Photos by Alyssa Lee
Midwest Home: What are the different visual effects of dark and light grout colors?
Wendy Boyer (Brown Cow Design): Grout dynamically changes the way tile looks. You can use a light or dark grout color on a tile, and it makes the tone look completely different—just as different mortars do with stone. If you use a light grout color, the overall pattern of the tile becomes harmonious and looks more like a solid wall of tile. Darker grout, however, individualizes each tile, so your eye is drawn to the shapes themselves rather than the entire scope of the wall. When using no grout, the wall will have a more aged, stacked look that appears casual and handmade.
Should homeowners use any specific grout for different areas of their home?
Grout has come a long way in its durability and resistance to staining. There is now epoxy grout available, which deters staining where you walk or stand on a regular basis. Epoxy grout is superb in resisting stains, chemicals, and moisture, which makes it a good choice for bathroom floors. Any color could work in any area of a home—it’s just important to consider the environment. If a client is concerned about cleaning grout on backsplashes and shower walls, I often recommend choosing a large-scale tile so they have less grout lines to clean.
How do you recommend choosing the right grout color for different tiles?
I carry grout sample sticks in my car! I feel it’s best to venture into my clients’ homes to help them pick grout, as the grout color can change due to lighting in the home versus in the showroom. Each grout manufacturer offers different shades and colors. I have favorites for each brand, so I always bring three options to choose from. To me, grout is like the jewelry on a dress—it can make a tile feel classic and stately, old or new, and fun and artful.
