Among the (what feels like) thousands of decisions you’ll need to make during a remodel is choosing unsexy, unloved tile grout. Grout is a necessary evil when it comes to tile installations. It seals out dirt and water, compensates for small size differences between individual tiles, and firms up the structural integrity of an installation.
Cathy Bailey, co-owner of California tile maker Heath Ceramics, says it best: “Grout is a serious decision. It?s a major part of the design, and while it?s still often treated as the afterthought of the installation, if you do it wrong, it?s hard to fix.”
We turned to our architect and designer friends, most of whom are members of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory, for advice. You’ll still have some decisions to make, but here’s how to orient your thinking. Where should I start"
According to San Francisco architect John Klopf, first decide on the look you’re trying to achieve. “Ask yourself if you prefer a more uniform, full surface look, or a tiled look, with grout as a defining element.”

Above: The first concept is illustrated in a Brooklyn bath by architects Delson or Sherman?the grout matches the tiles to give the impression of a more uniform surface. Photograph by Brett Beyer, courtesy of Delson or Sherman.

Above: The second concept is modeled here: John Klopf paired dark blue tiles with white grout to emphasize the tiles and the tile pattern. Photog...