It will always look very 2016. Any out of context trend like that will always be instantly dated.

I think it depends on where you live. Having never heard of shiplap before "Fixer Upper," I find it interesting, but not something I'd use in my CA house. OTOH, the folks who live in Waco and that swath of the country find it appealing, something that seems to tug at their sentimental heartstrings. I feel that way about adobe construction. Other parts of the country value exposed brick inside their houses. I guess it's one of those regional things that harks back to Grandma and Grandpa's home when we were little. If you like it, do it.

It's over now.

I agree with susanne and eam..to me, it's a trend that's out of my personal and geographical context, to somebody else-it's something beautiful and timeless because his/her house wants it and seems perfectly content with having it...as illustrated by eam..

(the only thing-I wouldn't blink an eye if RH would go out of business lol..)

eam has it right. It depends upon the context. It is a great textural element and can be used in contemporary or traditional design.

mamadadapaige's kitchen is a rarity in its beauty and cohesiveness. Usually when I see shiplap in a home that would not have had it originally it looks "faux".

To me, shiplap is not unlike the Tuscan look that was so popular a few years ago. Every once in a while someone had the eye and the talent to make it work, but most of the time it looked like an affectation. So if you are confident in your design abilities to pull it off, go for the shiplap if that is what you like. Otherwise, I'd avoid it.

What is an "urban farmhouse" mentioned in the OP? That very phrase sets off alarm bells.

I hear you, Miranda, probably best not to use shorthand terms. They fall short of the feeling I hope to evoke in the space and instead sound trite and trendy. Lesson learned. For what it's worth, my home is a 1960's cape cod in suburban MA, so shiplap and bead board are traditional elements here. While I like that tradition, I hope to add accents that modernize the space, such as mid century chairs with an antique table and/or industrial lighting instead of something traditional. We aren't on the cutting edge here, just going for a look we like.

I agree that it looks good in a geographical area where it comes from and has been used in the past. Recently I went through a new home in my area where it was used extensively and while I thought the home very pretty, it did strike me as being a little out of place. Beadboard is a common historical architectural element in my area as are vertical planked walls, and had the house used beadboard, the look would have been more timeless and fitting.

Some people "faux" the shiplap look which might be a better idea - then it can be easily changed out if you later take to another style. I think there are some "faux" technics online. There is also shiplap wallpaper:)

I think the "trend" of shiplap is on its way out, but agree with others that in the right context there will always be a time and place for it. That said, you mentioned that you're going to counter it with "industrial" accents. Industrial and shiplap, when combined together, is about as "2016" as you can possibly get, and I think that look together will look very dated in 5 years.

I doubt the shiplap in particular will stand out as dating an 'urban farmhouse'. Outside of slavish devotion to the time and place of the original home (mid century home done MCM, legit converted Soho loft done industrial, actual craftsman home done craftsman, etc.), everything you will do is a marker of the time you did the re-decoration. And even the current trend for 'authenticity' in the above examples itself is a trend of the here and now - I chuckle when I see all the white shaker/marble kitchens people think are 'timeless'.

In short, do it if you like it, but if possible in such a way that it can be relatively easily changed out in the future by you or a future owner.

Risk-of-being-dated is SO contextual. Leslea, if you love the shiplap look and it's traditional where you live and it suits the architecture of your home, then I think it's an element that you will enjoy for many years to come. I also love the shiplap look, but if I did it in my kitchen it would immediately look dated due to my home's architecture and geography. Basically anything inauthentic to one's home has a much shorter shelf life in my opinion.

The Enduring Appeal of Shiplap

Be careful with industrial elements. Keep those quality and authentic. Anything cheap, faux, or DIY-looking is already dated.

You might want to check out the Remodelista web site or book for renovation inspiration that combines respect for architecture with a modern aesthetic. Quality materials and a minimalist tendency seem to be a successful formula.

my home is a 1960's cape cod in suburban MA

I lived in one of those '60's New England homes for several years (outside of Providence) - the sweetest cozy-est home ever! I am not sure about the shiplap, which real use is for sheds, barns, and other rustic buildings, not a mid-century suburban home. But it would work if pulled together well. You sound like you have lots of imagination and ideas, so go for it.

I like your ideas very much about the mid-century furniture and antique table. That home in the actual 1960's likely had those things. I am not sure about the industrial lighting and other industrial touches. Like I said, your style of home is very cozy and welcoming, and industrial lighting might fight with that. I would stick more with lighting in more the '60s and '70s style myself. Having said that, you should get what you love, I am just giving my $.02 FWIW.

I don't think it'll be "over" in five years.

It fits in with a certain nostalgic look, a look with an eye towards Victorian and country and farmhouse, and those concepts have a solid place in the decorating world. However, like everything else, it has to be done right; that is, it has to be a piece of the whole package, not just one item that you like shoved into a random room.

I think it's kind of like small hexagon tiles. They've never been "out", but they've not always been "mainstream".

And while right now shiplap is trendy enough to be "mainstream", I don't think it'll have mainstream staying power in the way that, say, stainless steel appliances have become the mainstream standard.

I agree that it depends on the house. Like my last house, we put in white shaker cabinets. They replaced white shaker cabinets that were more or less original to the house (different walls had cabinets added at different times), which was built in 1926. So in that context, white shaker cabinets were not a trend and not likely to look dated IMO.

I don't know where and when ship lap is original to--not in any of the areas we have lived in. If your house could have had ship lap when it was built, then I don't think using it now will look dated in five years. Otherwise, I'd think about it carefully before doing it.

Someone here is selling a 1920's house with all original shiplap interior, and it's very pretty. Of course, the house also needs a new roof, new siding, new plumbing, and moved to a new location...plus whatever else they didn't mention!

I think mrspete hit it and the comparison to small hex tiles is a great one. Same with good brass which never went fully away, only the shiny '90s cheap version did but quality brass fixtures and hardware just sat quietly waiting to be noticed again. Shiplap, beadboard, tongue and groove in either horizontal or vertical will be here for the ages. If it's done well, not overdone (really every room does not need wood walls) and done in a way that works with the style of the home, it will have a timeless feel in the same way good brass and small hex tiles do.

I don't often defer to Emily Henderson's style, but I believe her claims about shiplap below are on target. Shiplap painted white or to match a wall color, is subtle.

In addition, most industrial elements in a kitchen (lights, hardware, faucet) can be switched out if your style changes.

...........

Shiplap Walls: This trend hit big during the 90s when everyone seemed to want a little piece of Cape Cod in their home and this year we are seeing some updated versions. To keep it from leaning too traditional add some modern elements in with your appliances, lighting, and accessories. I for one love this as its just a beautiful and simple texture (A STRIPE!!) on the wall. Nobody has ever been offended by subtle stripes by way of a texture.

Longevity: Forever. It’s so simple that when used in a natural way (aka not a new high rise condo) it will just look timeless and simple.

Source

If part of the shiplap movement is due to Fixer Upper, it's because Joanna Gaines is using an inexpensive material that is commonly found in the homes she has renovated. Thus, it is ubiquitous to the Waco and wider Texas area.

In New Orleans many homes of a certain era are constructed of bargeboard. The bargeboard was material used to float products down the Mississippi River that was repurposed in house construction. This bargeboard is now highly prized.

When you look at trends, you have to look at them in the context of the location. I think shiplap will always be a part of country, rural and farmhouse construction. It does look a little weird in Manhattan. We just have to appreciate these materials and designs within the local context.

I'm not a ship lap fan - funny, I thought of mamadadapaige's kitchen too, but precisely because I thought it was a example of the trend:) In my case, I think I've had too much painted beadboard and get sick of the maintenance. Never again....

If it would have been original to the house or suits the architectural style of the house then it should be timeless. Around north Georgia many of the old farmhouses would have shiplap on the exterior walls. However I'm now seeing McMansion subdivisions within everywhere. I cringe when I see it in a faux European or gigantic brick Georgian.

I'm building a modern farmhouse with shiplap kitchen and powder room walls. I have your same concerns- I love the simplicity of it, and it fits with the style of the house (Seattle, near a beach). But I'm not the on-trend type and have never seen "Fixer Upper" in my life.

Husband is very skeptical about wood behind the cooktop. We are about to pull the trigger on finishes, and I'm thinking the alternative would be to-the-ceiling white rectangular tile.

But then, there was a time that everyone thought white subway tile would be a trend to die out, and it is still going strong.

I do think wood behind the cooktop is not a good plan, regardless of trend. It is flammable. Tile seems much better from that perspective, as well as from the upkeep perspective.

Oh, no. You don't want wood behind the cooktop. I can't think where in the world that would meet code. I believe mamadadapaige used fiber cement shiplap.

I agree with crl and eam... no wood behind the cooktop. My kitchen will have tile to the ceiling behind the cooktop and the shiplap would only be in the breakfast nook area, on two walls only. I think one or two walls at most, or a ceiling if one wants that look, is enough.

I wonder if wood (or any combustible material) behind a cooktop would pass inspection. Regardless of appliance specs, I doubt it's to local building code. I always assumed folks were using hardie type material.

I agree with the others as far as it having to compliment the surrounding architecture and decor within the home. To say whether or not shiplap has staying power is subjective though, in my opinion. Many design elements were perceived as 'on trend' at some point or another and for me a trend symbolizes a rebirth in creative thinking to the design world. Why the word 'trend' scares so many off is a mystery to me. Just like with people, we will meet new ones, embrace the old, and encourage new growth, all the while weeding out the good from the bad, from our personal perspectives, and surrounding ourselves with what makes us as individuals FEEL good. Yes, there are design aesthetics that simply do not support the use for shiplap from a visual standpoint. But aside from the do's and dont's of design, and when used in the right space, I feel that it creates a quiet, casual, calm and serene element to a space, which is exactly what I want to surround myself in everyday. Design rules are made to be broken, in my eyes, otherwise I would be stifled inside a designer comfort bubble. I think people come to sites and blogs because they worry whether others will aporove of their choices today, tomorrow, ten years from now, what if I go to sell etc. Etc.

There are those who love wallpaper, and those who despise it. Those who love intricate detailed millwork, and those who are minimalist and at the end of that spectrum. We are all different and if you ask 50 people their opinions on shiplap you will probably get 50 different answers.

Confidence is key to design, as is thinking outside the box. I happen to embrace all kinds of design, even if it happens not to be my chosen style. It forces me to rethink and challenge my own ideas.

In the end, I feel the term 'trend' is what is being overused, not the design elements themselves, as this is merely a re-introduction to an old concept, or an old/new idea if you want to look at it that way . Do what you feel looks good for your taste and its something you love and makes you happy to be around, because if you look for validation from others you will only feel more conflicted in the end.

Whether or not shiplap is still the 'it' thing in five years or not, if you feel that YOU will still love it. Then do it.

Happy days:)

Jenn

For a modern farmhouse I dont think its trendy. But like any trend I'd use it sparingly. Go on Instagram and search for modern farmhouses. There is loads of shiplap and it looks fab

Ellecline, (OP) what did you decide on using? I also live in a Cape Cod style home built in '48 North of Boston, and used beadboard elements but not shiplap. Curious what you wound up with and would love too see pictures!

Hi rebeccamomof123, I had no idea this thread would elicit so many comments and strong opinions! LOL. I did decide to use shiplap in the breakfast area of the kitchen, because I love it. In the end I went with what I loved rather than depending on what others thought. I live here, they don't, and I'm super happy with it. It adds so much more interest to the space than sheetrock, and I haven't even added art yet or bought the midcentury bench and table I want. I went against trend in a few ways, using stained walnut instead of white cabinets, since we love seeing the beauty of the grain. And a stainless steel apron sink vs. white for a modern look. I do have a few photos I will include. So far, we've gotten raves from everyone who's seen it. BTW, my designer and contractor both loved and supported the shiplap idea. Loving my new kitchen! Thanks for asking!

I love your kitchen - the woodwork is to die for, plus the counters, floors, tile, island, all gorgeous! But I am sorry, in an otherwise stunning kitchen, the shiplap doesn't seem to go. Looks out of place. I would have held my tongue if this were a Houzz Kitchens Forum reveal thread. But since the subject of the thread is about whether or not a certain kitchen should have shiplap, I am being frank.

Your opinion, of course, M Miller. Do you hear how happy I am with the results? I care not what anyone else thinks.

The shiplap is a great companion to the tile, and it's a beautiful kitchen. Mr. Kitty seems content, too, so all is well!

Oh, poo, I totally agree with bpathome, it looks great! The kitchen is magazine worthy, no wonder the OP is happy!

If we're talking shiplap, here's a quote from a Houzz story. If we're being frank, I suggest M Miller rethink his/her definitions.

Is It Modern, Industrial or Traditional?

Answer: all of the above. Shiplap wood siding can be painted or stained and set horizontally (most common) or vertically. It adds a distinctive, textured element that can complement a variety of styles.

It is less labor intensive than more refined interior flat panels and can offer a handsome combination of warmth and durability to your living environment.

[Shiplap Story from Houzz[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/what-is-shiplap-stsetivw-vs~69192496?vm=w)

Well being as I just did a shiplap wall in my kitchen, in a 78 ranch with weird angled wall open floor plan..

With small white subway and real marble counters, deep single ss sink, walnut floors and plenty of wood elements....

I love your kitchen!

I love my shiplap wall, it makes me happy every day to see it.

Ellecline - WOW, I love everything about your kitchen! May I ask what you used for your island countertop? Thanks in advance!

Love your kitchen and love your location choice for the nickel gap/shiplap. It's a great feature in your breakfast area. Makes the space stand apart from the kitchen just a bit but is connected with color. Well done!

I would have held my tongue if this were a Houzz Kitchens Forum reveal thread. But since the subject of the thread is about whether or not a certain kitchen should have shiplap, I am being frank.

M Miller, yeah, but the photos the OP posted are in effect a reveal. Reveals happen where they will. She was asking about shiplap beforehand and now she's showing how it turned out in her own kitchen. Note the elapsed time. It helps to keep that in mind when tempted to dish out criticism.

Ellecline, your kitchen looks fab. The location of the shiplap adds a design element I'm not used to seeing where I live. It looks fresh and new to me.

I have read all these comments with interest since I probably will do shiplap in our morning room as we rebuild after flooding. We are not trendy people and in my view shiplap is not a trend like bell bottom jeans. Heck, even They came back! To me shiplap is a classic, interest in which waxes and wanes...like bead board, oriental rugs on worn wood floors, hexagonal bathroom tiles, claw foot bathtubs. I saw most of the above in my grandparent’s house, including a “summer porch” which was shiplap! Our 1960 traditional has shiplap siding, so I guess that is all the justification I need to have a little shiplap inside! I love reading everyone’s comments.

I feel shiplap is timeless personally! I have a 90's cookie cutter home and it REALLY needs some character! Moderation is the key! I will use it in my front hall as it is a high traffic area and will stand up better than the drywall! I plan on adding salvaged doors also and just love the style! This is my 7th reno project and i add timeless elements and trends that would be easy to change! But if i love them that's all that matters! IMO