Steampunk style in the interior – the romance of mechanisms and steam traction

Steampunk in the interior is close to the retro style, but it does not copy the atmosphere of past years. Instead, the design embodies the visions of the future that the Industrial Age might have had. This is how a fantastic reality is created with technology without an internal combustion engine and modern electronics. In steampunk, natural materials, handmade items and devices that demonstrate the height of engineering are valued.

Main characteristics and style features

The steampunk style in the interior demonstrates an idealized attitude towards technology, industry and the era of scientific and technological revolution. Even those aspects that are usually considered to be disadvantages are favorably perceived: excessive urbanization, smoke and an abundance of metal structures.

The industrial revolution was most pronounced in Great Britain, so steampunk takes a lot from the Victorian style and neo-Gothic. For example, stained-glass windows and arches, dark colors and an abundance of bulky items are often used.

1. All kinds of open mechanisms. Various art objects are created from gears, pipes, chains, screws, springs and hinges.
2. Inspiration from early 20th century technology. Steam locomotives, airships, submarines, the first airplanes, gramophones, typewriters and other signs of industrialization are ubiquitous in the interior.
3. natural materials. Plastic has not yet been invented in the world of steampunk, so wood, tiles and brick with an aged effect are used. You can not do without metal in the color of bronze, copper, brass or rusting iron.
4. Antique furniture or its styling. Massive wooden things are suitable – tables, chests of drawers, cabinets, chests. Among upholstered furniture, the best choice is Chesterfield sofas and Voltairian armchairs, upholstered in dark worn leather.
5. The main color is warm brown. Black is also used. As accents, you can choose natural shades characteristic of the English style: deep green, cherry red, blue.
6. Antique lamps. Lighting devices are stylized as kerosene lamps or candles. Incandescent lamps with warm light and plasma balls fit perfectly into the steampunk atmosphere.

The steampunk style in the interior is quite popular

So it is not difficult to choose finishing materials in the appropriate design. Wallpapers and collections of tiles with thematic drawings are produced. You can choose finishes with a classic pattern, such as the William Morris ornament. Another option is full wall murals. Often wooden panels are used for wall decoration. You can leave open brickwork.

The decor is black and white photographs, drawings and old maps. Old books, a globe, a spyglass and a clock with rotating gears will fit perfectly into the decor. Handmade items, such as homespun rugs, are also welcome. Modern technology does not fit well with steampunk. It is hidden behind stylized furniture facades or decorated.

The history of steampunk style in the interior

This style originated in literature in the 1980s and quickly penetrated into other areas of cultural life: painting, cinema, fashion, product design. The corresponding subculture gradually formed, and with it the history of steampunk in the interior began. This direction of design is appreciated by creative individuals, lovers of adventure literature and science fiction. A partial rejection of high technology may appeal to those who are tired of gadgets, television and advertising.

The steampunk style in the interior is not common, but its popularity is gradually growing. It provides a sense of coziness, comfort and tranquility, which has been lost over the past hundred years, so much in demand in the society of the 21st century. This style is most fully manifested in public spaces – bars, restaurants and clubs. Steampunk can make home environments unnecessarily dark and cluttered, if we are not talking about spacious rooms and large windows. But designers often add some of its elements to the loft, contemporary, modern, neoclassical and other areas.