Forget Basic Shiplap Accent Walls: A More Timeless Trend Will Reign Supreme In 2026

Shiplap paneling has become popular in the past few years because it looks gorgeous and works with most interior styles. It even allows you to recreate this creative accent wall idea using simple Dollar Tree DIYs. However, Artem Kropovinsky, the owner of Arsight Studio, believes shiplap has had its time in the spotlight. So, what will replace it? "Instead of adding more lines to the wall, I think 2026 will lean toward removing them," he tells House Digest exclusively. "The great alternative to shiplap will be mineral plaster finishes applied by hand — limewash plasters and troweled textures. It gives depth and character to the surface and reads more than just decor."

And Kropovinsky believes there's a good reason why this trend will replace shiplap in 2026. "People still want texture," he says, "but they want it to feel calmer and more permanent. Shiplap is straightforward, but mineral plaster is atmospheric." This makes it a timeless choice for homeowners. Moreover, unlike simple wood paneling, mineral plaster "changes with daylight, it is handmade, and it adds a quiet luxury feeling where the wall becomes a backdrop that elevates other items and solutions in the space, but doesn't become the main character."

Before you jump on the mineral plaster bandwagon, however, it's important to understand how it compares to shiplap. "Mineral plaster is seamless and elevated," Artem Kropovinsky tells House Digest. "With shiplap, our eye reads rhythm first. With plaster we get depth without adding strong patterns, which expands the space." This means that it'll look good in smaller areas, too, since it can make the space look bigger. Kropovinsky adds: "Plaster works much better with different styles, shiplap has a more coastal and farmhouse direction — it's not versatile." On top of that, shiplap is a modern home decor trend that hasn't aged well. On the other hand, Kropovinsky says, "Plaster goes great with minimalist, modern, Mediterranean and other styles, depending on color and texture." So, you won't have to worry about renovating your entire room if you get new accent walls.

That being said, this medium isn't perfect; it has its fair share of cons, too. "Mineral plaster is not a DIY material, and shiplap is straightforward to contractors," Kropovinsky tells us. "Plaster requires artistic approach, proper preparations and technique." Additionally, it "is more expensive than shiplap — the cost of material is bigger, and the skilled labor requires bigger investment." Given this, you'll need to consider your budget before opting for this design. Plaster isn't a forgiving material, either, and mistakes aren't always easy to hide. "If any damage occurs, plaster is harder to fix discreetly, shiplap boards can be swapped. Plaster requires more effort and skills," he explains.

There are multiple places where you can use shiplap in your home. But you might not be familiar with how you can combine mineral plaster accent walls with your existing interiors. To help you out, Artem Kropovinsky shares his recommendations in his exclusive chat with House Digest. "Plaster pairs beautifully with current lighting trends that intentionally reveal texture," he says. "It feels modern, but will be timeless." Detailing why this works so well, he explains: "Mineral plaster adds warmth and dimension, but it does it in a more refined way than shiplap — it moves toward earthy neutrals and natural materials."

However, to ensure mineral plaster lends your interiors a classic charm, you must select it after careful consideration. Kropovinsky advises that you "choose plaster not from a small swatch and test it out under different lighting conditions: morning, evening, and artificial light." This will tell you whether the design will complement your current decor or not. Also, avoid DIYing these accent walls. Instead, as Kropovinsky says: "Invest in a professional installer and proper preparation — the finish looks elevated and effortless when the work behind it is properly organized."