Interior Designer Joanna Gaines from HGTV’s hit series Fixer Upper is one of my favorite interior designers. Joanna is known for her farmhouse-chic interior design style. Joanna introduced many of us to Shiplap. Shiplap is a type of wood paneling, and some compare it to drywall; however,
Joanna used Shiplap as a decorative feature in almost all her home remodel makeovers, either as a room’s focal point or an accent wall.
Another design feature Joanna was known for was incorporating interior barn doors. Back in 2018, during the airing of the show, Zillow reported that homes with architectural design aesthetics showcased on the show, such as shiplap, wainscoting, clawfoot bathtubs, and barn doors, sold on average 30 percent above value.
This wood paneling design feature remains a design favorite today. Although I only mentioned shiplap as an accent wall or focal point, it can also be used in bathrooms and kitchens, over cabinet doors, and as a backsplash.
Faux Versions
According to Real Simple magazine, many versions of modern shiplap that we see on TV, including on Fixer Upper and design blogs alike, are not authentic shiplap but wooden panels created to imitate the look. There are several ways to achieve a similar style at half the cost:
You could opt for Plywood instead of expensive shiplap: sheets of inexpensive plywood cut into 5⅞-inch-wide strips nailed to the wall with a small gap between boards to resemble real shiplap.
Shiplap Wallpaper. I love this option the best, not only is it more cost-effective, but the best option when it comes to installing than the other options to install. Renters who love the look of shiplap but are also concerned about getting their security deposits back can opt for shiplap-style removable wallpaper.
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