Invigorate Your Kitchen With Dramatic Shiplap Walls

If your kitchen is feeling lackluster, dated, or simply in need of a style pick-me-up, installing shiplap walls can provide the visual jolt it needs. Shiplap, with its horizontal wooden planks featuring subtly grooved edges, injects rustic farmhouse charm into any cooking space instantly. The bold texture and reclaimed ambiance of shiplap infuses kitchens with cozy vintage vibes reminiscent of breezy seaside cottages. Its striking appearance and versatility with various materials make shiplap an excellent option for renovations aiming to create a relaxed yet dramatic environment.

While many associate shiplap with fixers-upper properties and country cottages, it adapts beautifully to contemporary open floor plans and sleek finishes too. Whether your tastes run more traditional or modern, there are countless ways to implement shiplap walls for a personalized look. Experiment with wood tones, stains, colors, and placement to design a kitchen with showstopping shiplap style.

Benefits of Using Shiplap Walls in Kitchens

What makes shiplap such a popular feature in today’s kitchens? Its visually appealing look is just one reason. Shiplap walls also provide other practical and aesthetic benefits.

Adds Rustic, Farmhouse Character

There’s no design style gaining more popularity lately than farmhouse. With its emphasis on natural materials and craftsman details, the farmhouse look relies on elements like shiplap to add rustic flair. Shiplap’s visible wood grain and slightly imperfect planks lend reclaimed character, as if salvaged from a weathered barn. The aged, raw aesthetic pairs perfectly with industrial pendants, butcher block countertops, and chassis black fixtures to create cozy vintage charm.

In farmhouse spaces, shiplap walls instantly provide a casual and inviting backdrop. They add texture and warmth in place of plain drywall. Placing shiplap in entryways or dining nooks adjacent to the kitchen establishes the homey farmhouse mood right from the start.

Creates a Coastal Look and Feel

Another trending style option, coastal design, also benefits from shiplap’s laidback aesthetic. The soft white and gray tones of whitewashed shiplap evoke thoughts of beach cottages and breezy seaside living spaces. Paired with anchors, driftwood accents, and navy cabinets, shiplap infuses kitchens with a cool, beachy vibe.

Since coastal style embraces open, airy rooms with plenty of natural light, shiplap helps achieve that vision. The crisp white planks keep things light while horizontal lines elongate the space visually. If aiming for a relaxed Hamptons or cottage kitchen, shiplap walls set the perfect nautical tone.

Provides Striking Visual Impact

Besides conveying a specific design style, one of shiplap’s best features is the bold visual statement it makes. Rows of reclaimed wood planks make a dramatic impact when covering multiple walls. Shiplap immediately becomes a focal point.

The varying widths, textures, and possible finishes available for shiplap boards provide countless options to create a unique look. Contrasting their horizontal lines with kitchen islands, vertical shelving, or brass accents draws the eye and livens up plain drywall exponentially.

Works With Any Kitchen Layout

From galley to U-shaped, shiplap suits any kitchen layout. More compact, narrow kitchens benefit from shiplap’s texture, which makes small spaces appear larger and more expansive. The planks lend height and warmth to otherwise confining galley kitchens.

In open concept kitchens, shiplap can extend through the entire living space to create a cohesive feel. Or, limit shiplap to one accent wall as a statement. For peninsulas or islands, use matching shiplap on their sides to visually connect these elements to accent walls.

Tips for Designing a Kitchen with Shiplap Walls

Ready to install shiplap? Consider these tips first to end up with your dream rustic kitchen.

Selecting the Right Wood

Pine or cedar boards offer an authentic reclaimed look, with cracks, knots, and imperfections. Oak and maple cost more but provide attractive traditional wood grain patterns. Seeking weathered? Opt for salvaged barn wood in varying widths and shades.

Deciding on a Finish

Shiplap allows for numerous finish options. White or light gray paint/stain fits coastal schemes; black suits industrial; natural wood tones complement farmhouse. For beachy vibes, whitewash or bleach the boards. Or, apply a clear sealer to highlight beautiful wood patterns.

Incorporating Rustic Touches

To take the rustic ambiance up a notch, blend shiplap walls with accessories like galvanized pendants, exposed ceiling beams, concrete countertops, or hammered metal hardware. Open shelving shows off vintage dishware while creating handy display space.

Choosing Complementary Materials

Think beyond just shiplap when planning your kitchen remodel. Add complementary substances like marble tile backsplashes, woven pendantshades, or a brick accent wall for contrast. Nickel or brass hardware pops against shiplap too. For more light, incorporate large windows or glass-front cabinetry.

Maximizing Your Shiplap Walls Visually

Strategic design choices help highlight shiplap walls for maximum style impact.

Island Installation

Make your kitchen island a focal point along with the shiplap by adding matching boards to its base. Opt for a warm butcher block or concrete gray countertop on top to create pleasing contrast.

Open Shelving Against Shiplap

Stylish open shelving exponentially expands storage and display capabilities. Position shelves in front of shiplap to break up the planks attractively. Alternating shelving with shiplap panels adds interest.

Statement Lighting

Draw the eye upwards by installing a dramatic chandelier or modern barn pendant lights. For a warm glow, add brass sconces layered on top of the shiplap boards.

Don't Overdo Accent Walls

Limiting shiplap to one or two accent walls keeps the space feeling fresh versus overly rustic. Paint remaining walls light gray or white for balance. Too many shiplap covered walls tend to feel dark and heavy visually.

FAQs About Shiplap Kitchens

New to working with shiplap? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.

What color cabinets work with shiplap walls?

White, gray, black, or navy blue cabinets complement shiplap walls well. Avoid warm wood tones that may clash and instead allow the shiplap to provide warmth.

What backsplash choices complement shiplap?

Natural stone, marble, or ceramic tile create an attractive contrast against shiplap walls. For a coordinating look, install reclaimed wood plank backsplashes.

Do I need to seal or treat shiplap before installing?

Sealing shiplap before installation will protect the wood from moisture damage. Choose an indoor-friendly sealant labeled safe for kitchens.

Standard quarter-round or cove molding smoothly transitions shiplap into ceilings and corners. Forendpoints, use wide corner trim boards stained to match the shiplap.

Infusing vintage farmhouse vibes or breezy coastal style into a kitchen design no longer requires a full renovation. Installing shiplap accent walls provides a simpler yet still dramatic way to invigorate the heart of your home. Allowing for varied colors, stains, and placement, shiplap brings warmth, texture, and rustic ambiance to kitchens of any size or layout. Achieve your dream coastal cottage or modern farmhouse kitchen with the help of these reclaimed horizontal planks.