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Design trends and news for every room in the home.
Gizmos and Gears: Steampunk Decorating
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Even a couple old-timey pieces can give a room that Steampunk feel.

By definition Steampunk is a re-imagination of the past with one foot in reality and the other in fantasy.

Steampunk relies on elements from the Victorian era and the birth of the Industrial Revolution. By combining these elements of Victorian romanticism with gears and steam engines of the Industrial Revolution, you can create your own one-of-a-kind Steampunk environment.

And here is the good news: without a set precedent, you get to interpret the Steampunk style your way. The only limit is your own imagination. Perhaps that is the attraction for this décor style, as the number of devotees has been growing steadily over the past decade.

Now if you still can't imagine it, think akin to the movie "Hugo," with all the (literal) bells and whistles. Or think back to the works of Jules Verne in "20 Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and H.G. Wells’ "The Time Machine."

Here is an example of the wonderful world of Steampunk. It’s a 1901 Craftsman-style Victorian home in Massachusetts outfitted in everything punk, down to the smallest details.

With this design style, rich saturated color on the walls such as deep blue, emerald green and slate gray works really well. Contrast these colors with bright white on floor and ceiling trim keeps the room from looking too dark and uninviting.

Mix in lots of natural wood tones like cherry or mahogany by using wood flooring and furniture. Think reclaimed wood or flooring that looks scuffed and dented to achieve that by-gone era look. Search for furniture pieces that combine natural wood with iron or other dark metals.

When it comes to furniture, look for leather. Drapes can be heavy, velvety fabric layered with a light sheer below.

Lighting fixtures and lamps with glass, brass and/or bronze work best. And, if you can find wall sconces that look similar to old oil or gas lamps, grab them, as they will be the perfect touch for a Steampunk home.

With the upswing in popularity of Steampunk, a number of furniture companies offer pieces that fit the aesthetic, such as Restoration Hardware. Many steampunk enthusiasts find interesting accent pieces at second-hand stores, flea markets and other locations such as the Goodwill and the Salvation Army stores. Shop your local antique malls and vintage stores for worn down Persian rugs to increase the old and timeless feel of your room.

Here's a handy tip: Visit local Steampunk events for inspiration.

Happy hunting!

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Sheryl wrote:
Interesting...I think I've been using this in my decorating without realizing there's actually a name and an art to it!
2/1/2012 3:40 PM EST
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Chezsven wrote:
I had never heard of Steampunk. Thanks for this education. I will recognize it when I see it now.
2/1/2012 7:42 PM EST
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I like the idea of steampunk--I hadn't heard of it either. Living in the midwest, I bet I could find items in the thrift shops around here to tap into that look.
2/2/2012 9:40 AM EST
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jbarone wrote:
I guess I join the majority here: also have never heard of steampunk. Good to know, though. Who would've thought that there would be anything combining Victorian sensibility with gears and such. Interesting, for sure.
2/6/2012 11:58 AM EST
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Nice connection between Hugo and steampunk! That movie was so beautifully done and perfectly fits the steampunk aesthetic.
2/6/2012 12:13 PM EST
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jstock wrote:
Casey, thanks for the comment. I know, I so want to see Hugo! And, I do enjoy the combination of Victorian with thingamajigs aka gears and the like.
2/6/2012 2:10 PM EST
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jboursaw wrote:
You know, I've heard the term Steampunk for years now and never really knew what it meant! Now I can actually "see" it, thanks to you. And since Hugo is one of my favorite movies from 2011, that helps, too. Really cool concept.
2/7/2012 11:03 AM EST
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Mhardgrove wrote:
Any idea what that blue glass item in the front is or where to find it? Trying to find out if we sell something like it on homeclick or where it could be found.
2/8/2012 12:54 PM EST
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jstock wrote:
MHardgrove,
You posted about the blue glass object in my article. This item came as part of an outdoor wall hanging. So I have no idea where to direct you to look for another. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
2/8/2012 2:09 PM EST
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Steampunk? The things I learn from reading you! Never heard of it either.
2/13/2012 11:33 AM EST



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