Past and Future Meet in Steampunk Decor

by yael

If you’re a hopeless steampunk geek who salivates over coppery, nailhead-studded, steam-powered, exposed-gear anything, read on – this post is sure to set you on a redecorating binge.

For all you non-steampunk enthusiasts, steampunk is a literary sub-genre characterized by Victorian- and industrial-inspired fixtures reimagined on a futuristic angle. Inspired by literature by Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, steampunk features historical fixtures with a sci-fi slant.

Steampunk’s distinctive style is similar to industrial style, with inventive differences. Some of the hallmarks of steampunk decor include:

  • bronze and copper finishes, paired with black
  • gears and gauges
  • pipes
  • dirigibles, hot air balloons, steam engines
  • raw, exposed materials
  • Victorian and industrial elements with an imaginative twist

To get an idea of what steampunk decorating looks like, check out these homes (designed by or for true devotees):

Bathroom by Andre Rothblatt Architecture
Waterstone Towson Suite Gantry Faucet; kitchen design: Andre Rothblatt Architecture; photo credit: Houzz.com 
Living Room by Apropos Design, Inc. / Green Home Design Source

Machine Age Lamps Steampunk Gear Steam Gauge Lamp
Photo credit: Houzz.com/Real Estate Investing Guru Review

Kitchen by Officine Gullo USA

Home Office by Because We Can

Steampunk gear wall by Because We Can

(Click the above image for a tutorial!)

Powder Room by Design Associates
Watermark Brooklyn faucet; bathroom by Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs; photo credit: Houzz.com

Bathroom by Beyond Beige Interior Design Inc.
If you’re not such a die-hard fan but want to pay homage to steampunk in your home, try a few well-placed fixtures for a less dramatic effect:
Bathroom by Mountain Concepts
Jaclo Steam Valve Original Wall-Mounted Pot Filler
Norwell Lighting Mariner Wall Mount Fixture
Waterstone Wheel Pull-Down Faucet

Are you a sci-fi geek? Which genre’s your favorite?

yael