Shiplap has been a beloved design choice for more than a decade, thanks to its rustic charm and farmhouse aesthetic. But as home trends constantly evolve, many homeowners and interior design enthusiasts are wondering, “Is shiplap still in vogue, or has its popularity begun to wane?”
If you’re considering adding shiplap to your home or debating whether to keep it, this blog will explore the current state of shiplap in interior design, why it rose to fame, what alternatives are trending, and how you can modernize shiplap for today’s aesthetic.
What Made Shiplap a Design Favorite
Shiplap skyrocketed to fame largely thanks to its widespread use on home design shows, particularly through Joanna Gaines’s Fixer Upper. With its horizontal wooden panels and subtle texture, shiplap offers a clean yet charming design that feels both cozy and approachable. Its allure lies in its versatility, working equally well in rustic barns, coastal retreats, and even urban homes longing for warmth and character.
Shiplap was originally a utilitarian feature, often used as outdoor siding or as a structural element under plaster walls. Its rise as an interior design staple, however, turned something functional into a defining home aesthetic.
Is Shiplap Losing Its Appeal
While shiplap is not entirely “out of style,” it has certainly shifted from being the dominant trend to occupying more of a niche space in home design. Here are the reasons why its popularity has leveled off:
Oversaturation in The Market
Shiplap experienced an overwhelming boom throughout the 2010s, appearing in countless homes, restaurants, and even retail spaces. This overuse has led to a sense of fatigue for many homeowners. When a design trend becomes too common, it often loses some of the uniqueness and interest it initially brought.
Evolving Design Trends
Interior design preferences have started to lean toward different aesthetics, such as minimalism, Japandi (a blend of Japanese and Scandinavian styles), and mid-century modern. These styles favor sleek lines, natural materials, and muted palettes, which deviate from the farmhouse aesthetic where shiplap often shines.
Modern Preferences for Texture and Depth
Current design trends are also gravitating toward textured walls with more variety. Homeowners are experimenting with features like Venetian plaster, ribbed or fluted paneling, and statement wallpaper. These options provide depth and interest in a way that feels fresh and more contemporary compared to shiplap.
Shiplap in Modern Homes
Even if shiplap isn’t the “it” design feature anymore, that doesn’t mean it can’t still have a place in a home designed with care. Here are some ways to incorporate shiplap in a modern and subtle way:
1. Tone Down the Farmhouse Look
Rather than keeping shiplap in its traditional white or off-white hue, consider painting it in a neutral or bold color, such as deep navy, sage green, or even black. These darker colors can bring a contemporary feel to an otherwise rustic element.
2. Limit Its Use to Accents
Rather than using shiplap throughout an entire room, use it sparingly as an accent or feature wall. For example:
- Fireplace Surrounds: Add warmth and texture by framing your fireplace with shiplap panels.
- Bathroom Walls: Contrast shiplap with sleek, modern fixtures for a striking combination.
- Entryways or Mudrooms: Create a welcoming space with shiplap along a single wall or behind storage benches.
3. Experiment With Orientation
Horizontal shiplap may feel overdone, but experimenting with vertical or even diagonal boards can give it a fresh, unexpected look.
4. Mix and Match Materials
Pairing shiplap with other textures like stone, brick, or metal can update the look. Create depth by combining it with contemporary furnishings or contrasting it with polished floors and clean-lined furniture.
5. Combine Shiplap With Modern Colors
The farmhouse look is often associated with soft whites or creams, but you can modernize shiplap by painting it in richer, trend-forward colors like terracotta, charcoal gray, or muted pastels.
Popular Alternatives to Shiplap
If you’re looking for trends that match the warmth and texture of shiplap without relying on this often-overused design element, consider these popular alternatives:
Beadboard
Beadboard provides an elegant, timeless charm and works well in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. Its vertical lines deliver a clean, classic appeal without feeling overly rustic.
Board and Batten
This wall treatment combines flat boards and thin strips of molding to create a modern, geometric look. It’s especially popular in transitional and Craftsman-style homes.
Fluted and Ribbed Panels
For a contemporary touch, fluted or ribbed wall panels bring texture and sophistication to any space. This trend aligns with the growing interest in creating tactile depth within interiors.
Venetian Plaster
Add elegance with Venetian plaster, which achieves a soft, textured finish that brings character and warmth to any room.
Statement Wallpaper
Wallpaper has made a big comeback in recent years, with options ranging from bold patterns to serene, nature-inspired prints offering endless customization possibilities.
Does Shiplap Still Have a Place in Design
The question, “Is shiplap out of style?” doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer. While shiplap may not be the trendiest option for new builds or renovations, it remains a versatile feature when thoughtfully incorporated. Its timeless appeal, ease of installation, and ability to adapt to new aesthetics mean shiplap likely won’t vanish anytime soon.
The key to using shiplap today is moderation and intentionality. Rather than defaulting to it as a design trend, homeowners should consider how it fits within their overall vision, experimenting with colors, textures, and combinations to create an updated look.
Bringing Timeless Charm to Your Home
Whether you decide to stick with shiplap, modify it for a contemporary approach, or explore alternative textures, the most important thing is creating a home design that feels authentic to you. Trends will come and go, but personal style offers lasting satisfaction.
Are you planning a home renovation or design update? Need expert advice or inspiration? Subscribe to our newsletter for more interior design tips, or connect with us for a consultation so we can help you craft a space that feels truly yours.
