Front Door Drama: Not Trying for Skittles Vibes
I totally get the struggle. A few years back, I decided to paint my door this deep teal—looked amazing in the store, but then I stepped back and realized it stuck out like a sore thumb among all the beige and brick reds on my street. For about a week, I thought I'd started some kind of color revolution, but nope... just a lot of side-eye from Mrs. Patterson across the road.
Thing is, I ended up loving it after a while, and eventually a couple neighbors asked what shade it was. Sometimes just a pop—like a bold door or a couple bright planters—can hit that sweet spot between personality and harmony. You don't have to go full unicorn parade unless that's your thing (no judgment). Trust your gut; if you love it, chances are it'll grow on everyone else too... or at least they'll get used to it.
You’re spot on about the power of a bold door or a few bright accents. I’ve seen way too many neighborhoods get stuck in this beige-on-beige rut, and honestly, it doesn’t do anyone any favors—least of all the planet. Paint fades, styles change, and if you’re repainting every few years to chase trends or appease the HOA’s “rainbow gutter” whims, it’s just wasteful.
Now, I’m not saying everyone needs to go wild with color (though I’d take teal over taupe any day). But there’s something to be said for picking materials and finishes that actually last. Recycled composite doors or eco-friendly paints aren’t just buzzwords—they hold up better and you can find them in some gorgeous shades, even if you want to keep things understated.
Funny story—my neighbor went with this deep forest green made from recycled pigments. At first, it looked almost black compared to all the standard-issue white doors, but after a while, people started asking about it. Now there are three more green doors on our block. Sometimes it only takes one person willing to try something different—just not so different that you end up with neon gutters because someone on the HOA board got carried away after a Pride parade.
I get wanting harmony in a neighborhood, but at some point you have to balance that with practicality and what actually works for your home long-term. And yeah, sometimes folks just need time to adjust their eyes. Mrs. Patterson might just be jealous she didn’t think of teal first...
I hear you on the wastefulness of repainting just to keep up with whatever color the HOA’s obsessed with that year. We had a similar thing happen here—one year it was “approved earth tones only,” and then suddenly, they wanted everyone to add “a pop of color.” I ended up researching paints that wouldn’t need redoing every two years. Landed on a mid-tone blue that hides dirt and holds up to sun, plus it was on sale. Not flashy, but honestly, I’d rather spend my money on something that’ll last than chase trends or risk neon anything... especially gutters.
RAINBOW gutters though—honestly, part of me kind of loves the chaos. I get wanting to avoid the constant repainting (and the cost), but isn’t there something a little fun about breaking up the monotony? I mean, if you have to follow the rules, why not lean into it and make it playful? Maybe there’s a way to use color that feels intentional and still works with your style. Ever tried painting just the downspouts or using removable panels? Sometimes a bold move ends up being the thing you love most... or at least makes for a good story.
RAINBOW gutters: wild or wonderful?
I kind of dig the idea of rainbow gutters, honestly. If the HOA’s gonna force something weird, might as well lean into it. It’s like—if you can’t hide it, make it art, right? I saw someone do ombre downspouts once and it looked intentional, not just “the HOA made me.” Removable panels are smart too if you want to switch it up. I’d probably stress over matching the shades though... knowing me, I’d end up with a Skittles house and just roll with it.
