Shiplap Uncovered: The Charm Behind the Design Trend
Shiplap has become a household name, especially for those who have a penchant for home design and renovation. But what exactly is shiplap?
At its core, shiplap is a type of wooden board that's often used for constructing sheds, barns, and other rustic buildings. Traditionally, it's characterized by its long, thick planks that are milled with a halved groove called a "rabbet" at the top and bottom. When installed, these rabbets allow the boards to overlap, creating a tight seal that prevents water from seeping through. This design not only provides added insulation but also gives a distinctive appearance that many find appealing.
One of the reasons shiplap has gained immense popularity is its versatility. While it was traditionally used as exterior siding, modern design trends have brought it indoors. Today, shiplap walls can be found gracing the interiors of many homes, adding a touch of rustic charm to contemporary settings. It's not just about aesthetics; shiplap also adds a layer of insulation and can help with soundproofing.
But why the name "shiplap"? The term is believed to have originated from the shipbuilding industry. The overlapping method of fitting boards together made ships watertight, a technique that was later adopted in building construction.
Another advantage of shiplap is the control it offers. When you opt for shiplap, you're in charge of the type of wood, the finish, and even the spacing between the boards. This means you can customize it to fit any design aesthetic, from a beachy, whitewashed look to a more natural, stained appearance.
However, as with any trend, it's essential to understand that shiplap may not be suitable for every home or every room. Its distinctive look can become overwhelming if overused. Moreover, while shiplap is relatively easy to install, it requires maintenance, especially if used in its traditional form as exterior siding.
Thrifty Faux Plank Wall Backsplash: A Stunning DIY Transformation on a Budget
This faux plank wall backsplash is going to knock your socks off!
You guys know I hate to spend tons of money on my projects....well, this one kind of takes the cake in the money saving / thrifty department. I have seen plank walls all over the place, and really wanted to try one myself. One day I hopped in my truck and headed to Home Depot to take a look around and see what I wanted to do. I looked around in the lumber department, and felt a little overwhelmed. So, in true Jess fashion, I just started wondering aimlessly around the store. I found myself in the flooring section, dreaming of new hardwood floors that just weren't in my budget, and noticed a price sticker on one of the shelves that floored me. Pun intended. I looked up from the 98 cents a piece sticker and saw these peel and stick faux wood flooring strips and BAM! The light went off! I knew it was meant to be...I mean, that's how things that were meant to be happen, right?
I decided to buy a bunch and bring them home with me. I was going to make a planked backsplash in my kitchen and fool everyone...except I'm telling you about it, so you really aren't fooled are you?
So, here is what I did. I started by laying them out on my dining table to see just how I wanted them to look on my wall. It's not a very large space, so I wanted to make sure the planks would fit.
I peeled the paper off of the back of the first one and placed it up on the wall.
Then I started stacking them. I couldn't stop myself to take photos, I just kept going. I literally just pealed the paper off of them and stuck them up on the wall and pressed as hard as I could to get the adhesive to stick to the wall.
There were some pieces that needed to be cut to fit in the remaining spaces. The most awesome thing of all is that I could just use scissors because these babies cut like butter!
Once I got them all up, I took a step back. Oh my goodness...amazing! I knew from the beginning that I didn't want to leave them as is...they were to be painted.
I took out my favorite Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paint and gave them two coats. The faux wood grain still showed, giving the authentic look of a wood plank wall, so this girl was super pleased!
I am so happy with the way it turned out...and as you can see, I gave my counter tops a little makeover too...that ridiculously easy project will be on the blog soon too, and you will never guess what I used!
I am so happy that I decided to use the peel and stick vinyl! For less than twenty bucks and no tools, I gave my kitchen an entirely new look...that's what I call a win! If you rent and want to make a change in your kitchen, or well, any room...these things are perfect for you! So...what do you think?
UPDATE! I've done it again...I easily removed the peel-and-stick tiles that were on my backsplash for over a year and a half and changed them up! I had made some changes to our kitchen and we had new countertops installed, so I decided to change the look of my backsplash using the same peel-and-stick tile method. For the updated look, click HERE on my Small House Tour!
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