Color in the Lines with Contrasting Grout

White subway tile. It’s a classic choice that’s popular once again due to its versatility and simple, clean shape and appearance. The only drawback is that plain white subway tile can be a bit, well, plain and unexciting. If you’ve fallen in love with white subway tile but want a bit more oomph in your kitchen or bathroom, try perking it up with colored grout.

Contrasting grout defines subway tiles and makes it more visually interesting. It’s perfect for adding some flair or tying together your dream color scheme. Changing your grout color is an easy and inexpensive way to update existing tile, too; with a tinted grout sealer such as Grout Shield you don’t even have to regrout to change the color, and they can even custom-match any paint color!

Try black grout for a classic yet dramatically striking combo:

Kitchen by Hande Koksal Interiors
Bathroom by Dave Fox
Kitchen by Kenihan Development
Bathroom by Randell Design Group
For a subtler twist on the same concept, use gray or silver grout:
Bathroom by Vujovich Design Build, Inc.
Bathroom Korbich Architects LLC
Kitchen by Rebekah Zaveloff | KitchenLab

Or add an unexpected pop of color for a fun effect or to match paint or fixtures:

Photo by Andrew M. Boyd Photography
Bathroom by Linda Burkhardt
Bathroom by MRTN Architects
Bathroom by Jason Ball Interiors, LLC
Bathroom by Charlie Laing Ltd

You can also go for a negative reversal with black tile and white grout – modern, classy, and eye-catching:

Kitchen by Bespoke Tile & Stone
Kitchen by Esther Hershcovich

What’s your favorite tile/grout pairing? Tell us about it!

yael