I have just signed off on a 'Completion of Works' certificate which affords me access to my newly re-furbished apartment, the 'Builder' guided me through a long list of 'Extra' items which were added to the original specification and I laughed when he indicated that all the 'Light Switches' were actually 'Gold Plated' and he enquired if such an 'Extra' was my personal choice.
Actually they were not and he wondered why I laughed at his suggestion that they might have been and joined me in laughter when I explained the reason for my amusement, you see, I recalled an incident of my childhood when my Father was engaged in an argument with a 'Building Contractor' who had just completed the repair and decoration of the house we lived in, I clearly remember my Father angrily pointing to the 'Light Switch' in the kitchen and insisting that it should have been painted the same colour (Blue) as the rest of the woodwork, the 'Switch' was mounted on a circular wooden back-plate affixed to the wall, it was also circular and (I believe) made of a 'Dark Brown' material called 'Bakelite', the back-plate was stained and varnished and probably quite acceptable to most people.
I have often noted that 'Cypriot Householders' (even to this day) have an extraordinary predilection to paint 'Light Switches', I have even seen those quite modern 'Square Plastic' examples painted to suit the decoration of the room, even sprayed in 'Gold'.
I do wonder if any 'Forum Member' is acquainted with such a practise, it could be an indication of our origins, particularly since many of the 'Greek Cypriots' favour the colour 'Blue' (for their houses, doors and 'Switches') whilst the 'Turkish Cypriots' seem to favour 'Pink'.
Quite an interesting topic for an 'After Dinner' conversation, methinks.
And one which will ALWAYS remind one of one's 'Origins'.