At Lighthouse Contracting Group, we pride ourselves on staying ahead of home renovation trends, and the 2024 design landscape brings one of the most exciting yet: black shiplap. Traditionally known for its farmhouse charm, shiplap has taken a sleek, modern twist. Black shiplap is making waves by adding sophistication, contrast, and depth to interior spaces.
In our recent Lakeside Meredith Escape renovation, we fully embraced this trend, incorporating black shiplap into the kitchen island, bathroom, and as a black shiplap fireplace feature. The result was a beautifully modern home with touches of rustic texture.




Why Black Shiplap?
The appeal of black shiplap lies in its ability to create visual interest while maintaining a refined, modern edge. It pairs well with a variety of styles, from Scandinavian minimalism to contemporary rustic design. The Lakeside Meredith Escape project allowed us to demonstrate the versatility of this trend, using black shiplap to create focal points and add drama to key spaces.
Lakeside Meredith Escape: A Showcase of the Trend
Located on the tranquil shores of Lake Waukewan, the Lakeside Meredith Escape renovation was all about bringing the homeowners’ vision of a bright, welcoming, and modern retreat to life. While the primary color palette focused on light, neutral tones, the addition of black shiplap provided the perfect contrast, drawing attention to key focal points throughout the home. The project’s stunning design was crafted by A. Lee Interior Design, who seamlessly blended modern elegance with cozy, rustic touches to achieve this unique look.
- Black Shiplap Fireplace: One of the standout features of the home is the black shiplap fireplace, which anchors the living room with its bold contrast against light-colored walls. Paired with a reclaimed barn beam mantel and unique tile accents, the black shiplap added depth and sophistication.
- Kitchen Island Shiplap: In the kitchen, black shiplap was installed on the kitchen island to create a statement piece that draws the eye. The dark tones provided a perfect balance to the light cabinetry and countertops, giving the room a contemporary yet warm feel.
- Bathroom Accent Wall: In the bathroom, black shiplap was used behind the vanity, creating a stunning accent wall that added dimension to the space. The contrast with light fixtures and natural materials provided a luxurious yet inviting ambiance.
Get to Know the Designer

Allison Lockard of A. Lee Interior Design
Alli is meticulous, detail-oriented and has a strong background in architecture and interior design. She began her career designing commercial interior spaces such as senior living, student housing and high end apartment buildings. Alli works in all stages of design from schematic construction drawings to furniture procurement.
Understanding the Differences: Shiplap, Board and Batten, V-Groove, Peel and Stick, and Nickel Gap Shiplap
If you’re considering adding texture and character to your home, it’s important to know the differences between popular wall treatments. Such as shiplap, board and batten, V-groove paneling, peel and stick shiplap, and nickel gap shiplap.

Shiplap:
Traditional shiplap features horizontal wooden boards with rabbeted edges, which allow them to overlap slightly, forming a distinctive gap. This gap creates a clean, consistent look and adds texture to the wall. Black shiplap, as seen in the Lakeside Meredith Escape, adds a contemporary twist with its dramatic, bold finish.
Board and Batten:
Board and batten is a more structured wall treatment, where wide boards are installed vertically with narrow strips, or “battens,” covering the seams. This creates a more defined, geometric pattern, often used to add a traditional or cottage-style feel. Board and batten can be used on exteriors or interiors for a more architectural, sturdy look.

V-Groove Paneling:
V-groove paneling is similar to shiplap but with a beveled edge that creates a V-shaped groove between each panel. The groove gives it a softer, more decorative appearance compared to the crisp lines of traditional shiplap. It’s often used in more elegant or traditional spaces where a bit of extra detail is desired.
Peel and Stick Shiplap:
A budget-friendly alternative, peel and stick shiplap is made from lightweight materials, often PVC or faux wood, with adhesive backing. This option is easy to install and perfect for DIYers who want the shiplap look without the need for nails or screws. While it offers a similar appearance, it lacks the depth and texture of real wood shiplap.
Nickel Gap Shiplap:
Similar to traditional shiplap, nickel gap features boards that are spaced evenly apart, with the gap between them being the width of a nickel. Unlike shiplap’s overlapping boards, nickel gap is designed to be flush and consistent, creating a clean, contemporary look with precise lines. It’s ideal for homeowners seeking a more modern, refined version of shiplap.

How to Incorporate Black Shiplap Into Your Remodel
If you’re inspired by the shiplap trend and want to incorporate it into your home, here’s how you can make it work for your space:
- Create a Focal Point with a Black Shiplap Fireplace: A black shiplap fireplace makes a bold statement, turning your living room into a modern, cozy gathering space. The dark tones create a striking contrast against light walls, making the fireplace a natural focal point.
- Elevate Your Kitchen with a Black Shiplap Island: Add black shiplap to your kitchen island for a contemporary look that balances texture and style. This simple addition can transform the heart of your home, especially when paired with lighter cabinetry or countertops.
- Add Drama with an Accent Wall: Use black shiplap as an accent wall in a bedroom, bathroom, or hallway to add texture and visual interest. It’s a versatile way to introduce a dramatic element into your home without overwhelming the space.
- Pair with Light Colors and Natural Materials: Black shiplap works best when balanced with lighter tones and natural textures. Consider pairing it with neutral walls, light wood flooring, or stone accents for a warm, modern look that feels inviting.
- Experiment with Different Wall Treatments: Depending on your home’s style, you can mix and match wall treatments like board and batten or V-groove paneling with black shiplap to create a layered, textured effect that adds depth to your space.

Timeless Yet Trendy
Black shiplap is more than a trend for 2024—it’s a design choice with lasting appeal. Whether you opt for a black fireplace, kitchen island, or accent wall, this bold yet versatile material brings modern elegance to any home.
Transform Your Home with Lighthouse Contracting Group
The Lakeside Meredith Escape project showcases how black shiplap can be seamlessly integrated into home renovations, adding style and sophistication to every room. At Lighthouse Contracting Group, we specialize in designing homes that reflect both timeless beauty and the latest trends.
Interested in exploring how black shiplap or other wall treatments can transform your home? Contact Lighthouse Contracting Group today, and let’s create the space of your dreams!




