3 unexpected grout colors that prove you don’t have to decorate with just white

Colorful tiles are pretty commonplace in the home. Whether you opt for green tiles in a bathroom or bright blue tiles for a kitchen backsplash, the one unifying factor is typically the neutral grout that holds the design together.

It doesn't have to be this way, though. In fact, introducing colorful grout is a fantastic way to infuse a space with an unexpected (but delightful) burst of color, serving as a great tile idea.

'Custom-colored grout is my preferred approach,' explains Jackie Ho, founder of design firm Ho & Lacy. 'It allows for a tailored match to the project’s palette and adds a layer of intentionality. It’s also relatively inexpensive. However, grout can cure differently from control samples, so flexibility and the right expectations are key. When selecting a shade, consider the tile’s color, finish, size, and shape to ensure the grout enhances the design rather than competes with it.'

We spoke with three designers who have recently used colorful grout in their projects to get more of an insight into what colors, and what color combinations they have successfully tried and tested.

1. Earthy terracotta

Terracotta is a big color trend right now, and it makes for the perfect colorful grout because it's not miles away from the chalky, clay shades of a more traditional neutral grout. It adds a hint of color and warmth, without feeling overly bold.

'In this bathroom, the deep earthy grout tone plays a crucial role in unifying the space, creating a sense of depth and warmth,' says İrem Başer, partner and interior designer at Escapefromsofa. 'Instead of the usual neutral grout that disappears into the tiles, this choice accentuates the geometric structure of the walls and floors, adding an unexpected layer of texture.'

'It challenges the traditional notion that grout should be a background element, instead making it a key player in the design narrative,' İrem continues. 'This approach aligns with our philosophy – where we blend contemporary aesthetics with rich materiality, crafting spaces that feel both grounded and sophisticated. The result is a moody, intimate, and tactile atmosphere that transforms the bathroom into a sensorial experience rather than just a functional space.'

2. Ochre yellow

We know yellowing grout is something you want to avoid in a bathroom, but yellow grout, or more specifically an ochre grout can elevate a plain tile adding a clear pop of color in a subtle and chic way.

Ochre has long been an interior favorite, infusing the brightness of orange with the warmth of a rich brown (and making it a palatable way to decorate with yellow). Jackie Ho tells us that she used this unexpected hue as a grout shade against white tiles on a recent project.

'For this project, we used a burnt mustard grout – a shade that started as sunflower yellow in our mock-up process but evolved into something richer and more nuanced, just the right amount of deep ochre,' Jackie says. 'Paired with 2"x2" cream square tiles in a child's bathroom, it added the perfect balance of playfulness and warmth.'

3. Deep Blue

Deep blue is a great alternative if you are after a darker grout like gray or black, it's a softer option that pairs nicely with lighter-colored tiles but can also work well to tone down the contrast between a deep blue tile and a black or gray grout.

'For 2025, the main interior colors (for both kitchens and bathrooms) are calming neutrals such as deep blues, terracotta and sage green, so expect to see these colors appearing when grout shopping!' Grazzie Wilson, Head of Creative at Ca’ Pietra says. 'These colors can also work in contrast with other shades of tiles; for example, a plain white tile with deep blue grout is replacing grey grout which we saw for several years.'

While the above colors are definitely a departure from the traditional white or gray grout, they are still very livable, and rather than making a big statement, choosing an unexpected grout color can actually soften the look of your tile designs.