I don’t know about you but I am a huge fan of Chip and Joanna Gaines’ show “Fixer Upper”. If you watch the show you will no doubt have heard the term ‘shiplap’ used on many occasions. Joanna loves it and uses it in many different ways in nearly every house makeover. It has been a popular interior decorating material in the U.S. in recent years and is starting to creep into Australian designs. For those not in the know, here is summary of the what, where and why of shiplap.
Historically in the U.S., shiplap was used on the exterior of barns and cottages. It is achieved by stacking timber boards with an interlocking edge, on top of each other horizontally forming a tight waterproof seal. Not to be mistaken with a tongue and groove (V-joint) cladding which tends to be a narrower board running vertically, shiplap runs horizontally. Applied to interior walls and surfaces, it provides visual interest to what is otherwise is a plain plaster wall. It is typically suited to coastal or modern farmhouse style homes. Here are some examples of how and where shiplap can be used:
Kitchens
In this kitchen, the island bench is given interest with the addition of a shiplap cladding.
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Shiplap is wrapped around the rangehood to provide a feature in this modern farmhouse home.
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Bathrooms
For the non-wet area walls, shiplap is a great (and cost-effective) alternative to tiles.
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For a moodier look, shiplap walls are painted black in this elegant powder room.
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Entries & Hallways
Using shiplap as an alternate to plaster adds interest to entries and hallways.
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Bedrooms
For a coastal feel, it is perfect in a bedroom.
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Adding shiplap to a childs’ bedroom room is a practical option. It is more durable than wallpaper and can be cleaned with a damp cloth as you would on a plaster wall.
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Mudrooms & Laundries
These are the most common rooms you would see shiplap walls. Once again due to its durability, shiplap is a great option in these high traffic, utilitarian spaces.
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Shiplap is such a great additional to a room. It adds interest and depth to what may otherwise be a plain plaster wall. I am currently working on a renovation and using shiplap to clad the fireplace chimney…..stay tuned for some photos.
On a side note, I am also working on an exciting renovation project adding a lot more space and a classic Hamptons feel to an existing family home. Here are some tips that I shared with the builder, Prime Build on creating a Hamptons style home.
Belinda X