The Often Overlooked: Grout

So you’re doing a kitchen/bath remodel. You’ve thoughtfully selected the cabinets, hardware, countertop, and tile accents. You’ve covered everything, right? Oh but what about that stuff in between the tile? Granted not many people think long and hard about their grout color selection; that’s exactly why we’re writing this post. Grout is often an easy choice, just go with the one that blends best with the tile. It can be that easy, but it can also be so much more than that.

When choosing grout color, there’s many overlooked aspects that come into play. It can really make or break a space, so what are some questions you need to answer before installing? We have them right here to make sure you achieve the mood you’re looking for.

Is your pattern busy or simple?

If you’re looking to really enunciate the pattern of the tile, choosing a darker grout color will achieve this. By distinctly outlining the pattern, it’ll bring interest and carry the eye across the room. Going with a lighter color will tone down the impact of the tile and help it blend into the background of the room. If you’re looking to create a comfortable, peaceful space, this option would be the best to blend all the elements on what seems like a blank canvas.

https://www.decoist.com/2012-11-02/choosing-a-kitchen-backsplash-to-fit-your-design-style/

White grout assures this pattern doesn’t become overwhelming.

Is it in an area with heavy traffic?

Whether it’s going under your toes or above a countertop, if the tile is going to see a lot of action, it’s better to pick a mid-tone to dark grout. In bathrooms and rooms like the foyers with heavy traffic, dirt will be carried and fall into hard to clean crevices. Above sinks and ovens, this will hide stains from splashing grease. Unless you plan on cleaning it often, picking darker colors will save stress and help maintain the cleanliness of your home. If the area doesn’t need constant upkeep, feel free to choose a lighter grout.

https://designthefurniture.com/25-trendy-colorful-and-metallic-grout-ideas

The black grout will hide years of dirt coming through the door

Is the space small or large?

Whether it is a small or big space can effect your choice, too. When dealing with a tighter space, say a half bath, lighter grout will maintain a more airy feel, with room to spare. If you’re looking for at a large room, like a kitchen/dining room, the color of the grout is not as big of a deal. Mid-tones often work well in spaces like this with their busy schedules and expansion, you don’t want the room to feel too busy.

https://brepurposed.porch.com/2017/05/10/modern-vintage-bathroom-reveal-2/

A clean contrast style complemented by black grout on white tile.

Have you thought about colored grout?

Colored grout is lesser known, but a valid choice depending on the mood you want the room to set. With new ideas being brought in every released collection, options vary from glittered grout to your favorite color. The benefits of picking one of these options is it adds personality to a space or adds color without being too obvious or overwhelming. Going out of your comfort zone in this manner is clever, for you can change the color of grout quite easily, it’ll eventually become one with the space.

https://designthefurniture.com/25-trendy-colorful-and-metallic-grout-ideas

This neon yellow grout choice is very modern.

This year, April 9-12th, we’re attending The Coverings Show in Orlando. At this event all about tile, coverings, and connections, you’ll be able to find the latest products in the market. Keep up on new trends with us and register for the expo for a once in a lifetime experience! Follow their pages for more information, linked below.

https://www.coverings.com/home-attendees/

Facebook: @CoveringsShow
Twitter: @Coverings
Instagram: @CoveringsShow
#coverings2019

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Kitchen Cleaning Tips: The Basics

Did you think Spring Cleaning was over? Well, we have bad news and good news. The bad news is that cleaning never stops, but the good news is that if you keep up with it, you will have an impeccably clean home and will only have to clean a little at a time. Think all the wonderful summer months ahead that we hope to have many cookouts and parties in our homes. We all want to maintain a clean and crisp kitchen for when our lovely guests make an appearance. There isn’t a better time to start it. So, get up ladies, and lets start our kitchen cleaning!

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1. To begin, zap your stone counter stains with hydrogen peroxide. You can remove most coffee or juice stains with a little hydrogen peroxide in water mixed with a few drops of ammonia. For everyday wear and tear of your stone countertops, buff away small scratches with superfine dry steel wool called “grade 0000.” This, we consider, every day basic kitchen cleaning. Just have that little mixture on hand all the time.

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2. Use baking soda to mop up tile. To clean tile floors or a backsplash, we suggest mixing baking soda and water together as a homemade cleaner. Pour half a cup of baking soda into two gallons of water, and scrub with a sponge or string mop.

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3. Clean Cast iron with salt. To clean a cast-iron pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil and place on medium heat. Once the pan is heated, pour in 3 tablespoons of salt. Next, using a tong to hold a paper towel, scour until clean. Finally, rinse and coat with vegetable oil to cure. Done! This is a kitchen cleaning secret that needs to be heard!

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4. Shine floors with white vinegar. Everyone wants their wood floors to have that nice clean shine, so get yourself a bucket and pour nine parts water to one part white vinegar. This cheap trick has been passed around for decades!

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5. Wipe away wall splatters. There are basically two types of stains on painted walls: oil and waterborne. For the waterborne ones, we suggest you take a wet cloth or paper towel to clean them away. These stains would include things like ketchup, wine, Jell-O, mustard, and other water based substances. For oily stains, such as cooking grease or crayons, try using a little mild dish washing soap mixed with water, and then, rinse with water as well.

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6. Remove Tarnish with ketchup! It’s not just for french fries! To remove tarnish from copper and brass fixtures, pots, and pans, give ketchup a shot. Dab some onto a soft cloth and gently rub. Finish by rinsing with warm water.

That’s all we’ve got today for kitchen cleaning tips, but don’t worry! There are many more tips and tricks to come!

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Thank you for being an A.Clore Interiors Blog reader…..

Don’t forget: you can find us on Facebook – “like” us to keep up with the latest and greatest!

You can always find more design inspiration on our Pinterest and Instagram pages!

Connect with us on Google+ and LinkedIn

Visit our Website for more information on what we are about and how interior design can change your life!

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