Alabaster? Can you get the sample bars of the actual grout and not just the color card? Such peace of mind that way

You might request your contractor do several sample boards using different grouts with your tile. Mine did, and it was a huge help in helping me decide on my grout (who knew there were so many shades of pale gray?? 😳😉). Not only could I see it in my kitchen, I could also see what its final color would be after it dried.

tile looks great. I wouldn't use any of the warmer white, yellow based grouts.

what about Bleached Wood, Rolling Fog or Driftwood?

this pic actually looks like there is a gray grout. and it looks good

Does he have any samples of these grout colors for you to do a sample board?

i believe this one is the Fog one.

what is the stain you're doing? do you have a picture of a sample door stained in the color you're getting?

sample board is a great idea -- I was going to suggest one from the leftmost column, but pick a couple of those and one cooler and see which look you like! your counter looks white to me, but the lighting may be the biggest decider.

Thanks @Beth H. :! That's helpful. I'm going to try some samples.

The cabinets are going to be unstained, just a clear coat, which warms them up just a bit. Sample shown here:

Great job so far! What do your floors look like? I'd probably go warm to blend with your cabinets more, but a lot depends on your floors.

The wood tones seem to bridge the color gap. My gut is to test "new taupe". I like how the tile is looking generally with the current shadow (enough contrast) where grout will be and I wouldn't deviate much. I worry a warmish brown might go to a bad place visually. Gl :)

I would use a grout color as close as possible to the tile color. To me, that offset vertical pattern is way too busy to use a contrasting grout.

I agree, in the pics it makes me feel a little dizzy! :) I wouldn't want a dark grout at all and I think the tile pattern will still be visible. My vote for trying Oyster gray and Graystone, no darker than that.

That said, best to choose after the cabinet finish goes on.

@Beth H. : What did you end up going with? Would love to see the finished project !