted a picture of a sweet corner plot bungalow that became almost unrecognisable after a grey reboot.

Its pretty veranda had been ripped out and the entire house had been rendered in a boring light grey.

Andy Arthur said: ‘Used to cycle past it on the way to work and think how quaint and charming it was and wouldn’t it be nice to sit under that little glazed veranda watching the world go by*’

This social media user highlighted the change on Twitter, describing it as one of his 'favourite examples of #greyplague'

This social media user highlighted the change on Twitter, describing it as one of his ‘favourite examples of #greyplague’

Philip Downer said: 'That is truly shocking. Looks as they're progressively wrecking the fenestration as well. These people are maniacs. #greyplague'

Philip Downer said: ‘That is truly shocking. Looks as they’re progressively wrecking the fenestration as well. These people are maniacs. #greyplague’

Andy Arthur said: 'Used to cycle past it on the way to work and think how quaint and charming it was and wouldn't it be nice to sit under that little glazed veranda watching the world go by'

Andy Arthur said: ‘Used to cycle past it on the way to work and think how quaint and charming it was and wouldn’t it be nice to sit under that little glazed veranda watching the world go by’ 

Samuel Clarke said: 'Death of the front garden right there! Do people literally have to cover over every inch of green space?'

Samuel Clarke said: ‘Death of the front garden right there! Do people literally have to cover over every inch of green space?’

Gary Cummins joked: ‘But there is a solo box tree doing a lot of lifting on behalf of the previous greenery there.’

Mango Whizz said: ‘On its own, I’ve seen a lot worse – it’s the complete desolation of the garden that really kills it. What is the Greys’ issue with any sort of greenery?’

Samuel Clarke said: ‘Death of the front garden right there! Do people literally have to cover over every inch of green space?’

And Andy Arthur added: ‘Why live in a charming 1930s gingerbread house draped in mature greenery when you can live in your weird interpretation of a Barrett house?’

Another grey hater popped up a snap of a seaside grey monstrosity that was formerly white, adding: ‘Jesus wept! #greyplague.’

Mr Downer replied: ‘Hell’s teeth, that’s one cursed street. Grey plague plus toxic mansard. Tell me there’s some fake stone cladding just out of shot?’

Another user added: ‘It’s trying to suck the colour out of everything around it. Like a suburban black hole!’  

Grey has recently surged in popularity, with the trend taking off in the first part of the last decade.

But it quickly filtered down to the High Street, with dozens of home brands jumping on the trend.

Now, paint companies appear to have turned their back somewhat on the colour, with Dulux’s colour of 2020 a blue, and Farrow & Ball trendcasters picking strong and muted greens and beiges.

  • Is your neighbour a ‘Grey Plaguer’? Get in touch: tom.pyman@mailonline.co.uk 

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