BEYOND FARMHOUSE: SHIPLAP AND X-PATTERNS

It’s tempting to see shiplap and the iconic X-panel and only think, “Farmhouse.” But these two classic elements add architectural shape and texture to design styles from Traditional to Contemporary. Let’s take a look at the ins and outs of how these new products can adorn your designs!

X MARKS THE SPOT

Historically, the X-pattern (or “crossbuck”) derived from the “half-buck” version. The latter of which was a functional element that supported large fences, gates, and of course, barn doors.

The X-pattern came into play in the mid 1800s as part of what was called “Stick Style” in home designs. Moving away from ornate Victorian architecture, this design style highlighted vertical and diagonal placement of wood boards and beams.

Then there is the finer furnishing side of things. In our world we have several options that fit into this model. From the  Crossmate cabinet to the Chi mullion to the Amesbury door in Platinum, well it just made sense to add the X-column to complete the story.

Left to right: Crossmate cabinets stacked three wide/each 18″ square, Chi mullions with mirror, Amesbury door on tall armoire.

However, by no means am I suggesting

that you use all of these elements in the same design.

Balance is everything and restrained use will make the pattern stand out as a feature, rather than a redundancy.

The most obvious use for the X-column is on an island, as shown in our Fresh Farmhouse design.

The X-end can also be used at the end of a run of base cabinets to complement the Amesbury door or Chi mullions:

Illustration shown with 3″ end column, 25″ deep.

The X-end is available in two widths (1 ¾” and 3”) and two depths, 25” and 36”. I think the narrow width is a bit more understated and offers a stylish solution when length is limited.

IT’S EVERYWHERE, IT’S EVERYWHERE!

Moving on to the ever-popular topic of shiplap, the question isn’t so much where to use it, but where NOT to use it! Thanks, once again, to HGTV and The Fixer Upper hosts, Chip and Joanna Gaines, it’s now common language to discuss shiplap with your clients. One article I ran across 12 Ways to Use Shiplap in Every Room of Your Home covers all of the aspects of shiplap on full wall applications, including one kitchen with walls of shiplap. But for those who aren’t ready for the full “wall of shiplap” commitment, accents in the kitchen and bath might be a better fit!

4 WAYS TO SHIPLAP YOUR DESIGN

1. Shiplap finished ends

With a simple click, you can add this upgrade to your cabinet in 2020 and we will install (and finish) the snazzy shiplap in the factory!

2. Shiplap interior back

Shiplap offers an updated look to wainscot interiors, and this modification is for the interior back of wall, base or tall cabinets. Whether this accent cabinet is an open bookcase, or has doors and clear glass – it’s the perfect way to add a little bit of shiplap in your design!

3. Panel it

Shiplap panels are perfect for the back of an island and are available 48” wide in 34 ½” and 42” heights in raw edge or with square vertical edge molding.

4. Plank it

This is the most flexible way to get shiplap in your design. Wherever you can reach, there’s a shiplap for that! Available in solid wood lengths of 96” x  5” high; each plank overlaps the next allowing you to tack them in or up just about anywhere!

This hutch idea includes shiplap back on the interior of a combo wall cabinet with doors above and opening below.

To add even more pizzazz to your X-Columns and shiplap you can contrast the finishes. As you can see, Eucalyptus (new Finish Folio paint) surrounds the island base cabinets in our Farmhouse design, while the X-Columns are finished in French Roast.

Our farmhouse island shows shiplap finished ends and shiplap planks on the back.

And through a simple field install, we added shiplap planks in French Roast to the back of this tall bookcase cabinet for a more dramatic look.