Why In Design: Seven Examples of How To Incorporate Shiplap Into A Home

Nautical Rumblings Abound As We

Explore Shiplap to Create Beach House Chic 

photograph by Lincoln Barbour

Country Living magazine

Shiplap is a term that has a lot of people talking recently, but what is it exactly?  Well, quite simply, it is  a wooden paneling application that has been used in homes for generations. Usually made with pine or other inexpensive woods, it is notable for its groove on the edges allowing it to connect together and providing a texture when applied.  Most often laid horizontally onto a wall (although sometimes it can be seen vertical as well), it creates a simple, detailed aesthetic. In the past, shiplap was often applied under walls as well, and that is why we often find it in older homes when removing wallpaper.  Today, people are fascinated with the clean, edited look it brings to a beach house, cottage, lake or country home or even when wielded with a fastidious eye, to create a chic, urban space.  

This detailing has some real practical properties as well, namely it wears well over time and can live up to both cold and hot weather conditions.  It’s excellent to use in locations where there are extreme weather conditions, which explains why there is a nautical or beach house look associated with the application. It's easy to keep clean, and it can make small spaces appear larger, and large spaces feel cozy.  Sometimes when a home has very little architecture it's a relatively inexpensive way to bring in detailing.  Many have come to love the simple, architectural feeling it brings to a home.  
Take a Look at Seven Examples of How Shiplap Has Greatly Improve a Home... 

1. it makes a high-ceiling space feel warm and cozy
 and while still keeping it light and bright 
as in this Sag Harbor lake-front home
interior design, Steven Gambrel
photography, Eric Piasecki
published, Time & Place

2. it's practical and durable, and easy to clean

as in this the usage of this mud room of a 

refurbished 18th century home.

interior design, Kristina Crestin

architecture, Connor Homes

photography, Jared Kuzia

published Rue magazine 

3. it adds architectural character

example here in this kitchen nook. By adding this detailing to an otherwise simple space, it gives the room a snappy and nautically-inspired feel.  

published, HGTV

photo, Jacob Snavely

4. it enlarges a small space 

although a cozy breakfast nook, 

with this seamless design, this spot feels more expansive by bringing the eye first side to side unencumbered by other trim, then upward.

interior design, Studio McGee

5. it's a perfect backdrop for layering 

a good example is here in this country cottage where it acts as a perfect background for the many different finishes, textures, materials in the room

Meg Harrington, interior designer 

Linda McArthur, architect

Erica George Dines, photographer

published, Atlanta Homes

6. it can withstand harsh conditions

a perfect material for an outdoor shower

as in this hill-top home in South Carolina, 

which channels the tropics.

architecture, Heather Wilson Architects

interior design, Jen Langston

published, Rue Magazine

7. it can also be chic and edgy when used vertically
as here in the floor-to-ceiling design in a Virginia Country home.  The designer then contrasted it with warm wood tones and textures to give it an earthy yet modern feel.
interior designer, Natascha Folens. 
photo, Miguel Flores-Vianna 
Milieu magazine 
check out our ShipLap pin board 

for more inspirations and sources