Fading the Fame: Notting Hill Residents Paint Homes Black to Escape the Spotlight

In one of London’s most iconic and visually celebrated neighbourhoods, a quiet but deliberate transformation is underway. On Lancaster Road in Notting Hill, renowned for its cheerful pastel façades, residents have begun painting their homes black in a subtle yet powerful response to the overwhelming influx of tourists and social media influencers. The goal: to reclaim privacy and peace in a street increasingly treated as a public backdrop.

Over recent years, Lancaster Road has become a magnet for visitors seeking the perfect Instagram shot. Homeowners report near-constant disruptions, with tourists staging elaborate photo shoots, changing outfits on the pavement, and even picnicking on private steps. In some cases, visitors have been caught peering through windows, seemingly unaware or unconcerned that these are private residences, not public attractions.

In response, several residents have taken the unusual step of painting over their vibrant façades with matte black paint, hoping to make the homes less visually appealing for photography. “Black doesn’t look good on social media,” one resident remarked, underscoring the strategy behind the colour choice. In addition to the new paintwork, some homes have introduced physical barriers and signage, such as ropes and “quiet zone” notices, to further deter intrusion.

While the shift has had some success in reducing foot traffic and unwanted attention, it has also drawn renewed media interest, paradoxically placing the street back in the spotlight. The black-painted homes intended to deflect attention have now become a new focal point in the conversation about the unintended consequences of social media tourism.

Residents remain cautiously optimistic. Though unlikely to halt the problem entirely, they hope the shift will prompt visitors to reconsider their behaviour and respect the fact that Lancaster Road is a residential area, not an open-air set. If the strategy proves effective, others on the street may follow suit.

The situation highlights a growing tension in many urban centres between community life and digital tourism. In Notting Hill, the residents of Lancaster Road are navigating this balance in their own way through quiet resistance, measured action, and a coat of black paint.