Well, I colored the grout, and it is much darker now. Almost black, actually. New lesson learned: grout dries lighter, dye dries darker!!! I like it, though, because now the green, and other colors, really pop out. Before, the green was lost in the light gray grout. So, I am happy. I'll post another pic when the handle is done. It's funny, while I was dying the grout, the colors really started popping, and suddenly I could see where, on the back of the vase, I had used one tile that was a different purple from the rest(I had two purples, only used one). I hadn't even notice it before!

LOL, this thread caught my attn because I JUST grouted some tiles on my kitchen floor & thought the grout was looking darker then the rest. ~*sigh*~ Well, it had to be done since we removed a wall & had to replace the tile that had been cut against it with whole tiles. We had extra tiles & grout from the original job (8yrs ago!) so of course I used them. ANYWAY...I figured since it was stored in a cool, dark, dry place that it would have minimum fading. It honestly never occured to me that it could be darker! Very interesting. I actually like it better. Hmmmmmmmm Happyladi- they sell a handy little tool for removing grout. It takes some elbow greese, but once you get the hang of it, it was not too bad. I like your advice Bill. I think I will just wait a few months & re-evaluate then. Saying a little prayer over here that it will all blend ok! ;-) JoAnn

It's over a year later, but I thought I'd update everyone on how we feel about our kitchen. We continue to love it. The only things we'd change: practically nothing! The design and flow has worked well for us through the last 12 months. The only things my husband and I have ever-so-briefly mentioned in the past has been the addition of a potfiller at the stove (but my husband, the cook, said it isn't necessary even though he has to take 5 steps from sink to stove), and having the garbage disposal be on the LEFT drain of the sink rather than right (which is my left-handed self being picky about how I do the dishes). We had some brief concern about the dark floors, but they are still lovely and comfortable. We do have to sweep and clean them quite often, but that's okay. That's what the kids are for, right? *lol* HollyRu - as for your question as to what's to the right of the sink, we have a 12" cabinet, our black dishwasher, and then the turn to the winerack. The second rack you see is actually a reflection of the real one on the black dishwasher. When the dishwasher is open, it's a breeze to put away the bowls and plates, which go in the two large dish drawers visible on the same photo.

Grout stain is available through most grout manufacturers. Contact them directly for information. Test on a mock up or under the stove, fridge, in closet. Do not seal as suggested in the link provided above. If color staining is a option you are considering. Applying sealer now could become a issue with staining.