Joanna Gaines' Subtle Tiling Tip That Helps Tie Any Room Together

Trying to choose the right grout color for your floor tile feels like it should be simple. The options are typically limited at the hardware store, so all you have to do is pick between black, brown, gray, or white, and off you go. Not so fast. If you've done a few tile projects in your day, you know that sometimes you can step back to admire the finished project and it just feels ... wrong. The room doesn't come together the way you thought, but you can't put your finger on why. Host of HGTV's "Fixer Upper" and interior design guru Joanna Gaines has been there, done that, and knows exactly what the problem (likely) is: your grout color.

According to Gaines, the right grout color is one of those tiny details that can elevate a space from blah to beautiful for one simple reason: it creates cohesion. "I like to see grout in person on site with the actual tile ... If you've spent that much time on the colors and the actual material itself, why not spend just as much time to make sure that that grout color ties everything together?" she says in an Instagram post. Choosing the wrong color is one of the biggest grouting mistakes people make because your grout color choice changes the look and vibe of your tile, which in turn impacts the entire room. Luckily, with a little know-how, finding the right grout color for your floors can be easy.

The main thing to keep in mind when choosing a kitchen grout color — or really, any floor grout color — is to know what vibe you're going for. Do you want an airy atmosphere, something a little more graphic, or a neutral background that blends into the room? Knowing this will help you find the right grout color to not only complement your tile but the entire space. "If you choose a grout color that's complementary, the grout blends in and lets the tile speak for itself, giving it a classic, traditional feel," Joanna Gaines writes on her website. "... [I]f you want an extra element of personality, you can choose a contrasting grout color."

To create a bold feel with white floor tiles, opt for a black grout to create an edgier look. For a fresh atmosphere, choose a color that closely matches your tile. Or, for a more understated look, pick up a neutral shade that complements the undertones in your chosen tiles.

Once you know which color family you want, examine your tiles to find the right shade. If you want to use a lighter grout, your first thought might be to reach for the white grout. However, if your tiles have shades of warm white or gray, grout in cream or light gray might be best. Bring a tile with you to the store to help you find the right color. Check actual grout samples to help you pick; the color on the package is helpful, but the final color may not be the same once it's applied and cured.