When you’ve spent as many years as I have in the world of home design, you think you’ve seen it all: the trends that rise, fade, and come back again. Subway tile? Classic. Mosaic glass? Had its moment. Marble? Always timeless. But every so often, a homeowner makes a choice so unexpected it flips your design perspective upside down. For me, that moment came with a shiplap backsplash.
The Kitchen That Sparked It
I was walking into a remodel project for a young family who loved farmhouse style but wanted something unique — a kitchen that felt “them,” not just something out of a Pinterest board. The plan had all the staples: white shaker cabinets, wide-plank oak floors, and matte black hardware. Everyone assumed the backsplash would be tile.
But the homeowner looked me in the eye and said: “What about shiplap?”
At first, I hesitated. Shiplap on walls? Absolutely. In living rooms, mudrooms, bedrooms — it sings. But behind a kitchen range, where spaghetti sauce and grease are waiting to test its limits? I wasn’t convinced.
The Case for Shiplap
We sat down and weighed the pros and cons, pulling from what I knew and what she envisioned:
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Pros: Warmth, texture, character, and that unmistakable farmhouse vibe. It feels cozy and unexpected in a kitchen where tile usually dominates.
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Cons: Moisture, grease, and cleaning challenges. Wood is more porous than ceramic, and protecting it properly is crucial.
Still, she was determined — and I admired her vision. So, I shifted gears from skeptic to problem solver.
This reminded me of how unconventional textures can shine, much like in Deep Texture Cabinets: The Natural Finish Your Kitchen Needs.
Making It Work
The key to pulling off a shiplap backsplash is in the details. We selected primed, moisture-resistant boards and painted them with a durable, semi-gloss enamel finish. Then we sealed every seam to prevent water intrusion. Near the stove, we added a clear protective topcoat for extra defense.
It wasn’t just about installing wood planks; it was about rethinking how shiplap could live in a kitchen and still perform. Designers often push boundaries this way — see The Journey to the Perfect Modern Kitchen.
The Reveal
When the remodel was done, I stood in that kitchen and realized how wrong I’d been to doubt it. The shiplap backsplash completely transformed the space. Instead of the expected grid of tile, the horizontal lines created flow and rhythm. It tied the farmhouse aesthetic together without feeling overdone.
Most of all, it felt personal. This wasn’t a kitchen trying to copy a magazine spread. It was a kitchen that belonged to that family — warm, inviting, and unpretentious.
That sense of timelessness is what makes bold moves succeed — just like in Timeless Elegance: Designing with White Kitchen Cabinets and Bold Pairings.
What I Learned About Design
That project taught me something I share with clients all the time: sometimes the best design choices come from pushing against convention. A shiplap backsplash isn’t for everyone. It takes care, maintenance, and a willingness to do something different. But when it’s done right, it can be stunning.
Design isn’t about rules — it’s about creating spaces that reflect the people who live there. For more inspiration on bold materials, check out Why ELEMENTS LIOHER Syncron Panels Are Perfect for Modern Homes.
A Few Takeaways If You’re Considering Shiplap
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Seal and Protect: Use high-quality paint and sealants to keep moisture at bay.
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Think Placement: Behind sinks and stoves, you’ll need extra protection. In lower-traffic areas, shiplap is more forgiving.
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Mix and Match: Some homeowners combine tile behind the stove with shiplap elsewhere — the best of both worlds.
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Commit to Maintenance: Be prepared for occasional touch-ups. Like any natural material, shiplap develops character over time.
Final Thoughts
That single backsplash project shifted my perspective on what’s possible in kitchen design. Now, when I see homeowners light up at the thought of breaking the mold, I encourage them to trust that instinct. After all, great design isn’t about following the safest path. It’s about creating a home that feels authentic.
✨ If you’re inspired by the idea of a shiplap backsplash but unsure how it would work in your own kitchen, don’t be afraid to ask questions, explore finishes, and partner with a pro. Sometimes, the boldest ideas become the most beautiful parts of your home.