Denim is one of fashion’s timeless mainstays.

It’s reinvented every season (I’m especially loving the varying style from Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Chanel) with this year moving into bold pairings with leather, gilded with accents, or variations in every color under the sun.  

Denim has definitely been hitting a high note for quite some time, and there’s no signs of it slowing down (Going by all of the denim pieces in my wardrobe right now, you could probably guess that I’m a BIG fan!)…

But what has been considered a timeless fashion icon, hasn’t translated too well into the world of interior design.

In interiors, denim has suffered somewhat of an identity crisis (When I say identity, I really mean an image of 90′s inspired denim sofa slipcovers – you know the ones I’m talking about).  It’s generally associated with interior styles that are dated and generic.

Recently we’ve seen the return of vintage brass, black lacquer, faux fur, and 50′s inspired palm leafs (which-is-totally-my-new-obsession-and-I’ll-be-writing-about-it-next-week…) from dated to fashion forward – amping up the “cool” factor of any space.

I think that denim is next on the list.  Let’s not forget how versatile this staple has been on the runways.  Why can’t that translate into the new, next, best thing?  It’s time to think outside the slipcovered box and use this iconic material to bring a fashion forward edginess into interior spaces.

…and remember, much like in fashion, denim goes with everything!

Here are some of my favorites:

1.  DARK DENIM  

Just like dark denim has become a new classic staple (much like the LBD), a dark denim wallpaper can add an sophisticated feel to any space.  Add a splash of bright color for contrast, and the result is ultra-chic!

Andrea Fay Interior Design

2. LIGHT DENIM

Do you love Chambray?  I love Chambray, and I love the look of it on this sofa.  The wispy and textured look of the fabric contrasted with the tailored profile of the sofa is a perfect!  (Tailored is ALWAYS a good idea.  There are times when a looser look works, but a lot of times sloppy just looks, well, sloppy….)

via Elle Decor

3. DENIM IN UNEXPECTED PLACES

Okay, I don’t have a fashion scenario for this one (maybe denim Louboutins?) I love that denim was used for this tailored headboard.  It adds a nice twist to a transitional interior.

Elizabeth Reich

4.  NAUTICAL DENIM

This one’s kind of a no brainer.  Denim has always paired nicely with the nautical trend. The deep indigo colors can easily transform a space into a “seaside paradise”.  Just be careful, too much denim, and those 90s memories could slowly begin to creep in…

Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.

5.  DENIM MIXED WITH OTHER TEXTURES

File this one under “denim goes with everything”.  I love the idea of mixing a denim pillow with velvet and linen.  Throw in a bold rug and a neutral sofa, and you’ve got the perfect mix of texture and pattern!

Stephanie Wiley Photography

Now, repeat after me…

We will never again

incorporate denim like this

…or this

…or this

…and remember to ALWAYS think of denim in terms of this

J Crew 2012

and NEVER this

Never.  Again.

Tiina