10 Unusual Tile and Grout Combos We Love in Kitchens and Bathrooms

We’re not saying to say sayonara to white grout on white subway tile, but we are saying have an open mind. Colourful or high-contrast grout injects a playful or dramatic feel to any space, as seen in these convention-defying rooms.

Dean Bradley

1 / 10

Hip to Be Square

Pink, black and white are classic mates, so it’s no surprise the palette works so well in Australian designer Dan Gayfer’s hands. The retro vibe and reprieve from subway tile is also a nice touch in the architecturally striking High House you can read more about here. Note the simple black hardware that doesn’t detract from the gorgeous grid of tiles.

Dean Bradley

2 / 10

Loo With a View (of Stunning Tiles)

Designer Dan Gayfer continues the square theme in the home’s sharp bathroom where black grout enlivens blue tile. Gayfer used a similar tile style on the balcony, too. Check it out here.

Mercury Mosaics

3 / 10

Do the Wave

A mosaic of Moroccan fish scales add wavy charm in this bathroom that defies convention – yes, you can mix subway tile with a different-shaped tile. These beautiful handcrafted, artisanal numbers are by Minneapolis-based Mercury Mosaics. The white grout provides lovely definition against the green. Wanna see what they did with similar fish scales in a kitchen? Flip to the next slide.

Classic Colours — with Crescent-Moon Attitude

Mercury Mosaics

4 / 10

Classic Colours — with Crescent-Moon Attitude

Less subtle than the bathroom we just saw this backsplash still makes a statement nonetheless thanks to the grey and white match-up. Check out more stellar crescent tiles here.

Michelle Gage

5 / 10

Shove Aside, White Subway Tile

A variegated backsplash from Mercury Mosaics creates an inviting focal point against simple white cabinetry in this lovely ocean-inspired kitchen by Philadelphia-based Michelle Gage. Pro Tip: If your cabinets are boring – get sassy with the tiles.

Mercury Mosaics

6 / 10

Tile Plays a Starring Role

Sure, the backdrop is architecturally arresting but that tile takes it over the top. Blanketing the walls, the island and the floors, this Brooklyn brownstone is an ode to the power of the mighty tile.

British Ceramic Tile

7 / 10

In the Black

Play with pattern in the bathroom by not installing tiles in go-to brick. And add dark grout for emphasis.

British Ceramic Tile

8 / 10

A Bright Idea

Crayola-bright teal grout and orange stools make up this inviting island by British Ceramic Tile. Now here’s a simple way to wake up smiling for breakfast.

Rock My Style

9 / 10

Draw Attention Using Grout

White grout would have downplayed this herringbone-patterned wall, but a green-grey grout brings it to the fore. More about tile and the style, by Topps Tiles, can be found here. Pay attention to the lesson on using contrasting grout. (The tile featured here is Artisau Gloss Pink Tile.)

British Ceramic Tile

10 / 10

A Green Scene

Such a nice departure from white-on-white subway tile, don’t you think? This backsplash is fresh and spring-y and you can have lots of fun with coordinating kitchen accessories, like this apple green tin seen here.