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

Space Planning Like A Designer

Figuring out how to arrange furniture in your home can be tricky. There are many things you should keep in mind and consider in order to maximize your space and avoid overcrowding. It’s vital that you take the time to do space planning before you end up with that beautiful sofa you love that just doesn’t quite fit in your living room like you thought it would. So, today we’re giving you some tips on space planning and providing you with some guidance so you can create the most functional and stylish space possible!

Proper space planning starts with the floorplan.

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Your architect or builder should have this. If an official floor plan isn’t available, create a to-scale drawing of each room based on your own personal measurements. Your floorplan will serve as a guide for how your furniture should be arranged and will help in determining what will fit in each space.

Decide on your most important and second most important pieces.

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These can be existing items or items that you are planning to purchase. Regardless, these are necessary pieces that should be considered first when creating a furniture layout. Before you venture into creating furniture layouts, it’s important to take into consideration a few things. The first is function of the room. Will the room be used as a living room, bedroom, media room, or office? The purpose of the room will dictate the type of furnishings needed. The second thing to consider is traffic patterns. Take note of where the doors and windows are located. What are the most natural “paths” to walk through the room if it provides access to another room. You will need to be sure to avoid placing furniture in these paths.

Consider your lifestyle and the needs of your home.

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Are there elderly family members living in your home? Furniture accessibility or wheelchair access might need to be kept in mind if that’s the case. Same goes for infants and small children. The type of furniture you use along with how you arrange it will be determined by how it works best for every member of the family.

Is there a room focal point?

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Do you want your furniture to be arranged around a television or fireplace? Or is there a pretty picture window with a marvelous view that you wish to be on display?

It’s time to create your furniture layouts!

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Take measurements of each piece of furniture and draw them into your floorplan or individual drawings (starting with your priority pieces first). It’s good to have at least two options of furniture layouts and then you can decide which option, in the end, will work best for your family and your lifestyle!

Don’t forget to have fun!

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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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