I am sure none of you will be surprised when I tell you Carrara Marble got a
BIG OL’ BAM last week!
This week, I need some HELP! I thought you may be able to help me through BAM or SLAM.
As many of you know, we’re working on our kitchen renovation. We officially have the wall knocked out, the wooden counter tops installed and stained and the subway tile backsplash is installed and waiting for grout.
This is where you all come in…I’m stuck. Should we grout the the same color as the tile, or go dark?
Dark grout, are you a fan?
or do you prefer light?
*Images via simpledwellings, adelightfuldesign, budgetwisehome, birdhausdesign, prettystuff
This week the question is…DARK or LIGHT!?
PS: Are you tired of talking kitchens yet? 
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I don’t know if I will ever tire of talking kitchens…haha. I do like both the light and the dark grout. I think for me a lot would depend on the countertops and appliances–however, in general, I prefer light grout.
Unless it is a light dark grout like that first picture.
Light! I don’t not like the dark, but i just think the light looks so much cleaner. For me grout is one of those things that are necessary, but we shouldn’t draw too much attentino to it.
The first “dark grout” picture was definitely a BAM! I wasn’t too crazy about the tiles that were spaced further apart. Overall, I think I prefer light grout!
Hmmm…I like both! Maybe instead of black grout, a shade of grey? That way, it’s still light, but it also gives some definition to the tiles.
I like the light. But that could just be because our house in Richmond is really old and the tile in the bathrooms is original subway tile from like the 1920′s or so and is dark from years of abuse. It freaks me out and we aren’t ready to renovate yet so I stare at it and wish it weren’t so dark.
Light, the dark grout kind looks old and dirty…
Is it possible to be tired of thinking about gorgeous kitchens? I would be happy with dark or light grouting with beautiful subway tile, but I think dark grout adds just a bit more visual interest. Adds a bit of edge.
This is tough…we were faced with the same dilemma not long ago. It came down to the question–what’s more timeless? And in my opinion, while the dark grout is cool looking NOW, I can see it being one of those things down the road where you regretted doing. But then again, we decor lovin’ gals are always changing things up…so go with your gut!
Not really dark, sort of medium dark like the first pic would look fab with your wooden countertops
Ok, so this is a weird analogy, but dark grout with light tile reminds me of mental institutions from the 50s and 60s. I actually do like the look, but it for some reason the former resonates with me. Long way of saying light grout!
We just finished our subway tile on Sunday. I still need to take some pics! We went with the white grout and I am thrilled we did it looks so fresh. That was the look we were going for in our kitchen. However I have seen subway tile with the dark grout and it looks good it just depends more on your style. Good luck! Wouldn’t it be easier if they just had one option of color instead of all the choices out there.
After renovating an old house, I would have to say light. The dark looks too much like the “before” picture!
You just can not go wrong with selecting light…….subway tile with light grout is timeless.
I had to decide this very thing 2 months ago. I went with white grout – unless you have a sunlit kitchen I think you will find that the tile always looks dirty….kind of like a subway!
Light! I agree with Roxanna!
LIGHT 100%! I wish I liked dark because it’s easier to maintain, but I’ll always be a light girl.
I love bam or slam!!! This one is tough but I think I would pick light over dark. We have subway tile in our bathroom with light grout and I love it!! xoxo
I LOVE them both. The grout in my kitchen is more of a medium shade. I have white matte subway tiles and used a light to medium shade of gray for the grout. I love the way it looks and get so many compliments on it. You can’t go wrong with either look in my opinion.
Love the subway tiles…I would go light or lighter with the grout. I think it is a timeless look that you and any future buyers will love too!
i think dark only works if the rest of your kitchen is spotless!
Light to Medium—BAM all day long!
Dark–not so much.
Catherine
We have went with a darker grout (Mushroom & Light Smoke-Home Depot) for our last three tile jobs and I couldn’t be happier. I was skeptical at first, but Oh how I love it now. It shows no dirt and looks so rich and classical. There is nothing worse than dirty, nasty grout… I say, “BAM on the DARKER GROUT!”
My BAM is for the dark grout and I never tire of kitchen posts either.
You can’t go wrong with any of them. Personal preference is the gray grout. It’s so pretty. It breaks up all the white tile without demanding all the attention like the darkest grout does. Good luck with your decision!
The light grout has a cleaner look to it, which I thing would work well with your wooden countertops. I think the dark might end up being too much.
Love talkin’ kitchens.
Dark!! LOVE the dark. A medium gray would look fantastic. I’m totally regretting the white in my powder room. Lovely, but nothing special. Darker grout is a wow!
bam! i love it! i think i may prefer light, but i still love the dark, too!
Light! Its just much more classic to me.
The dark is too busy. The light is perfect for texture without completely taking over a room. Even the lighter dark version isn’t too bad. But that dark dark grout looks way too busy.
I love both, but there is just something about the darker grout that I find so appealing! I think it makes the white tiles pop.
I personally LOVE the light grout, however, the plus side of dark is that it won’t show time…or grime! And your countertops are dark enough to get away with dark grout. I think the dark also has a rustic feel. Just my humble opinion!
I always fear white grout in kitchens (especially behind the stovetop) because it is harder to maintain…however, I don’t love the dark, dark grout! Go light gray! Yeah!
I think both can work depending on how much definition you want to give the tiles. The white grout makes them blend into each other while the darker grouts make each stand out just a bit more. I’d go with light if you want the tile to take the backseat to the rest of the kitchen!
I would have to say bam over all. I really like the white grout , but it would depend on the feeling I was trying create in a kitchen. I would also have to amen what one of the first readers said, it would have to also depend on the countertops and appliances. I like the thought that one reader expressed about the mantanance of darker grout compared to white or lighter grout. Definitely a bam for me!
Y’know, it totally depends on the kitchen it’s in…I think in yours, you might want to stick with the light because of the dark counters…but I definitely love the look of dark grout, too…especially because it wouldn’t show nearly as much dirt/crap/nastiness…that’s the mother in me talking!!!
I like the seamless look of white, the dark is a little busy for my taste.
I am a fan of both, but I always seem to gravitate to the pictures with the dark grout. It doesn’t have to be black, maybe a gray, but I think it would certainly be a BAM. And you are a BAM kind of girl, you can take it.
Either way, I know it will look great!! Can’t wait to see it.
Light grout hands down for me. I think light grout with white subway tile is classic and will be forever timeless.
Dark! Dark! Dark! I just came to this revelation a couple of weeks ago. I am just waiting on tax season to be over so we can get started!!
Ohhhh I am SO undecided on this! Totally with you, and nearing backsplash thinking so it’s been on my mind. Light is definitely classic…I wonder if I would tire of the dark? If I was to go dark I’d go gray, not black. Just call me a FENCESITTER on this one!!
I vote light, dark adds another visual element and it usuallu best to keep things simple!
LOVE any and all kitchen posts!
Cathy
I vote light, dark adds another visual element and it usually best to keep things simple!
LOVE any and all kitchen posts!
Cathy
Light light light please!!! The dark grout with the subway tile reminds me of the worst public restrooms, the ones where you know the grout is that color because of all the filthy grime that has been worn into it.
I prefer the light grout with subway tile or something in a medium tone as well. In my opinon, the very dark grout does not enhance the aesthetics of the subway tile.
def light – the dark grout always seems to look kind of dirty!
Light…they are all very pretty, but I just think I prefer the light grout…and I never get tired of talking about kitchens especially when you provide such beautiful images. I’m going back to read more about your kitchen project!
I can’t wait for the repeat so can you tell me if any thing interesting happened and how the matches were won?
Definitely the light grout. I think they have a sealer for it, although I’m not sure about that.
Definitely the darker grout… they’re subway tiles… they were designed to have that ‘industrial / commercial’ feel to them! Plus they will always look sharp… not dirty after a while like the white.
DARK ALL THE WAY!!!!
(ps. the photo’s you have for the darker grout don’t do them justice… check out The Design Files post on the 17th of October 2012…)
http://thedesignfiles.net/2012/10/melbourne-home-georgie-and-alex-cleary-of-alpha60/