Steampunks are some of the most creative people I have ever met. From the books to the art work, the fashions and the music, steampunks are a cornucopia of ideas and possibilities.
Recently, I was asked for ideas about redecorating a guest room in a steampunk theme. We’ve all seen the great pictures of Bruce and Melanie Rosenbaum’s home in Sharon, Massachusetts and I’m sure many of us have just drooled over the details.
Bruce also operates ModVic, a Victorian home restoration and steampunk design company. Many ideas there, too!
There are plenty of articles and component pieces around the internet, and now here is a challenge to pull them together. Your task is to suggest individual design elements, or a whole design plan, to create a steampunk’d guest room that you would like to stay in yourself.
What items would make this an engaging, comfortable, even luxurious, place where you would want to rest and relax?
Here’s the layout of the space. Think of it as a blank canvas, ready for your brushstrokes to create a showpiece of the steampunk aesthetic.
Thinking about the walls, ceiling and floors, what is the color scheme for the rooms? Can we take a cue from exterior Victorian home colors?
This photo is from Oldhouseweb.com
What about textures? Paint or paper? Flat or textured?
The rooms aren’t necessarily large or with high ceilings, but would cornices and moldings add a nice touch?
Are there some design elements or inspiration that could be taken from this renovation of the Harmony Club building in Selma, Alabama?
For lighting, maybe something like an arc lamp as photographed by Curious Expeditions , from Frank Buchwald or Art Donovan? Personally, I love Frank’s work, and I crave Art’s “Siddhartha Pod” Steampunk Lantern.
Could a new bed come from Ralph Lauren? Or should it be antique? Night stands? Tall dresser?
Looking at the artist’s on the Airship Ambassador Gallery page, maybe Rafa Maya or Eric Freitas should do the wall clocks?
Light switch plates by Jake von Slatt?
Hidden doors and secret passageways?
While scouting around for ideas and inspirations, I came across the following articles:
Excellent Examples of Steampunk Lighting
Steampunk 101 by Yanko Design
Steampunk Theme Decorating Ideas
Inkwell Manor in Second Life
Inspired? Share your visions either by leaving comments and links below, or emailing me at Kevin at AirshipAmbassador dot com. I’ll post a followup with everyone’s great ideas!
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