The Joanna Gaines-Approved DIY That Now Just Seems Tacky

If you have been following Joanna Gaines and her home makeover show, then you already have an idea how much she loves using shiplap and wood paneling on her projects. It's her go-to look for the kitchen, and she even uses shiplap to dress up a staircase. We can't blame the lady responsible for popularizing the "modern farmhouse" style with these design choices. The rustic look of shiplap and wood paneling can instantly transform the interior of a home, making it feel more cozy. However, it seems this design trend has been overstaying its welcome, as wood boards now feel dated rather than dreamy.

Those rows of wood boards you DIY-ed a few years ago may now look overdone, especially if you installed them in almost all parts of your house. Having excessive shiplap at home can make everything seem cluttered instead of simply adding warmth. Dustin Wince, BOLT Builders' Director of Estimating and Preconstruction, even finds this style tacky. "It makes the home look bad because it can feel too busy or it distracts from other architectural features. And if it isn't done right will be an eye sore in your home," he told The Spruce.

While shiplap and wood boards already had their moment, thanks mostly to Joanna Gaines, clean painted drywall appears to be reclaiming its status as the gold standard for home interiors. Drywall has never gone out of style, by the way, but it has been overshadowed by more elaborate alternatives in recent years. However, as modern home styling leans heavily on minimalism and simplicity, drywall provides a perfectly smooth backdrop for any room, without clashing with various furniture and decorative pieces.

What's also good about drywall is its versatility; it easily adapts to different looks. So, whether you are going for lean minimalist, midcentury, or modern farmhouse, it can keep up with whatever you put in your living space; although it would be ideal to invest in a paint color that will tie everything together. You'll also want to choose paint colors that mask wear and tear in your home, so you won't have to repaint your walls every so often. Overall, from a practical standpoint, drywall is easier to maintain than wood paneling. Shiplap can warp and crack over time, and it can also readily collect dust. On the other hand, a painted wall only requires a simple wipe down to clean its surface, as well as a few touch-ups when really needed.