9 New York Farmhouses With Shiplap Walls That Never Go Out Of Style
Shiplap walls have become the darling of farmhouse style, bringing rustic charm and timeless appeal to homes across New York state. As a décor obsessive who’s trekked through more country properties than I care to admit, I’ve fallen head over heels for these horizontal wooden planks that transform ordinary spaces into magazine-worthy retreats. Let me walk you through nine absolutely stunning New York farmhouses where shiplap reigns supreme; each one guaranteed to make you want to drop everything and move to the countryside!
1. The Hudson Valley Haven
Holy moly, this place makes me weak in the knees! Nestled among apple orchards, this 1850s gem features original shiplap that the owners lovingly restored rather than replaced. Smart cookies.
The living room walls showcase a weathered white finish that perfectly complements exposed beam ceilings. I nearly fainted when I saw how they contrasted modern furniture against those textured walls.
My favorite touch? They left one accent wall in natural, unstained wood; creating that perfect tension between refined and rustic that makes designers like me do a little happy dance.
2. Catskills Cottage Comeback
Prepare to swoon! This formerly abandoned 1920s teacher’s cottage got a second life when a Brooklyn couple installed vertical navy-painted shiplap throughout the kitchen and dining areas.
Brass fixtures pop against the deep blue background in a way that makes me want to rethink every design choice I’ve ever made. The owners cleverly extended the shiplap to the ceiling, creating a cozy envelope effect that visitors can’t stop photographing.
During my visit, I couldn’t help running my fingers along the subtle texture while mentally calculating how to recreate this look in my own home.
3. Finger Lakes Farmstead
Butter me up and call me a biscuit; this 200-year-old dairy farm conversion knocked my socks off! The owners discovered original shiplap hiding behind decades of wallpaper, revealing gorgeous patina that money simply cannot buy.
Instead of painting over this treasure, they sealed it with clear matte finish, preserving every knot, nail hole, and imperfection. The master bedroom features these authentic walls paired with crisp white linens and minimal decor.
What really sells the space is how sunlight plays across the uneven surface throughout the day, creating shadows that tell stories about the home’s rich history.
4. Adirondack Mountain Retreat
Grab your camera; this place is Instagram gold! A former hunting cabin transformed into a year-round residence features shiplap with a twist: the owners used reclaimed wood from local barns, creating walls with varying widths and colors.
The bathroom showcases waterproof-sealed shiplap that continues right into the walk-in shower. I’ve recommended this technique to countless clients, but rarely have I seen it executed with such perfection.
My jaw literally dropped when I noticed how they incorporated hidden storage behind certain panels; pure genius for maximizing space while maintaining that clean, uncluttered aesthetic we all desperately crave.
5. Long Island Sound Seaside Charmer
Shiver me timbers; this coastal cutie blends farmhouse with nautical flair! White horizontal shiplap covers the walls in this 1940s fishing cottage, while the ceiling features the same treatment in a gorgeous pale blue that reminds me of perfect summer skies.
The owners went next-level by adding shiplap to built-in window seats and kitchen islands. Every time I visit, I discover a new detail that makes me squeal with delight.
My professional tip: they used varying widths of boards; some narrow, some wide, creating subtle visual interest that draws your eye around the room without being obvious about it. Absolute design brilliance!
6. Saratoga Springs Victorian Hybrid
Hold onto your hats, design lovers! This 1890s Victorian might seem traditional from the outside, but step inside to find shiplap used in thoroughly modern ways. The dining room features black-painted shiplap three-quarters up the wall with dramatic effect.
Against all conventional wisdom (which is why it works so brilliantly), they installed it in a herringbone pattern rather than the traditional horizontal layout. I’ve shamelessly stolen this idea for three client projects already.
What makes me absolutely giddy is how they paired this bold choice with crystal chandeliers and antique furniture; proving that farmhouse elements can play nice with formal spaces when handled with confidence.
7. Mohawk Valley Barn Conversion
Sweet mother of renovation; this converted dairy barn left me speechless! The double-height living area features the original barn siding repurposed as interior shiplap, complete with faded red paint patches that tell the structure’s agricultural story.
Floor-to-ceiling windows contrast with these rustic walls, creating a jaw-dropping juxtaposition of old and new. During my tour, I couldn’t stop photographing the subtle color variations in the wood; from weathered grays to hints of the original red.
The owners cleverly mixed in some new boards where needed but distressed them to match, creating a seamless look that honors the building’s history while functioning perfectly for modern living.
8. Niagara County Orchard Estate
Apple-picking paradise meets design heaven! This working orchard’s 1920s farmhouse uses shiplap in unexpected places; like the ceiling of a thoroughly modern kitchen. The contrast between sleek white cabinetry and the warm wooden planks overhead creates tension that makes the space sing.
In the sunroom, they installed shiplap vertically and painted it the palest shade of green, mimicking the young apple trees visible through the windows. I’ve tried to match this color for clients and always end up with 20 sample pots!
My absolute favorite detail? They left the nail heads exposed and painted them black for a subtle industrial touch that grounds all that ethereal green.
9. Thousand Islands River Retreat
Row my boat to shiplap heaven! This St. Lawrence River cottage uses whitewashed shiplap throughout, but with a genius twist; they installed it diagonally in the primary bedroom, creating movement that mimics the flowing water outside.
The bathroom continues the theme with waterproof shiplap in a soft blue-gray that changes color depending on the light. I’ve spent embarrassing amounts of time in this bathroom during parties, studying how they handled the corners.
Most impressively, they wrapped a freestanding tub in matching shiplap with a waterproof finish; a detail so clever I’ve featured it in my design workshops as the perfect example of carrying a theme throughout a space without becoming tedious.
