We have exposed shiplap in the 1940 house that we are currently selling, because that's what the walls were made of back then. I would absolutely not add it to a suburban So Cal house. It's a trend, to be sure, in certain decorating circles and unless the house came that way originally, I think it's silly to add it where it doesn't belong. I would think it would make a place look like it was trying too hard to be something it's not.

Just my $.02!

I LOVE shiplap, but would not add it to the house you describe.

I think in the wrong house, it risks looking like the 70s wood paneling that we all hate in a few years.

Agree with auntjen. Doesn't seem right. How about a textured wallpaper. I was in a client's house a few weeks ago and they have it in their FR, and I really liked it!

I don't see it in a SoCal suburb. My daughter and SIL are putting it in their house. I don't know which rooms tho and it's on the outside too. BUT, their home is exactly what your friends said it made them think of... "shiplap makes me think of a country farm house or shiplap is something you find in a beach cottage…." They are building a SL Coastal Cottage of the Year (2006) as their "farmhouse". They even built it on peer and beam (vs concrete). No one does that here (Texas) but she's going for an OLD farmhouse feel so shiplap fits right in. But if you're not considering resale and love it, I'd hate to see you not do it. Our house is SO "us" and we love everything about it, but, I also realize everyone wants everyone else to appreciate their choices.

These first two are from SL website

And their actual house

We have to consider resale value b/c I don't know what the future holds. When I look at all the pics on Houzz, many do not seem farm-like with the shiplap.

https://www.houzz.com/photos/huestis-tucker-architects-llc-traditional-family-room-new-york-phvw-vp~1041508

https://www.houzz.com/photos/sullivans-island-star-of-the-west-living-room-traditional-family-room-charleston-phvw-vp~2368975

I live in So Cal and when I see stuff like that in open houses, I immediately think "someone can't see past HGTV". I wouldn't add it. Too much damage when you have to take it down cuz faux painting is back in style. And, yes, my 1993 South Orange County condo had faux painted walls in the kitchen and bedroom. No one is immune.

I agree, not really a great idea for a SoCal home, how far from the coast are you? Was the intent to pic up on the coastal vibe?

I think of it as SUCH an "HGTV thing" that I honestly didn't even know what it was called until Chip and Joanna Gaines came onto the scene. We just always referred to it as "these old walls." ;-)

Monica, that's going to be very pretty! And wow - her own bakery? How cool is that!

Honestly, I didn't even know what shiplap was till I watched Chip and Joanna. We live about 5 hours from Waco (where they live).

Stucco exterior? Then no.

monicakm, that cake looks amazing.

That's a CAKE??? WOW! It's so realistic and so adorable! (Although I confess to having a major fish phobia, so I doubt I could eat it. Still, I admire the creativity and skill that went into it tremendously!)

I think painted shiplap can work with a variety of styles.

Could we see a pic of the house and room? That might help.

Find a new interior designer.

There is no way I could give an informed opinion whether or not one element of a design would be out of place without seeing the whole plan for colors, fabrics, materials, furniture, etc.. Taken out of context, lots of design ideas would seem out of place at first blush.

I live in a brick house in Georgia and our lower level has brick floors and one wall of 8" (or 10", now I don't remember!) lap siding. It's on the inside of an exterior wall and I think it looks perfect, even though ours is not a farmhouse and I had never seen the shiplap version of this idea on HGTV when it first occurred to me. Walls can be constructed or faced with a variety of materials--- wood, plaster, drywall, glass, stone, tiled with ceramic or stone...l have even seen vinyl panels as walls in a mobile home. In your place I would a design a home that pleases ME and not let my friends' HGTV watching influence it.