How to Pull Off This Easy-to-Clean & Affordable Trend: Square White Tiles & Dark Grout

At once sort of retro-looking, futuristic and with a touch of timeless thrown in, the best part isn’t the great aesthetics of this tile trend; it’s the fact that it’s an affordable and easy-to-clean material combination that can make any kitchen, bathroom or other spot in the home look instantly cool, classic yet sophisticated. Here’s how to pull off the look without it coming off looking boring or too plain!

The square white tile is about as standard of a size and shape as you can get, so you’re looking at a really low price on materials, as dark grout isn’t particularly unusual or expensive, either. With material costs that low, you might be able to budget covering larger spaces (for more drama) or paying someone to put it up for you (for more enjoyment). But of course, you can totally DIY this look for the best deal you can get. Our tips for the best look below:

Helpful links:

• DIY Home Renovation: How To Tile Your Bathroom Shower
• Sandra & Justin’s Kitchen: DIY Tiled Backsplash
• How Much Did it Cost to Buy & Install Your Tile Kitchen Backsplash?
• Pros & Cons: Dark Grout in the Bathroom
• Tips for Choosing Grout: Tiled Bathroom & Kitchen Floors

Embrace the contrast of black and white
If you’re gonna go there, GO THERE. The great thing about white square tiles mixing with dark, almost black grout is that it instantly establishes a dramatic, showstopping contrast palette. To really make a room with this look sing, stick to black and white in the rest of the materials and accessories for a modern, monochrome look.

Let wood and plants warm it up
If this look appeals to you but you’re worried about it looking too colorless or institutional, don’t skimp on the wood and live plants. Earthy textures and details like that will warm the tile/grout combo up but still fit within a modern materials palette and therefore still come off sophisticated looking.

Add glamour with metallic tones
Using the most affordable tile supplies to tile a room doesn’t automatically mean the space will come off as budget. To enhance a room with white square tiles and dark grout, consider splurging on metallic accessories and appliances. Brass and gold look particularly fetching.

Don’t take it so seriously with color
For those worried that you might be too bored with a monochrome, plain look if you stick to only black and white, you need only add a bold color to the mix. Consider keeping the palette to only one strong color as an accent, though, so it completes the overall look, not competes.

Are you rocking this tile trend at home? Tell us all about it in the comments below!