By 2022, the design world had moved past the peak of shiplap's hyper popularity, yet the material remained a prominent fixture in homes and media. While the initial wave of "shiplap everything" had calmed, the board still maintained a strong presence in interior design, transitioning from a viral trend to a reliable, classic option. Homeowners and designers alike were no longer asking if shiplap was trending, but rather how to use it in a way that felt timeless rather than dated.
The Shift from Fad to Foundation
During the mid-2010s, shiplap dominated Pinterest boards and home renovation shows, often white-washed and applied to every wall in sight. By 2022, this specific aesthetic had matured. The focus shifted from using it as a cheap alternative to millwork to recognizing it as a durable and versatile design element. Designers began to pair it with richer stains, textured plasters, and mixed materials, moving away from the cookie-cutter look that saturated social media just a few years prior.
Color and Material Evolution
One of the most significant changes by 2022 was the departure from the ubiquitous all-white finish. While white shiplap remained popular in farmhouse and coastal themes, there was a noticeable rise in deeper, more saturated tones. Charcoal, navy, and forest green became popular, aligning with the era's preference for moody and cozy interiors. Furthermore, the material itself evolved to include reclaimed wood and high-quality engineered options, offering sustainability and consistency that appealed to the modern, eco-conscious consumer.
Functionality Meets Aesthetic
Shiplap maintained its relevance in 22 partly because it solves practical problems while looking stylish. Its inherent ability to add texture and depth to a space made small rooms feel larger and large rooms more intimate. In home offices and media rooms, the vertical lines helped to draw the eye upward, creating a sense of height. Additionally, its resilience in high-traffic areas like mudrooms and hallways ensured that it was not just a decorative choice, but a functional one that could withstand daily life.
- Versatility: Application in bedrooms, bathrooms, and accent walls.
- Durability: Real wood options offering long-term value.
- Design Flexibility: Compatibility with both modern minimalism and traditional charm.
- Acoustic Benefits: Helping to dampen sound in open-plan living spaces.
Integration with Modern Trends
Rather than being a standalone feature, shiplap in 2022 was frequently integrated into broader design schemes. It provided a neutral backdrop for bold art pieces or a contrasting element to sleek, modern furniture. The resurgence of warm woods and organic shapes meant that shiplap acted as a bridge between natural materials and clean lines. This adaptability allowed it to remain relevant without feeling like a forced trend, seamlessly blending into the era’s emphasis on comfort and authenticity.
Market Presence and DIY Impact
Home improvement television shows and major retail stores continued to stock shiplap strips and planks in 2022, proving that there was still significant consumer demand. The DIY community also played a crucial role in keeping the material visible, with countless tutorials available online for installing shiplap on a budget. However, the conversation shifted; it was no longer just about the cheapest way to cover a wall, but about the craftsmanship and intention behind the installation. The rise of "honest TikTok" and cottage core aesthetics further solidified its place in the cultural lexicon as a go-to material for creating a curated, lived-in look.
The Verdict on Longevity
While the fever pitch of 2016 had subsided, shiplap secured its status as a classic design option by 2022. It moved from being a fleeting trend to being a staple in the designer's toolkit. The key to its enduring popularity lies in its inherent simplicity and the fact that it provides a textured, organic feel that synthetic materials struggle to replicate. As long as homeowners seek warmth and character in their spaces, shiplap will remain a viable and stylish choice, even if it is no longer the singular obsession it once was.
