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An Eye on Detail: Color Coordination

15.12.2025
Color is one of the most powerful tools in design; capable of shifting a mood, defining a space, and transforming an ordinary installation into a memorable work of art. Yet, while tile and stone often take center stage, the finer details that surround them, profiles, trims, grouts, and sealants, quietly determine whether a project feels truly cohesive. These elements may be small, but their impact is significant. When thoughtfully coordinated, they enhance aesthetics, reinforce design intent, and ensure the finished space appears polished and intentional. In today’s world of limitless color possibilities, understanding how to leverage these supporting materials can make all the difference in achieving a seamless, expressive design vision.

Why Profiles, Trims, Grouts, and Sealants Matter

Description of image
Contrasting colors can make design elements like shower niches stand out in an installation.

A new kitchen floor with colorful tiles to coordinate with the cabinets and countertop. A modern, sleek bathroom that is fashioned to feel like a spa. An exquisite mosaic that serves as a piece of art on a high-profile wall in the lobby of a hotel or commercial building. 

In each of these instances, color and aesthetics play a significant role. They impact everything from emotion to perception, which makes it vital for designers and architects to pay close attention to how they employ color in a project. Artists, too, understand that even the smallest elements can have a big impact on how a space feels.

With so many options available, curators may ironically face a paradox of choice. Such can be the case when coordinating the colors of grouts, sealants, profiles, and trims, the supporting infrastructure of projects made of tile and stone. With the right guidance, virtually any design vision is within reach. 

The Details: Profile and Trim Colors

Each person’s perception of color can vary from that of another. Not only is this impacted by the relationship between the eyes and the brain, but it can also be influenced by light, reflection, angle, and even our current state of mind. Location can also matter, with identical colors looking different inside than they do outside.

Because colors set the mood for a space, it is important that architects and designers consider the emotions they seek to impart. An energetic feeling would be achieved through bolder, brighter colors, for instance. By contrast, cooler and neutral tones can subdue moods and exhibit tranquility.

Even the smallest details play a role in achieving a desired look. Profiles and trims set the framework for the installation while also enhancing the overall design. They can accentuate or blend with a chosen color scheme. For an elegant, classic look, brass trim elements can be paired with blue tile. More minimalist looks can be achieved by combining matte black profiles and trims with white tile. Both examples exhibit different styles, but also different emotions. 

Grouts & Sealants: Subtlety or Contrast?

Allison Eden botanicals mosaic using LATICRETE ANYCOLOR custom grout
An Allison Eden mosaic tile featuring PERMACOLOR® Select Grout in three different ANYCOLOR™ selections.

Consistency is key in achieving a desired look. That is why specific consideration should also be given to sealants and grout. Like profiles and trims, their incorporation can also have a robust impact.

Grouts, for instance, can be used to blend into a design or be used as a primary element in a final look. Allison Eden, storied New York-based mosaic artist, incorporates colored grouts and sealants in her works to emphasize the emotional impact of her designs. Such use transforms grout from what is ordinarily a utilitarian element to a one that becomes art itself. 

“Over the years, I’ve had to mix paint over white grout to get my desired color on all of my samples,” said Eden. “The custom coloring of the PERMACOLOR® Select ANYCOLOR™ grout is my favorite because not only do I not have to do that anymore, my customers are now able to order all of these crazy, unique mixtures that I have custom made thanks to this line.”

A different approach is to blend in with surrounding colors. This is where grouts should be specified in a color that is similar to the color of the tile. This prevents it from being a distraction and serves as a more secondary element to the design. This can contribute to a more “wide open” feeling when used on installations with larger tiles. 

If the intent is to highlight specific elements in a project’s layout, architects and designers can command attention by using a contrasting color. This is particularly useful when a designer seeks to highlight a specific element in the tile pattern, like a herringbone or basketweave layout. Sealants, too, can be used in a similar way to either draw attention to—or away from—a design. 

For both approaches, manufacturers like LATICRETE offer custom colors for both grouts and sealants. When ordered from a reputable brand, such products can offer unmatched design freedom that is also high on performance. 

Installation Strategies For Looks That Last

LATICRETE grout used in Mitchell Pool Awards project
Choosing the right grout for high moisture or outdoor installations like pools or spas can determine how long an installation lasts.

Seasoned professionals know that every tile installation has its own unique set of challenges. Likewise, there are considerations in installation settings that can have an impact on colors. This is especially true for grout: 

Substrate and Tile: It is important for designers and architects to consider the substrate and tile at play. Porous materials like marble or porcelain tile can draw out moisture from grout. This can impact the grout’s hydration process, which can subsequently result in inconsistent coloration. Dry, absorbent surfaces can also have the same problem. To mitigate this, it is prudent to dampen the substrate prior to grouting to help maintain optimal moisture levels.

Light and Moisture: Installations in shaded areas can face longer drying times, which can result in lighter coloration. By contrast, direct sunlight exposure can dry grout more quickly, resulting in darker colors. Thin-set mortar not being cleaned out of the joint during the installation as well as excess water can both impact color.

To properly manage these factors, installers should maintain a clean working space and consider environmental factors when laying down grout. When using a colored grout, it is also advisable that materials come from the same, well blended batches. Different batches or dye lots can result in transitions that stand out. This is where higher-performance (ANSI A118.7), calcium aluminate cement-based grouts are recommended, like LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR®, PERMACOLOR Select, or PERMACOLORSelect NS Grout Base.

A quality sealant should then be used for proper protection and enduring aesthetics. Products like STONETECH® High Gloss Sealer & Finish or STONETECH Semi Gloss Sealer & Finish can be used to accentuate designs and offer different aesthetics.

The Big Picture

Designs no longer need to be restrained by a limited color palette. Because profiles and trims, grouts, and sealants now offer so many possibilities, it is prudent for designers to remember their overall goals for the space. 

For maximum impact and lasting results, ensure the primary elements of the design remain the focal point. As such, it is worthwhile to select profiles, trims, grouts, and sealants as part of an integrated solution for any project. Designers should understand how each can impact the other as well as the overall project. The end results: Cohesion, desirable aesthetics, and client satisfaction.

To Learn More on LATICRETE Coordinating Colors and Finishes in Grouts, Profiles, Sealants and Drains, Visit laticrete.com/ColorStory

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