I prefer the darker because it makes the tile and the stone pop more. I notice the lighter colored grout more.

I prefer the first one. I think it is browner? We're looking at samples of grouted tile, correct? It's difficult to make a comparison because the 1st pic has 5 grout lines & is photographed from a distance & the 2nd pic is a closeup of one grout line.

It is very difficult for us to choose a grout color because everyone's monitor reads color slightly differently. Plus if you took the photo in one light it would look one way and if you took it in another light it would look a different way.

The best suggestion is to look at it in all different lights noting each time of day which you prefer.

Carrie, yes - I test grouted them in the Driftwood gray the designer suggested - the same grout that will be on the floor tile. I just wanted the subway tile to be more subtle, not so much contrast. She said I shouldn't mix the warm and cool color grouts in the room..????

I think my real question is MIXING a warm & cool grout. Warm on the floor and using a completely different, cool grout on the subway. Yay or Nay?

No, I'd not mix grouts but that's just me. Too close-eyes may pick up on it moving up or down counter top to floor and back. I like the darker btw. Plus, less dirt shows. Good luck. Nice selections.

I bet you're using a different tile on the floor. I'd use the more subtle grout if that is the look you prefer. I can't say that I've ever noticed if floor & tile grout match in the thousands of kitchen pictures on GW & Houzz.

I thought the question was on mixing warm with cool grout?

Now I get it. I don't know. I also thought I was looking at two different grout samples.