5 Times Interior Designers Used Colorful Tile Grout That Make Me Never Want to Choose White Again

The article explores the preferred color palettes of interior designers, offering insights into hues that are consistently incorporated into various decorating projects. It highlights five prominent colors: yellow, warm neutrals, blue, white, and green, detailing why each is a favored choice among professionals. Yellow is presented as a versatile and inviting color, with Charlotte-based interior designer Alexis Warren noting its ability to layer effectively with other shades and add brightness. Despite perceptions of it being a bold choice, yellow is experiencing a resurgence in modern homes, with examples such as sandy yellow kitchen cabinets demonstrating its charming and warming effects. Warm neutrals, including soft taupes, greiges, and off-whites with warm undertones, are emphasized for their timeless appeal and versatility. Melissa Read, creative director at Studio Burntwood, explains that these shades provide a calm and inviting backdrop, making them suitable for various interior design styles and allowing for easy updates to furniture and accessories without needing to repaint. An illustration features Farrow & Ball's Scallop in a light dining room, showcasing its undisturbed yet inviting quality. Blue is celebrated for its calming and peaceful qualities, often associated with natural serene environments like lakes or beaches. Denver-based designer Nadia Watts frequently pairs blue with green to evoke a sense of growth and renewal, aiming for peaceful, nature-connected, and cozy spaces. Ashley Macuga of Collected Interiors also favors soft blue hues for their ability to enhance natural light and bring happiness. White remains a classic choice, lauded for its freshness, timelessness, and calming effect. Sarah Latham of Latham Interiors and Meg Lonergan frequently use white or ivory, especially Benjamin Moore’s Soft Chamois, for its warm undertones that create an inviting atmosphere. Amy Peltier also recommends Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace for a crisp, clean, and modern feel, suitable for creating a timeless backdrop. Green is consistently integrated into projects by designers like Alexandra Kaehler and Allison Garrison. Kaehler appreciates its ability to bring the outdoors in, noting its warmth and versatility, whether used as a soft sage or a bold emerald. Garrison highlights green's soothing and grounding effects, often incorporating it through custom cabinetry, rugs, or simply through the addition of plants to achieve a natural and calming ambiance. The article concludes by reinforcing that while neutrals are timeless, the thoughtful integration of vibrant colors like yellow and green can also achieve enduring style. #InteriorDesign #ColorPalettes #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #YellowInteriors #NeutralColors #BlueSpaces #WhiteDesign #GreenDecor

The field of interior design is dynamic, with trends continually evolving, and tile choices are no exception. While personal taste remains paramount, certain tile trends can inadvertently date a space. This article explores six tile ideas that interior designers are moving away from, offering contemporary alternatives to refresh kitchens and bathrooms. First, uniform tiles in a flat finish are losing favor. Designers note that these tiles lack excitement and can make a space feel dull and uninviting. The modern preference leans towards tiles with movement, such as handcrafted, glazed, or decorative tiles like zellige. These options add layers of emphasis through color, texture, and dynamism, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere. The shift reflects a desire for organic, natural, and artisan aesthetics, where imperfections are embraced, fostering a connection to nature within the home. Secondly, the widespread use of cookie-cutter subway tiles, particularly in traditional soldier or brick patterns, has led to them feeling dated. While subway tiles remain a classic, designers suggest fresh approaches. This includes utilizing them in herringbone patterns or mixing them with small square tiles for an elevated look. Experimenting with unique shapes, such as custom glazed swiss crosses, can also introduce subtle interest. The key is to rethink their application and explore alternative installation patterns like vertical stack or basketweave, or even incorporating stripes of different colors. Thirdly, mosaic accent bands, reminiscent of the 1990s and early 2000s, are considered retro and can visually clutter a space, making it appear smaller. While very sparingly used in specific contexts like a wet bar, for bathrooms, the trend favors large, eye-catching tiles or marble slabs for a modern, expansive, and seamless aesthetic. Instead of mosaic bands, designers advocate for carrying the main tile into niches or incorporating natural marble for benches or niches. Alternatively, varying grout line sizing can create visual interest. For those still drawn to mosaics, using small-scale marble mosaic tiles in innovative patterns across an entire wall offers an updated take. Fourth, muted grayscale color schemes, once popular, have lost their appeal. This neutral palette, especially when combined with flat textures, can result in a cool and impersonal space. The current design ethos favors dimension, personality, and bolder color choices. Jewel tones like deep teal, burnt orange, and emerald green are gaining traction, adding richness and depth. Pastels and earthy hues are also embraced to evoke feelings and create vibrant, current spaces. Multi-color schemes, such as rainbow concrete tiles, are also being explored for their playful and expressive qualities. Fifth, predictable backsplash tile treatments, such as repetitive horizontal zellige and standard subway tiles, are being reinvented. Designers are now recommending mosaic herringbone patterns to instantly refresh a kitchen. A significant update involves extending the backsplash tiles all the way to the ceiling, which creates a dramatic, elevated, and visually interesting effect. To simplify upkeep, especially with smaller tiles and increased grouting, a larger, grout-free slab around high-splatter areas like the oven and sink is suggested. This provides practicality and an appealing point of contrast. Finally, while natural marble remains a timeless design classic, faux marble that appears low-quality and uniform is out. Advances in printing and tile production have led to high-quality natural stone-look tiles that avoid the dated imitation effect. Designers recommend opting for large slabs of these realistic alternatives for shower walls to eliminate grout lines and create a cohesive, encompassing look. Innovative uses of genuine marble, such as fragmented and reassembled pieces for flooring, also demonstrate contemporary ways to incorporate the material without resorting to conventional large-format tiles. #InteriorDesignTrends #TileChoices #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #HomeRenovation #DesignInspiration #ModernInteriors #TileAlternatives #DesignerTips

While white kitchens offer a timeless and clean aesthetic, their minimalist nature can sometimes lack warmth and personality. As interior design evolves, there's a growing desire for colors that infuse kitchens with more character and joy. Designers note that while the emotional purity and sense of cleanliness associated with white will always have an appeal, the eye eventually seeks out richer, more festive atmospheres, especially during colder months. This shift highlights a trend towards incorporating depth and coziness into kitchen spaces. Five sophisticated shades are emerging as popular alternatives to white in 2025, moving beyond simple cabinet or wall colors to encompass a broader spectrum of kitchen elements. Earth-inspired tones, such as soft taupe, clay, and warm greiges, are gaining traction for their ability to create modern yet timeless kitchens. These hues, when paired with natural wood stains and flat-panel cabinetry, introduce a tactile, lived-in feel, fostering an inviting and organic environment. Tile choices, in particular, offer an excellent starting point for introducing these calm, muted tones. Bright blue, in its deeper variations, is making a comeback, offering a bold yet sophisticated and timeless appeal that can be easily lived with long-term. The trend includes monochromatic schemes, where varying strengths of blue are applied throughout the kitchen, even extending to the ceiling. This approach moves beyond traditional coastal or Hamptons styles, with popular shades like Farrow & Ball's 'Selvedge' creating fresh and calming interiors. Coffee cream tones are recognized for their chic and cozy qualities, ranging from milky, light shades to richer mocha and espresso options. These velvety hues are lauded as modern neutrals that adapt well to various lighting conditions and are practical in high-traffic family areas, being more forgiving of everyday smudges. Benjamin Moore's 'Revere Pewter' and 'Edgecomb Gray' are highlighted as favorite greige paint shades for cabinets, with suggestions to mix these with espresso-stained wood for textural contrast and visual interest. Soft, dusty green shades like sage are becoming a modern classic, offering a natural and calming alternative to white. This subtle hue provides lasting interest without being overwhelming, and pairs effectively with natural wood tones and warm countertop accents to create beautiful and inviting kitchens. Lastly, two-tone kitchen designs offer a clever solution for those who appreciate crisp white but desire more depth. By combining creamy off-whites for upper cabinets with darker colors like deep greens, warm browns, or rich charcoals for lower cabinets and islands, visual interest is created. This strategy allows for an updated, more dynamic look while retaining a significant amount of white, often leading to a more dramatic and moody aesthetic. Beyond color, matte finishes and wood grain textures are replacing high-gloss surfaces, adding warmth and depth to the kitchen's aesthetic, suggesting that mixing textures can further enhance the design without overwhelming it. #KitchenDesign #ColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #KitchenCabinets #EarthTones #BlueKitchens #GreigePaint #TwoToneKitchen

The article explores the emerging interior design trend of using colorful grout instead of traditional neutral shades like white or gray. It highlights how this approach can introduce an unexpected burst of color and intentionality into various spaces, moving beyond the conventional role of grout as a background element. Designers are increasingly opting for vibrant and unusual hues to enhance the overall aesthetic of tiled surfaces. Jackie Ho, founder of Ho & Lacy, explains that custom-colored grout allows for a tailored match to a project's palette, adding a layer of intentionality at a relatively inexpensive cost. She emphasizes that careful consideration of the tile's color, finish, size, and shape is crucial to ensure the chosen grout color enhances rather than competes with the design. It's also noted that grout can cure differently from control samples, requiring flexibility in expectations. The article delves into three specific unexpected grout colors that designers have successfully integrated into their projects. The first is earthy terracotta, a color trend that provides a subtle hint of warmth without being overly bold. İrem Başer, partner and interior designer at Escapefromsofa, illustrates how a deep earthy grout tone in a bathroom unifies the space, creating depth and warmth. This choice accentuates the geometric structure of walls and floors, adding texture and transforming the bathroom into a sensorial experience. It challenges the notion of grout as merely a functional background element, instead making it a key part of the design narrative. Next, the article discusses ochre yellow grout. While yellowing grout is typically avoided, a deliberate ochre shade can elegantly elevate plain tiles by adding a clear yet subtle pop of color. Ochre, a blend of orange and rich brown, has been a long-standing interior favorite. Jackie Ho shares an instance where a 'burnt mustard' grout, evolved from sunflower yellow to a deep ochre, was used with cream square tiles in a child's bathroom, achieving a perfect balance of playfulness and warmth. Finally, deep blue grout is presented as a sophisticated alternative to darker neutral grouts like gray or black. This softer option pairs well with lighter-colored tiles and can also help reduce the contrast between deep blue tiles and traditional dark grouts. Grazzie Wilson, Head of Creative at Ca’ Pietra, notes that deep blues, terracotta, and sage green are predicted to be main interior colors for 2025 in kitchens and bathrooms. She suggests that plain white tiles with deep blue grout are replacing the gray grout prevalent in recent years, aligning with a broader shift towards more calming and purposeful color choices in interiors. In conclusion, the article argues that these unexpected grout colors, while a departure from tradition, are highly livable. They offer a way to soften the overall appearance of tile designs and contribute to a more cohesive and aesthetically pleasing interior, rather than just making a bold statement. The adoption of colorful grout signifies a move towards greater personalization and design sophistication in home interiors. #GroutColors #InteriorDesignTrends #TileIdeas #EarthyTerracotta #OchreYellow #DeepBlueGrout #HomeDecoration #BathroomDesign #KitchenDesign

Tiles are a remarkably versatile and vibrant material in interior design, capable of transforming a range of spaces from hospitality venues to residential homes and offices. This article showcases ten diverse projects that effectively utilize colorful tiles to create distinctive and engaging environments. Each project demonstrates a unique approach to tile application, highlighting their aesthetic and functional potential. The first example features a Santa Monica home designed by John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects, where the master bath incorporates terrazzo tile flooring and wave-patterned wall tiles inspired by Copacabana Beach, complementing custom lacquered MDF cabinetry and curved architectural forms. This design moves away from conventional boxy structures, embracing curvilinear aesthetics. Another project, Mercado Little Spain in New York City by Juli Capella, extensively uses Spanish ceramic tiles throughout its 35,000-square-foot culinary space. This sprawling tribute to Spanish cuisine, developed with innovation studio Icrave, features three restaurants, 15 dining and retail kiosks, and two bars, all adorned with colorful tiles, artwork, and custom murals that immerse visitors in a taste of Spain. In Macau, Jouin Manku’s Voyages by Alain Ducasse restaurant in the Morpheus Hotel employs brilliant hues, including vivid orange flooring and ceiling panels. A notable feature is a wall-sized panel displaying 100 acrylic tiles by Léa Maupetit, featuring playful food drawings and handwritten recipes by Ducasse, adding a personal and artistic touch. Jorge Pardo transformed a drab building in downtown Dallas into the Commissary, covering it with over 27,000 ceramic tiles in various shades of blue and white. Pardo’s design intent was to reflect the sky and provide a visual break from the city's gray palette, using Guadalajara-made tiles durable enough for the Texas climate. Spacemen, a firm known for its bold and experiential aesthetic, designed Icha Chateau, a Western fusion restaurant and teahouse in Shanghai, utilizing porcelain tile for its flooring. This project exemplifies the firm's approach to hospitality design, creating a memorable and futuristic ambiance. Kingston Lafferty Design converted a 200-year-old Dublin coach house into a modern residence, showcasing a love for tile beyond conventional applications. Róisín Lafferty integrated solid and decorative Moroccan tiles and contemporary geometrics throughout the living, dining, and even bedroom spaces, extending an encaustic cement tiled table to an outdoor patio. MuseLAB designed an apartment in Mumbai with 21st-century Art Deco sophistication, drawing inspiration from the client's childhood memories of Art Deco objects and terrazzo tiles. Bharat Flooring tiles were central to the design, particularly in the bathroom, where contrasting colors and patterns create a dynamic space. Brooklyn’s Nous Studio renovated a French apartment, emphasizing pattern through features like a trompe l’oeil cube composition with mirrors in the powder room. The project highlights collaboration with local artisans and a thoughtful approach to material selection. Perkins + Will blurred the lines between work and leisure at Madison Marquette’s Washington, D.C., headquarters, incorporating a brilliant blue tile backsplash against a terrazzo-topped island in the lounge. This 17,800-square-foot workplace uses varied textures and finishes to create an environment akin to a luxury hotel. Finally, AvroKO channeled Savannah’s gracious hospitality at the Perry Lane Hotel in Georgia. Despite being a new construction, the hotel's interiors evoke a bygone era while remaining fresh and modern, featuring porcelain tile enlivening walnut paneling at the Wayward Bar, contributing to the hotel’s sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. #ColorfulTiles #InteriorDesign #ResidentialDesign #HospitalityDesign #OfficeDesign #TileInspiration #ArchitecturalDesign #ModernInteriors #ArtDeco #DesignInnovation

This article explores the growing trend of using colorful grout and tile combinations in interior design, moving beyond traditional white, black, and gray grout hues. The trend offers versatility, allowing for subtle pops of color or bold, high-contrast statements. It also presents opportunities for monochromatic looks by matching tile and grout in the same color family, or by using slightly lighter or darker shades for added depth. Various combinations are highlighted to inspire readers. For instance, pairing white tile with dark blue grout offers a fun pop of color, especially when complemented by blue accents in the kitchen. Intentional yellow grout with plain white tile can create a cheerful, sunny feel, particularly when paired with warm-toned elements like wooden doors. Orange tile and yellow grout combine to create a warm and energizing retro vibe suitable for shower walls, echoing popular interior design aesthetics of the 1960s and 70s. For a striking complementary look, soft blue tile with orange grout is suggested, blending modern freshness with a retro touch, especially when finished with gold accents. Dark blue tile can be softened by dusty pink grout, creating a relaxing, spa-like aesthetic, especially when combined with plants. Pale gray tile with yellow grout offers a softer, understated cheerfulness compared to white and yellow combinations. Bright orange grout with crisp white tile is presented as an upbeat choice for children's bathrooms, promoting feelings of happiness and joy. Burnt orange grout and matching wall paint paired with white tile can create an inviting, warm space, capturing the essence of 'golden hour'. Brown tile and golden yellow grout are ideal for achieving a midcentury modern feel, especially when complemented by walnut cabinetry and brass hardware. Green grout with white tile is a way to incorporate the popular green trend into bathrooms without committing to entirely green walls, and pairs well with gold accents. Terracotta grout alongside white tiles brings this popular design trend into spaces, with examples featuring unique oval tiles and matching vanity colors. Monochromatic pink tile and grout offer a feminine and romantic feel, particularly for shower walls, enhanced by silver fixtures. Pale pink tile and yellow grout, though unconventional, create a happy and energetic kitchen backsplash. Robin egg blue tile with burgundy grout provides a high-contrast, dynamic, and balanced aesthetic. Red grout with crisp white tile creates an eye-catching, modern look with a subtle retro edge for kitchen backsplashes or bathroom feature walls. Darker tiles, such as black, can be paired with brighter grout like pink to create a moody yet dramatic atmosphere. Hot pink grout with white tile offers a playful and feminine touch, ideal for kitchen backsplashes or bathrooms. Green tile with blush pink grout is a classic, harmonious combination, especially when the grout color extends to the walls and is accented with gold. Copper-hued tiles, a trending material, can be combined with blue grout for a modern touch, offsetting the warmth of copper with the coolness of blue. Purple tile with mustard yellow grout adds a creative and bright touch to luxurious, dusky purple tones. Light gray tile with salmon-colored grout allows the grout to be the focal point, transforming classic tiles into a modern masterpiece. Finally, white scallop tile with gold grout brings texture, charm, and elegance to kitchens, bathrooms, or mudrooms, while sage green tile with matching grout creates an earthy and grounding, spa-like bathroom environment. White tile with light blue grout offers a softer, less dramatic pop of color, and black-blue tile with golden yellow grout creates a bold and luxurious statement. Metallic brown grout with glossy white arabesque tiles provides an elegant backsplash, especially when paired with brushed brass fixtures. Patterned tiles can be further personalized by choosing a grout color that matches an element within the pattern. #ColorfulGrout #TileCombinations #HomeDecorTrends #InteriorDesign #BathroomDesign #KitchenDesign #GroutColors #ModernAesthetics #RetroDesign

Tiles are traditionally associated with bathrooms and kitchens, but interior designers are increasingly incorporating them into unexpected areas of the home and public spaces. This article explores innovative applications of tiles, moving beyond their conventional use to add rhythm, color, pattern, and scale to various interiors. In bedrooms, tiles, particularly those with warm hues like terracotta, are being used to introduce tactility and color. For example, Arles hotel L’Arlatan features handmade mosaic tiling throughout its bedrooms, creating a kaleidoscopic effect with 6,000 square meters of different colored and shaped tiles. While tiled flooring is practical in hot climates, in colder regions, tiles are being creatively applied to other surfaces. Fiandre Architectural Surfaces' Roc Ancien line demonstrates this by forming a patterned, wall-sized headboard. Casa Ceramica further exemplifies maximalist design by combining large, patterned floor tiles with textured wall paneling. Living rooms, typically characterized by softer elements, are also benefiting from the versatility of tiles. Italian brand Ceramiche Refin’s Affrescati range offers porcelain tiles that mimic painted surfaces, suitable for both floors and walls. In a Puglia villa, a neutral color palette is complemented by a stone mosaic floor that seamlessly connects the living space to the rest of the property. Another example is a converted London pie and mash shop, where original Victorian green-and-white wall tiles and clay-colored floor tiles wrap the ground floor, softened for domestic use with built-in cabinetry and glossy ceilings that evoke a lattice framework. Dining rooms and restaurant interiors showcase particularly bold uses of tiles. Bing Ting Cafe in Hull, a former butcher’s shop, integrates new tile expanses that echo its heritage-listed ornate wall and floor tiles, paired with brightly colored furniture and neon lighting. Oversized tiles at Palma hotel Concepció by Nobis create a striking contrast with stone arches. In Chandigarh, India, Renesā Architecture’s Tin Tin restaurant features a 'mosaic matrix' of hand-laid stone and terrazzo that covers counters, dining nooks, and floors, forming an intricate collage of grids. Madrid pastry store Cara Mela uses tiles to delineate spaces, with crisp white tiles in the counter area transitioning into a sea-green tiled dining space, illustrating a 'zonal' styling approach applicable to domestic settings. Beyond fixed surfaces, tiles are also being integrated into furniture. Designer Max Lamb’s Working Tile series, in collaboration with Japanese brand TAJIMI, features tiled seating. The Masquespacio-designed restaurant in Valencia extends its maximalist tiled walls to cover furniture, such as tables with a checkerboard pattern. Other furniture items like plinths, side tables, armchairs, and alcoves are also candidates for ceramic coverings. These examples highlight the growing trend of using tiles in diverse and imaginative ways to enhance interior aesthetics and functionality. #InteriorDesign #TileTrends #CeramicTiles #PorcelainTiles #HomeDecoration #ArchitecturalSurfaces #MaximalistDesign #FurnitureDesign

The article explores the idea that traditional interior design color rules are often meant to be broken to create more personalized and expressive living spaces. It emphasizes that while classic color combinations exist, moving beyond them allows for the creation of unique environments that truly reflect individual personality. Emma Deterding, founder of Kelling Designs, likens color application in interiors to nature, where a diverse mix of colors harmoniously coexists, suggesting that scale, pattern, and tones are more crucial than rigid rules. She encourages experimentation with color and pattern, advocating for choices that bring joy and allow one's personality to shine. The article highlights eight common color rules that interior design experts suggest breaking. The first rule challenged is avoiding dark colors in small rooms. Michael Rolland, a DIY expert, argues against the misconception that dark colors shrink a room. Instead, he suggests that dark hues can enhance poorly lit or small spaces by working with the limitations of natural light, rather than against them, potentially making a room feel cozier. The second rule to break is the reliance on white walls as a "safe" option. Annie Sloan, founder of Annie Sloan Chalk Paints, advises against white walls if one lacks confidence in adding color, as white can be challenging to coordinate. She recommends starting with a mid-tone color, such as blue, as a foundation. The third point discusses moving beyond only using complementary colors. Emma Bestley, Creative Director of YesColours, suggests that "clashing" colors can be provocative and demonstrate originality. She encourages experimenting with various colors against a dominant shade on the color wheel, even suggesting homeware accessories as a low-commitment way to test color clashing. Annie Sloan also provides an example of this, pairing vivid orange with soft pastel pink for a playful yet contemporary feel in social spaces. The fourth rule questioned is consistently painting the ceiling white. Sarah Lloyd, Interiors & Paint Specialist at Valspar Paint, notes that while white is a safe choice, painting ceilings in different colors can add depth and elements to a room. She explains that continuing the wall color onto the ceiling can create a "cocooning" effect, known as color drenching, making the space feel more intimate, a sentiment echoed by Michael from The Paint Shed. The fifth rule to challenge is being solely guided by color theory. Clare Walsh, Brand Expert at Kukoon Rugs, believes that emotional response to shades should take precedence over strict adherence to color theory principles, emphasizing that personal preference is key. The sixth rule debunks the old adage that "blue and green should never be seen." Clarissa Hulse, founder of her eponymous homeware brand, states this is nonsense, explaining that deep navy can beautifully complement teals and earthy olives, adding depth and interest to a scheme that might otherwise be flat. The seventh rule suggests moving beyond "disguising" cabinetry. While painting built-in wardrobes the same color as walls can make a room feel larger, Annie Sloan proposes making these units a feature by painting them in uplifting, contrasting shades, creating an unexpectedly fun backdrop. Finally, the eighth rule encourages expanding beyond limiting oneself to a single feature wall. The article argues that taking a strong color across all walls, rather than just one, can create a seamless backdrop and emphasize difference more effectively than contrasting edges. This approach avoids the common perception of a lone feature wall, allowing for a more immersive and impactful color application. #InteriorDesign #ColorTheory #HomeDecor #DesignRules #PersonalizedInteriors #ColorExperimentation #SmallSpaces #CeilingColor #CabinetryDesign

The selection of tile and grout color combinations offers a significant opportunity to enhance interior design, moving beyond conventional white, black, and grey options. While minimizing grout visibility is suitable for some schemes, small format tiles such as metro styles, hexagonal shapes, square encaustic tiles, or mosaics benefit from thoughtful grout color choices to impart distinct character. Leading interior designers, including Kelly Wearstler and Patricia Urquiola, demonstrate how creative grouting can introduce novelty into bathroom designs. Color plays a crucial role in Patricia Urquiola's work, where the interplay of hues is central to her design philosophy. This principle extends to tile and grout pairings, ranging from subtle alternatives to white-on-white combinations to bold, color theory-inspired choices. Rob Whitaker, Creative Director at Claybrook, suggests limiting the color scheme of larger rooms to three or four shades, potentially echoing the grout color in soft furnishings or accessories to unify the aesthetic. One approach involves using white tiles with colored grout, offering a fresh take on a classic. In kitchen backsplashes, for instance, a colored grout can become a focal point, aligning with wall paint and adding depth to the splashback. However, caution is advised with darker grouts on handmade or hand-glazed white tiles, as imperfections can trap pigment, compromising the desired effect. Alternatively, nuanced choices, such as a dark brown grout with white tiles, as seen in Kelly Wearstler’s designs, can create subtle yet engaging visual interest. For a sophisticated look, dark-on-dark tile and grout combinations are effective. Using grout with a similar tone to the tile can draw attention to the glaze's finish, creating a continuous material effect. This is particularly striking with colors like blue and black. Lee Thornley, founder of Bert & May, notes that black tiles with black grout create a modern statement, and while colored grout may fade, this natural process can add texture and depth. Artisanal tiles, characterized by irregular edges and rich glazes, are complemented by off-white or beige grout. A stark white grout can appear artificial with these styles, whereas softer tones preserve the craft qualities of the tiles and the maker's hand. Beige grout, as demonstrated in designs by Max Humphrey, is both stylish and practical for maintaining cleanliness in highly tiled areas. Bold, complementary color schemes, derived from opposing colors on the color wheel, can create energetic spaces. Patricia Urquiola's design for Room Mate Giulia exemplifies this with vibrant blue tiles and orange grout. A more subdued, yet popular, complementary pairing is pink and green, as seen in deep green mosaics with pink or red grout, offering a stylish statement. Triadic combinations, utilizing three equidistant hues on the color wheel, also provide courageous color mixes, such as yellow grout with turquoise tiles and a pink concrete basin, lending a retro vibe. Reversing color combinations for tiles and grout in a two-color scheme offers a playful, graphic approach, ensuring visual interest across different sections. Finally, metallic grouting with copper, silver, or gold pigments can serve as a defining feature, particularly when complementing existing fixtures, such as copper elements in a minimalist white bathroom. The choice between lighter or darker grout largely depends on whether the goal is to highlight individual tiles or create a seamless look, with practical considerations regarding cleanliness and fading also playing a role. #TileGroutCombinations #InteriorDesign #BathroomDesign #KitchenBacksplash #ColorTheory #GroutColor #HomeDecor #DesignTrends

This article, written by Natasha Bazika and published on June 7, 2025, addresses kitchen paint color trends, highlighting five shades that interior designers consider outdated. While acknowledging that context is key to any color's appeal, the piece focuses on colors that, despite past popularity, now tend to make a kitchen feel less current. The objective is to guide homeowners seeking to refresh their kitchen aesthetics by identifying colors to reconsider and suggesting modern alternatives or approaches to using these hues. The article features insights from two design experts: Alyssa Anselmo, architect and founder of Studio Anva, and Daniel Joseph Chenin, architect, interior designer, and founder of Daniel Joseph Chenin Ltd. Burnt orange and mustard yellow are identified as colors that can evoke a heavy, 1970s retro vibe. While not inherently bad, these shades are challenging to modernize, particularly when used on prominent features like cabinetry or walls. Anselmo suggests these emotionally charged colors are best applied sparingly, such as in small objects or textiles, to avoid overpowering the space. Red lacquer kitchens, once considered ultramodern and bold, are now seen as aggressive and synthetic, with a glossy, plastic-like finish that is difficult to integrate into softer designs. Anselmo advises against bright red, whether lacquered or not, for entire kitchens, advocating for its use in small, flexible accents like stools or ceramic bowls. Navy blue, a long-time favorite for kitchen cabinetry, has become predictable due to its widespread use. Daniel Joseph Chenin notes that deep blue can create a heavy or overly formal atmosphere, which may not align with the desire for comfort in a kitchen. He recommends earthy greens or muddy teals as fresher alternatives that offer similar richness and depth while maintaining a connection to nature. Charcoal gray, a past staple for its sleek and urban aesthetic in modern kitchens, now often appears cold and overly industrial, especially when combined with other hard surfaces. Chenin suggests warmer grays with brown or taupe undertones to create a softer, more inviting look, especially when paired with natural wood or brass. Finally, glossy white kitchens, which gained popularity for their fresh, clean, and modern appeal and ability to make spaces feel larger, are now perceived as clinical and unforgiving. Their glossy surfaces also highlight fingerprints and smudges. Chenin advises opting for warmer whites with matte or satin finishes, such as bone, ivory, or soft linen, to achieve a more welcoming ambiance. #KitchenPaintColors #InteriorDesignTrends #KitchenDesign #HomeDecor #ColorTrends #OutdatedColors #PaintPalettes #KitchenRefresh

The selection of interior colors is a critical element in home design, capable of significantly impacting the longevity and aesthetic appeal of a space. While certain color palettes may gain widespread popularity, they can also quickly become outdated, leading to interiors that feel dated or uninspired. This discussion delves into several colors that designers are increasingly moving away from, offering contemporary alternatives that align with current preferences for warmth, comfort, and sophisticated versatility. Gray, once a ubiquitous neutral, is now largely considered an outdated choice. Its cool undertones can evoke feelings of self-doubt and instability, making spaces feel impersonal and even depressive. The current trend strongly favors warmer neutrals, particularly beige, which offers a soft, timeless appeal. Beige brightens rooms while exuding a sense of flawlessness and offers greater flexibility for integrating colorful art, accent furnishings, and antique pieces. Designers suggest that if gray must be used, warmer, more complex shades should be chosen to add depth and dimension, but beige remains the preferred option for its comforting and versatile qualities. Pure white, despite its potential for purity and simplicity, is another color that is losing favor as a dominant scheme. When used extensively, white can create clinical, cold, and impersonal environments. Color psychologists note that while white can reduce visual clutter, it may also lead to a sense of emotional shutdown. As an alternative, mood-boosting yellows are recommended. Yellow shades introduce a touch of nostalgia and warmth, reminiscent of sun-drenched days, and can uplift the mood of a room. It functions effectively as both an accent color and a primary hue, pairing beautifully with monochrome elements for a modern look or with soft greens for a natural, calming effect. Deep purple, historically associated with royalty, is now viewed as overbearing and gloomy if not implemented meticulously. Its intensity can be imposing, especially in poorly lit or smaller spaces. A more contemporary and versatile alternative is lilac, a softer, less dominating shade. Lilac provides a soothing and gentle atmosphere, drawing inspiration from natural elements like wisteria and heather. This subtle shift allows for more diverse color combinations and contributes to serene interior designs. Harsh red is another color that designers are advising against for primary use in interiors. Red is often linked to stress responses, such as increased heart rate and heightened senses, and is frequently used in warning signals due to its intense and stimulating nature. While acknowledging red's potential to make a house appear expensive, the preference is shifting towards paler, more natural variations. Shades like Sherwin Williams’ Redend Point, a subtle, earthy red akin to clay, are favored for their contemporary warmth and ability to harmonize with natural environments. These gentler reds work with, rather than against, the natural surroundings, offering sophistication without the intensity of traditional reds. Finally, overbearing orange is being phased out due to its overstimulating qualities. Like red, orange can be too energetic for restful areas like bedrooms, potentially disrupting sleep and encouraging an overactive imagination. Instead of bold oranges, decorating with pink is suggested as a warmer and more inviting option. Rosy shades provide a versatile backdrop for bolder colors and can infuse a space with warmth and comfort. Pinks with orange or ochre undertones can be paired with bright reds or white for harmonious yet uplifting schemes, or with azure blue, navy, and Indian green for a balanced effect. Ultimately, the choice of room color should prioritize creating a joyous and revitalizing environment. Color is a cost-effective and vital element in home design, deserving careful consideration to ensure that the chosen palette contributes positively to the overall feel and longevity of the interior. #InteriorDesignTrends #ColorPsychology #HomeDecorIdeas #PaintColors #NeutralPalettes #WarmColors #MoodBoostingColors #OutdatedColors

This article explores the growing trend of incorporating color into kitchen design, moving away from traditional all-white or millennial gray aesthetics. It highlights how designers are embracing a broader spectrum of colors, from deep, moody hues like rich red and deep blue to vibrant and cheerful shades such as soft pink and sage green. The shift in design philosophy reflects a desire for more personalized and expressive interiors. The article provides inspiration through a curated selection of colorful kitchens, catering to various styles, including those who prefer a more subdued yet colorful approach. The article details 20 specific color schemes and design examples. These include: "Cool Yellow," a light yellow-green against white shiplap walls with gold hardware; "Cobalt Blue," a bold choice balanced with simple backsplashes and chrome accents; "Moody Teal," demonstrating how a cheerful color can feel neutral; "Burnt Orange," using dark orange to define spaces and blend with warm wood; "Bright Yellow" paired with blue-gray cabinets for contrast; "Navy Blue + Bright White," a subtle way to add color while maintaining crispness; and "Glossy Green" for a dramatic effect in secondary kitchen spaces. Further examples illustrate the versatility of color. "Light Teal" cabinets are shown with marble countertops for an elevated look. "Deep Purple" is presented as a bold yet calming choice, best paired with creams and whites. "Soft Pink" cabinets create a warm, inviting atmosphere, especially with gold hardware. "Botanical Green" is highlighted as a timeless, nature-inspired hue often complemented by botanical wallpaper. "Wine Red" showcases a monochrome approach with rusty reds on walls, cabinets, and window treatments, accented with gold. "Glossy Blue + Splash of Yellow" features high-gloss blue cabinets contrasted by sunny yellow pendant lights, while "Forest Green" combines a nature-inspired green with crisp white for upper cabinets. The article also covers more eclectic combinations such as "Teal Green + Bright Coral," which pairs dark green cabinets with terra-cotta-colored walls. "Pastel Blue" is recommended for a calm and cool feeling, enhanced by walnut wood and gold hardware. "Sage Green" cabinets are presented as a classic choice, creating juxtaposition with white walls and natural wood accents. "Sunny Yellow + Bright Blue" offers a beach-inspired look with patterned tile backsplashes. "Bold Black" is suggested for drama and contrast against a white tile backsplash, and "Seafoam Green" is depicted as an ocean-inspired interior with baby blue walls and woven pendant lights. Additional color ideas include "Barbie Pink" for a striking look with white walls and chrome hardware; "Breezy Blue" for a calming effect; "Sage Green + Onyx Black" for a sophisticated contrast; "Light Blue" cabinets contrasted with dark wood paneled ceilings; "Deep Green" with gray undertones complemented by marble countertops; "Bright Red" for a retro vibe with stainless steel and black; "Dark Green" cabinets with raw wood shelves; "Dark Blue" with true blue patterned backsplashes; "Rich Brown" for an earthy feel; "Light Green" alongside dark wood lower cabinets; "Navy Blue" for a modern, moody aesthetic; "Hunter Green" paired with white and black-and-white tiled flooring; "Aqua Blue" for a high-energy, personality-filled space; "Soft Blue-Gray" for a soothing effect; "Lime Green" for a farmhouse feel; "Soft Yellow" for a cohesive, warm look; "Moss Green" for an earthy tone with chrome and stainless steel; "Slate Blue" for a subtle pop of color on a kitchen island; "Teal + Mint Green" for a trendy color combination; and "Olive Green" as a soft backdrop to black cabinets and window frames. The overall message is that personal expression through color is now paramount in kitchen design. #KitchenDesign #ColorfulKitchens #InteriorDesignTrends #PaintColors #HomeDecor #KitchenRemodel #CabinetColors #DesignInspiration

This article explores the growing design trend of utilizing colored grout to enhance tiled surfaces in various residential settings. It presents several case studies showcasing how different colors and materials of grout can dramatically alter the aesthetic of a space, moving beyond traditional white or gray options. The first example features a bathhouse in central Victoria, Australia, where Partners Hill used slip-glazed clay bricks with contrasting mortar to match the raw clay color of the other sides, creating a cohesive and earthy look within a greenhouse-like environment. This design choice contributes to a rural enclave that also hosts a cooking school and reception venue. Another instance highlights a London Victorian terrace renovated by Office S&M, where a strict no-gray policy led to a vibrant and bold interior. The ground-floor bathroom incorporates marbled countertops made from recycled materials by Smile Plastics, paired with cheerful yellow grout outlining white tiles on both floors and walls. The kitchen in the same residence features pink square Domus tiles with turquoise blue Mapei grout, which complements the pale blue pantry and teal cabinetry, demonstrating a playful and harmonious color scheme. In Seattle, architect Michelle Linden's renovation of her 1920s home involved opening up the space to light and color. For the living room's new fireplace surround, she opted for Cava Tile and custom-mixed salmon pink grout, highlighting the potential for personalized color choices to achieve a specific aesthetic vision. The article also touches upon an Australian home designed by State of Kin, where the choice of materials and colors was inspired by the Western Australian landscape. In the wet areas, terra-cotta grout was used to offset simple white Sugie tiles, grounding the design in local influences. An L.A. home owned by art collectors, renovated by Síol Studios, features dark terra-cotta floor tiles that extend to the terrace. A subtle yet impactful detail is the brass inlay in the grout line where the kitchen flooring meets the island's brass backsplash, designed to catch the evening light and illuminate the line. A London couple's renovation of an 1890s Victorian terrace included a first-floor bathroom with herringbone wall tiles from Topps Tiles set off by an earthy-hued grout, complementing copper fixtures crafted by the homeowners. The article further details a minimalist black-and-white kitchen in an Upper West Side brownstone apartment, where elongated black tiles are contrasted with lighter gray grout, creating a sleek and modern look. A tiny 355-square-foot apartment in Taipei, renovated by Phoebe Sayswow Architects, adopts a Muji-like minimalist aesthetic with white walls, birch plywood, and glazed white tiles, strikingly accented with cherry-pink grout. This pink grout continues into the bathroom, tying the spaces together and adding a playful element to the minimalist design. Finally, a guest bath in a vacation home in Crested Butte, Colorado, designed by Gina D'Amore Bauerle, features gray glass herringbone tiles with lime-green glitter grout, showcasing a bold and unexpected color choice. In Singapore, a flat renovated by Open Studio uses terra-cotta tiles with matching grout to introduce a youthful dimension to bedrooms and bathrooms, balancing the moody social areas. Another example from Madrid highlights an apartment by elii, where blue grout is used in the bathroom to introduce bright color, contrasting with yellow drawers and hardware. These diverse projects collectively illustrate that grout, often overlooked, can be a powerful design element capable of introducing color, texture, and personality into a space, creating unexpected visual interest and contributing significantly to the overall design narrative. #GroutDesign #TintedGrout #TileDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ModernInteriors #ColorInDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #DesignTrends

Selecting bathroom tiles involves a significant investment in both cost and time, making the choice of color crucial for longevity and aesthetic satisfaction. Interior design trends constantly evolve, but certain tile colors possess a timeless appeal that can prevent a bathroom from feeling dated. While adventurous tile choices might suit a powder room or small accent areas, main bathrooms, used daily, benefit from more enduring color palettes. The primary advice from designers is to keep the larger, foundational elements of the bathroom, such as countertops and flooring, classic and clean, allowing for more playful experimentation with fixtures like handles, lighting, and storage. Terracotta emerges as a robust option for those seeking a lasting bathroom color beyond neutrals, offering warmth through its earthy tones. This color evokes a rustic charm and pairs well with other natural hues like taupe and earthy green. Interior designers note its ability to visually warm a space, contributing to a more comfortable atmosphere, even if the room temperature is cool. Green is another enduring color, particularly in soothing tones, due to its natural associations. While white subway tiles are often considered timeless, some designers argue that vibrant colors like emerald green possess a classic charm that transcends fleeting trends, especially when paired with white for a refreshing look or used to define specific areas like a shower. For an unequivocally timeless choice, crisp white tiles are unparalleled. To avoid a sterile appearance, warmer shades of white can be selected, and color can be introduced through easily changeable accessories like towels, bath rugs, or wall art. White serves as a versatile palette, accommodating various color combinations over time. Many designers suggest using white or neutral tiles as a safe base and incorporating bolder colors through paint, which is less expensive and easier to update. Black offers a striking contrast, particularly when combined with white to create dynamic patterns or zones within the bathroom. This classic black and white combination can achieve a modern, graphic look that remains stylish. Options like hexagons, penny rounds, and basketweave patterns in black and white are popular for their timeless appeal, offering limitless pairing and design possibilities, such as a checkerboard pattern with marble-look tiles. Neutral grays and beiges also provide a timeless foundation, offering a sophisticated and luxurious feel, especially when using materials like marble. Carrara and Calcutta marbles, for instance, have been used for centuries and continue to exude elegance. When considering tile color relative to wall color, the desired ambiance dictates the choice: a light, spa-like feel calls for monochromatic floors and walls, while a bold, dramatic effect can be achieved by contrasting dark floors with light walls or vice versa. For bathroom vanities, natural wood tones are recommended for their versatility and timelessness, providing a soothing contrast to any tile and paint selections. Regarding tile patterns, Moroccan tiles with their intricate designs and vivid colors offer a bold yet timeless aesthetic, while Delft tiles with their iconic blue and white imagery evoke an old-world charm. Various online retailers, including Home Depot, Wayfair, and Lowe's, provide a wide selection of tiles for different styles and budgets. #BathroomTileColors #TimelessDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeRenovation #TerracottaTiles #GreenTiles #WhiteBathroom #BlackAndWhiteBathroom #NeutralTiles

The article emphasizes the often-overlooked importance of grout color in home tiling projects, asserting that it is as crucial as the tile choice itself. Carrie Waller, founder of Dream Green DIY, highlights how grout can dramatically enhance or detract from the aesthetic appeal of a tile installation. Many individuals spend considerable time selecting tiles but neglect the grout, a mistake that can undermine the entire design. Waller advises against making a last-minute grout decision. Instead, she recommends choosing grout color concurrently with tile selection. To facilitate this, she suggests picking up free grout color sheets from home improvement stores. These sheets provide true-to-life printed blocks of color from manufacturers. It is crucial to examine these color sheets at home in the specific room where the tiles will be installed, allowing for an accurate assessment under the room's unique lighting conditions. Homeowners should also have their chosen tiles on hand to place next to the grout printouts for a realistic preview of the final look. Another key consideration is the size of the grout lines, which can be manipulated to achieve different design effects. Grout color can either complement a minimalist aesthetic or contribute to a maximalist design. For those seeking a balanced approach, Waller suggests selecting a grout color that is one or two shades lighter or darker than the tile. When a bold grout color is chosen, its visual impact can be toned down by opting for slimmer grout lines. This can be achieved by using 1/16-inch spacers during tiling instead of 1/8-inch spacers, resulting in a more refined yet still visible grout line. The application process also demands attention, particularly regarding the removal of excess grout. Waller advises considering the thickness or thinness of the tiles, as this should guide the amount of grout left behind. She cautions against leaving thick, uneven grout lines, which can indicate an amateur application. To ensure a professional finish, a heavy hand should be used when wiping away wet grout from between the tiles. The sponge should be passed back and forth gently but firmly until the edges of the tiles become visible. This technique helps to hide any DIY work and ensures a clean, polished appearance. The article concludes by offering four favorite grout color ideas, along with examples of when to use them. Alabaster grout is recommended for marble tiles to accentuate dark veining. Charcoal grout is suggested to add a bold contrast to classic white subway tiles. Coral grout, inspired by Kelly Mindell of Studio DIY, is presented as a subtle blush option for white or gray penny tiles, particularly when paired with gold plumbing fixtures. Finally, bright white grout is recommended for black hexagon tiles to highlight their unique shape and make the tile work stand out. These examples illustrate how strategic grout color choices can elevate various tile styles and overall room designs. #GroutColor #TileDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesignTips #DIYHomeImprovement #BathroomDesign #KitchenDesign #ColorCoordination

This article explores popular paint color choices favored by local interior designers, offering guidance for refreshing home interiors. It highlights that selecting a paint color can be challenging due to the vast number of available options, even within a single hue or brand. The article aims to simplify this process by presenting expert-approved shades for various home environments, ranging from calming neutrals to bold statement colors. Jennifer Verruto, founder and designer-in-chief of Blythe Interiors, recommends Sherwin-Williams's "Really Teal" for small spaces, describing it as bright, fresh, and cheerful, perfect for creating an intentional and vivid pop in areas like a reading nook. Verruto also expresses her affinity for Sherwin-Williams's "Naval," a timeless, bold color that adds richness and depth. She advises that despite its dark tone, "Naval" can make a room feel cozy rather than small, provided there is ample natural light and large furnishings to balance the color, as demonstrated in her son's nursery. Danielle Perkins, principal designer and owner of Danielle Interior Design & Decor, often uses Sherwin-Williams's "Westhighland White" for clients seeking white walls. She notes that this warm white is ideal for rooms with abundant natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere. However, she cautions that in rooms with limited light, it might exhibit a yellowish tint. Perkins has applied this color throughout open-plan spaces, including ceilings, to allow architectural features like woodwork to stand out. For windowless rooms, Perkins consistently opts for Sherwin-Williams's "Alabaster," a cooler shade. She pairs it with warmer lighting to prevent the space from appearing stark, emphasizing its reliability in such settings. Treci Smith, an interior stylist from Treci Smith Designs, suggests Glidden's "Midnight Hour" as a versatile charcoal neutral. She has utilized this dark gray extensively, painting fences, her studio, and various rooms within her home. Smith characterizes "Midnight Hour" as sophisticated and moody, suitable for both small, dramatic spaces, like a kids' bathroom, and larger rooms with ample natural light, such as an all-white kitchen where she used it on lower cabinets. Hope Clark, founder and principal designer of Olive + Oak Interiors, considers Benjamin Moore's "Silver Satin" the ideal gray. She describes it as a balanced shade—neither too light nor too dark, and neither too cool nor too warm—making it perfect for creating a subtle contrast against white trim. Clark also highlights Farrow & Ball's "Card Room Green" as a popular choice, reflecting a trend toward soothing colors inspired by natural elements. She used a lightened version of this soft green (25 percent brighter) on the woodwork in her son's nursery to evoke a sense of calm. Oscar Bravo of Oscar Bravo Home recommends Behr's "Rustic Taupe," a warm taupe that appears almost gray. He notes its effectiveness in rooms lacking natural light, explaining that a saturated hue like this can make a space feel cozy and elegant, contrary to the misconception that bright colors are always best for dark rooms. Bravo applied "Rustic Taupe" to textured wallpaper in his guest room to achieve this effect. The article concludes by encouraging readers to consider these designer-approved shades for their home renovation projects. #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #HomeDecor #DesignTips #SherwinWilliams #BenjaminMoore #Glidden #Behr