Modernity sets new rules for the arrangement of residential spaces, which reflect the desire for manufacturability, practicality and functionality. At the same time, long-gone eras continue to serve as sources of inspiration for designers. Thus, the industrialism of the time of Jules Verne became the basis for the interior in the steampunk style, preserving the place for the current principles of interior design.
The main features of the style
It is difficult to find a direction farther from the living space than steampunk. It is based on the aesthetics of steam engines, gears and mechanisms, but by no means comfortable furniture and ergonomic accessories. Nevertheless, it is the beauty of technical equipment that attracts connoisseurs of this genre. Therefore, the main sign of style can be called a visual effect. But also do not forget that the same machines work for the benefit of man. Therefore, the functionality and utility of the environment are also included in the list of features of steampunk.
The style in the interior of the time of old England was also focused on the splendor of textured elements. Beautiful fabrics, original surface finishes and expensive items - all this will advantageously complement the design, but only subject to a visual correspondence to the era. What will have to be abandoned, following this direction in home improvement? Perhaps shades of minimalism and naturalness will be superfluous. Naturalness is not a characteristic of steampunk. His spirit is expressed in man-madeness, and nature fades into the background.
Color palette
In this style, color has a special place, and designers have to find subtle loopholes between neutrality and contrast. Calm tones hardly correspond to the boisterous activity of factories. But bright shades will not have a meaning in this context. Therefore, preference is given to brown, gray and blue. And again, do not forget about parallel life in luxurious halls and salons, where the noble and rich range prevailed - it also favorably emphasizes the steampunk style in the interior. The description of the most advantageous color design in this channel can be represented as follows: emerald, wine and golden surfaces with velvet fabrics and a glimpse of metal structures. Such a connection will provide an unusual, but quite suitable visual effect for steampunk.
Decoration Materials
Although natural materials hinting at eco-style will seem superfluous in this direction, traces of their careful processing will correct the situation. You can use wood, stone, and glass with metals to decorate the walls. The main thing is that the decorative surface creates an atmosphere of understatement and unreality. Such a feeling can provide a wood floor, laid out by massive lags or aged boards. Metal plating will also be a worthy option, and the fixing hardware should be left noticeable on purpose. It is advisable to use large rivets in this capacity, resembling the skin of a submarine or a large steam boiler. Corresponding to the interior in the steampunk style and the brick walls that were once fashionable in our time. This is not the best solution in terms of practicality, but aesthetically it will be a win-win. On the other hand, it is not recommended to use cheap and strictly formatted materials in the form of plastic panels or wallpaper for decoration.
Furniture furnishings
The interior of the Victorian era is famous for its luxurious armchairs, sofas and stately bookcases. Moreover, the emphasis is on the external design. These days it can be exquisite ornate carvings, patterns on leather upholstery, metal overlays and decorative elements made of expensive fabrics. It is better to refuse built-in and modular headsets. Each steampunk-style interior item is distinguished by its originality - it should be a piece of art made by the master. As for the basic materials, the structures can be made of wood or metal - bronze, copper or brass. It is not necessary to completely refuse from collapsible furniture, but in this case it will be necessary to emphasize the mechanics of the item.
What should be the lighting?
The streams of light that will transform a slightly moody and gloomy interior should have a special character. It is desirable that they also show a hint of industrialism, the time of transition to new technologies. But this does not mean that you need to use popular LED lamps. Their even artificial light is unlikely to match the setting. Preference should be given to either traditional incandescent lamps or gas-discharge devices, the operation of which is accompanied by humming and flickering. These are optimal effects for the interior in the style of steampunk. The design of the ceiling and lampshades, if possible, should be selected precisely for the Victorian era. Otherwise, it’s worthwhile to turn to the massive structures of the fixtures, also made with the use of metal. It is advisable to refuse plastic cases.
Home appliance requirements
Not every style involves the use, for example, of kitchen appliances and devices as an independent object of the interior. At least household appliances play a neutral role. In this case, the situation is the opposite. The modern generation of home appliances with varying degrees, but comes from machines and assemblies of the era of industrialism. Another thing is that the operating principles and characteristics of materials have changed significantly. But the external design of household appliances may well emphasize the interior in the style of steampunk, regardless of its purpose. You can stylize any object - from the hob to the TV with a computer. For example, the housing of a washing machine or refrigerator should initially be chosen with gray or brown colors. Imitation of wood structure also fits into this genre.
Decorative elements
Accessories are the easiest and most fun way to create an authentic steampunk atmosphere. To search for original decor elements with a touch of antiquity, you can go to the flea market. It is also worth using your own stylized photos to decorate the living room or bedroom. A separate topic is small devices and mechanisms that can perform their basic functions, except for the interior design in the steampunk style. This type of decor can be represented by barometers, compasses, watches, telephones, etc. It is recommended to decorate the walls with large maps, paintings by artists of the 19th century, as well as illustrations for novels of the same time.
Installations and constructions for the interior
For a more complete approximation to industrialism, it will not be superfluous to decorate the house with large-scale installations. In essence, this is the same decor, but of a different caliber - of course, it creates a completely different quality of the steampunk style in the interior. Examples of such installations may be as follows:
- A panel on which metalwork tools, pipes, valves, taps and other elements that previously had a specific purpose are placed.
- Basement with deliberately open utilities on the ceiling. This option is suitable if the room will be used frequently (for example, as a home theater). The same plumbing pipes will create a special atmosphere, and its open brickwork in the walls will complement it.
- Installation does not have to be without functionality. For example, in the bathroom you can completely stylize communications - the same pipes with valves, a wash basin and the bath itself. The main thing is to choose a suitable metal (cast iron, copper or brass), abandon the abundance of plastic and, in a similar style, perform wall and ceiling cladding.
Conclusion
It is not easy to implement this area of interior design, but if successful, the effect will be truly original. This is a very vivid and expressive genre in which many will recognize the mesmerizing atmosphere of works of art of the 19th century. But how practical and convenient in everyday life can a steampunk-style interior be? For whom is it suitable in principle? Of course, those who do not like the Victorian era are unlikely to invest in the transformation of their homes by such means. And for those who appreciate this style, few have to sacrifice. This flexible direction and almost any task of providing comfort and functionality can be combined with the requirements for a visual-decorative background. Another thing is that the technical implementation of some ideas may require significant physical and financial costs.