Turning to Steampunk Influences

At the beginning of this year, this picture represented my prediction for interior design trends.

Thanks to my latest clients and my daughter's interest in unique corset tops, I started looking at the Steampunk genre and how it can apply to our interior décor. I modified my 2022 trend mood board to explore that very idea. It's a little darker, a little shinier, and a whole lot more dramatic. I like it. Do you?

---

FYI - Most pictures have links for purchasing from Autumn Light Interiors through my trusted trade partners

---

For lighting, I'm still seeing the mash up of fun and function. The gears and cages in industrial lighting emphasize both concepts. Colorful Tiffany style lighting brings in the Victorian scene where Steampunk is often based.

The colors and textures are from the Victorian era - deep jewel tones, velvety richness, and very tactile wall coverings be it grass cloth, murals, or any fabric application. Accessories can be used to corral small items or be purely decorative. Our iceberg filler (ball) is reminiscent of a hot air balloon. The theme of travelling all ways is another underlying Steampunk concept, so don't forget decorating with maps.

Believe it or not, this is on a shower curtain!

The wood flooring is more rustic, but the area rugs are decadent. Fading is acceptable and adds to the well travelled look. 

The overall style is quite liberal to the individuals' preferences. It represents a historical view, creativity, science, romance, and mystery. What more can one want! Steampunk style leans toward maximalism, but can be interspersed throughout other styles - Victorian (of course) and Mediterranean styles can take the layers of rich color and added trinkets. Industrial, Farmhouse, and Rustic Southwestern are good baselines for rustic wood expression. Mid-Century, Scandinavian, and Coastal are harder sells, so I won't go there! Oh why not! Add a bird cage pendant light and a rustic steamer trunk table to your Coastal vibe and I think you will have a one of a kind look that blends the ocean scene with a slight node to Steampunk.

I hope this trip down a different path from my usual stylings gives you a worldly perspective into the many faces of interior design. It's art with function. Or is it function as art?