Gone are the days of Formica countertops and white appliances. Some things come and go and then come back again. Then, other fads are just for the moment, a fad. Overall, we’ve learned that details can make or break a project, so focusing on those finishing touches is always worth our while. No matter how tired we may be as a reno or home project winds down, keeping our head in the game can really pay off in the end!
This time, we’re jumping into grout. It is a nitty gritty (hah!) detail that some would overlook. However, what we’ve been finding is that grout trends are making a big statement and really rounding out spaces – whether in the kitchen backsplash, the bathroom tile or your entire living area flooring. We’ve been seeing different grout designs pop up in different tones, contrasts and even tonal pairings everywhere so we’re thinking it’s worth diving into a little. Who knew that grout would be able to make such a statement? The best part about grout is that it is an inexpensive way to express a design aesthetic in a strong way! We’ve done some digging and have found that different colored grouts can actually work when done well. Here’s our breakdown…
Until it is time to start designing a room and actually making final decisions, all of the options that are available for everything don’t always come into view right away. Then, all of a sudden, it can be overwhelming because so many options become available. We found this out when looking into grouts for a recent project. Did you know there are many grout color options?! Now that the cat is out of the bag, let’s look into some of the best selections. However, don’t get overwhelmed! The possibilities are endless, but fun! Do keep in mind that the texture of the tile chosen will make a difference when choosing grout color and application.
If your home is a modern vibe and you are looking for that minimalistic atmosphere, we like a grout that contrasts a bit more boldly. For example, a white subway tile would look great with a dark gray, light gray or even black grout in a modern kitchen or bathroom. Bonus to a darker grout color? It can help hide more as spaces get grody from use over time. Believe it or not, modernizing the look of tile/grout can really bring warmth to the room at the same time. Tonal pairings (we love a nice matte tile with the same color grout, for instance) are hot on the scene and can define a modern space beautifully as well.
If the home is more traditional, like a farmhouse, think about the application of the grout. Maybe the tile of choice is a bit more elevated, but the way it is put together for the final look can make a huge difference. Asking for a less pure and looser grout application (unsteady, if you will) can change the scope of the project and nod to the “timeworn” character of the home. All the while, staying clean and neat. Penny tiles are a great way to save money, never go out of style and can be custom designed by choosing different grout colors. We also consider penny tiles a part of a traditional home, regardless. Going darker (aka not white) with a grout in between smaller tiles is always a good idea for the longevity of a room because when using that much grout the lighter colors will start to look yucky very quickly. Penny tile exposes a lot of the grout, so planning ahead is always a good strategy.
Who knew that grout would be able to make such a statement? As mentioned earlier, choosing grout can be overwhelming. Our best advice is to decide on the look of the overall space and then ask a professional for help or even friends/family for their opinions. Tile and grout combos are capable of taking on a room similar to wallpaper, so thinking it through both from a design perspective and a functional living perspective is essential. And remember, white grout can work, but there are many other options out there!