Shiplap has its moment with modern trends

Shiplap is all the rage right now. It’s a budget-friendly trend that complements a variety of home designs. What’s driving the demand? Well, shiplap’s a home run for the current trend toward clean lines, all-white spaces and modern farmhouse themes.

Second, it lends itself well to the most up and coming trend: organic modernism. This look incorporates natural, raw and textured elements into those clean-lined white spaces.

Third, shiplap is dominating on the biggest platform of all: television. Home-makeover and design shows have given the look a significant boost in the market.

Finally, shiplap offers nearly limitless potential. It can be painted or stained to fit into organic or farmhouse modern, industrial, contemporary, transitional and beyond. And you can install it practically anywhere in the home.

Truthfully, there aren’t many downsides to this material — other than the dust buildup between the boards that can make it a pain to maintain. But there are a few misconceptions.

Shiplap doesn’t have to be white. Most shiplap you see is white, but you can paint or stain these boards any colour or hue.

True shiplap has grooves along the top and bottom edges that allow the boards to fit tightly together. This is what creates that signature spacing in between.

There are so many ways to use shiplap in your home, you could easily go overboard. Be prudent when it comes to choosing a look for your home.

Try a stain or colour. If allwhite shiplap is too “farmy” for your taste, paint or stain the boards to better suit the space.

Use it as a bedroom accent wall, on the bathroom walls, in your entryway or in the living and laundry room.

Upgrade basic backsplashes. So long as the wood is sealed against moisture and splatter, you can install it as a backsplash for your kitchen or bathroom sink.

Make a statement with your ceiling. Shiplap can create dimension and add a rustic appeal to the fifth wall of a room.

Seize little opportunities. Install hints of shiplap on places such as the kick wall of your kitchen island, the fronts of cabinets and doors or your fireplace surround.

Take it outside. With the proper treatment and in the right neighbourhood, shiplap can work as a siding material. Get that rustic farmhouse look with white or go more modern with greys and dark blue hues.

Your decision comes down to your preferences, your home and where you want to integrate the material. Talk to an interior designer or a remodeller to get expert insights and installation, and start planning your shiplap project today.

P.S. If you’re still on the fence, or you’re on a super-tight budget, there are removable shiplap wallpaper products that you can easily undo instantly, should you ever feel a pang of regret.