Inspiration: Steampunk Style

Photo by Phil Mansfield for The New York Times

Though it has its origins in the literary world, steampunk is picking up speed as a lifestyle and a subculture. The New York Times recently ran a feature and accompanying photo essay on the movement, and its visual aesthetic is making inroads into fashion, technology, and now, home design. (In fact, at this writing, there are more than 20,000 items described as "steampunk" on Etsy, and more than 2,000 tagged with the term on eBay.)

Still, steampunk is a bit of a slippery concept. SteamPunk magazine, the house organ for enthusiasts of the style, defines it thusly: "Steampunk lives in the reincarnated collective past of shadows and ignored alleys. It is a historical wunderkabinet, which promises, like Dr. Caligari's, to wake the somnambulist of the present to the dream-reality of the future. We are archaeologists of the present, reanimating a hallucinatory history." Umm, OK ... Writer Richard Morgan puts it much more succinctly: "Steampunk is the future as dreamt by the past."

Aesthetically speaking, the definition is loose enough to incorporate everything from high Victoriana to 1930s Moderne, with generous doses of fanciful futurism, vintage industrialism, Edwardian dandyism, and romantic goth thrown in for good measure. Think part gentleman's library, part mad scientist's laboratory, part tinkerer's workshop, and part elegantly decrepit Victorian parlour. Add a jigger of Cabinet of Curiosities and a dash of Memento Mori. Then haul out the clock gears and magnifying glasses, vintage labware and hourglasses, steamer trunks, antique globes, aged brass and dark woods, apothecary bottles and bell jars, surveyor's lamps and factory pendants, campaign and directiore furniture, industrial antiques, mercury glass, and odd botanical specimens. In other words, steampunk is dark and slightly strange and most definitely not cute.

Here, an armchair tour of steampunk spaces and other visual representations of the style:

Photos by Phil Mansfield for The New York Times

Mildred's Lane, the rural Pennsylvanian home of artist and fashion designer J. Morgan Puett, is a feminine, romanticized take on steampunk.

Photo from If It's Hip, It's Here

In his Habitat Machines photo composite series, Canadian artist David Trautrimas imagines what steampunk domiciles might look like. Above: The artist's digitally enhanced Sprinkler House.

Photos via The Datamancer and Newsweek magazine

From a philosophical standpoint, steampunk endeavors to humanize the everyday technology we've come to take for granted. These ornate, customized laptops by Richard Nagy are a classic example of the "retro-futuristic" aesthetic.

Photo by Kat Bret (via the Brass Goggles blog)

Aviator goggles, corsets, and lace-up boots figure prominently in steampunk fashion. (Note: If you are, by chance, my husband, you can put your tongue back in your mouth now.)

The sets of the films The Golden Compass, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and City of Ember showcase archetypal steampunk stylings.

Photos by Caroline on Crack, via LAist

Los Angeles' Edison, a nightclub housed in a derelict power plant, sports an uber-steampunk look. (One assumes that absinthe is the libation of choice here.)

The Steampunk Tree House (designed and built right here in Oakland!) is a travelling installation that's made appearances at Burning Man and Coachella.

Photos from Because We Can (via Wired magazine)

The offices at San Francisco game company Three Rings were designed by Oakland firm Because We Can to resemble the Nautilus in Jules Verne's steampunk classic, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

Photos by Moi

Designer Will Wick's library at the 2008 San Francisco Decorator Showcase had a strong steampunk vibe, with its strikingly dark palette, vintage wing chairs, curious objets, and industrial lighting.

Steampunk has largely been a DIY movement, but retailers are taking note: In addition to the Restoration Hardware items I featured earlier today, it's easy to find steampunk-inspired furnishings at a variety of other brand-name stores.  Anthropologie, for one, has many pieces that would work in a steampunk scheme, and Sundance and J. Peterman also offer a wealth of steampunk styles.

A selection of my faves (and while prices on many of these items are prohibitive, rest assured that you can find steampunk-y decor bargains on eBay, at your local flea market, and maybe even in Grandma's basement):

Vintage Goth Bar Cabinet, $1,895, and Elliptic Library Cabinet from Jayson Home & Garden

Vintage Postal Desk, $2,995 from Jayson Home & Garden, and Draper's Cabinet, $1,895 from Sundance

Vintage Medical Cabinet from Get Back, and Oakley Display Cabinet from Sultana

Cabriolet Leg File Cabinet from Sultana, and Whitman Chest of Drawers, $2,995 from Jayson Home & Garden

Clockwise from top left: French Settee from Woodson & Rummerfield’s; Amelie Sofa, $2,898 from Anthropologie; Velvet Double-Sided Sofa from Horchow; Leather Tufted Settee, $3,200 from English Country Antiques

Clockwise from top: Baxter Loveseat, $4,200 from Jonathan Adler; Antoinette Fainting Sofa, $575 from Urban Outfitters; Snooze Sofa from Ochre

Clockwise from top left: Conversation Chair from Sarlo; Vintage Industrial Drafting Stool, $600 from Get Back; Vintage Chair and Ottoman, $2,995, and Napoleon Dining Chair, $475, at Jayson Home & Garden; Cotswold Chair, $1,000, and Corrigan Chair, $1,998 at Anthropologie

Clockwise from top left: Industrial Two-Tier Cart, $2,200 from Get Back; Armillary Sphere Tables, $7,800 from Downtown; Campaign Side Tables; Adjustable Cast Iron and Glass Table, $18,000 from Get Back; Normandie Side Table, $625 from Plantation Home

Clockwise from top left: French Counter Balance Wall Light, $1,500 from Sarlo; Photographer’s Lamp, $265 from Jayson Home & Garden; Eureka Lamp, $65 from Sundance; Architect’s Boom Floor Lamp, $495 from Jayson Home & Garden; Transit Lamps, $170 to $330 at Velocity; Equilibrium Lamp, $695 from Sundance

Clockwise from top left: Halo Chandelier, $270 from Velocity; Jade Rise & Fall Light from Marston & Langinger; Edison Chandelier, $399 from Pottery Barn

Clockwise from top left: Greetings From the Ministry of Travel, $175 from Etsy seller Winona Cookie; Cora Mirror, $998 from Anthropologie; They Are Always Watching Print, $20 from Etsy seller Attempted Artistry; Vintage Aviator Goggles, $75 from Etsy seller Velvet Mechanism; Belljars, $14 to $35 at Paxton Gate; Shoemaker Doorstop, $18 at Anthropologie; Illumination by the Inch Candle, $25 from Sundance; 19th Century Sprockets from Hamptons Antique Galleries; Vintage Books, $40 from Jayson Home & Garden

Of course, taken literally and adopted whole-hog, the steampunk look can be dark, heavy, and cartoonish. But before I'd even heard the term, I was drawn to certain aspects of it -- namely the battered industrial objects and factory lighting that are key to the aesthetic. I think a few steampunk pieces placed in an eclectic, carefully edited space can lend a hefty dose of mystery and romance.

What's your take on the trend? Do you like it or dislike it? Would you incorporate elements of steampunk into your own home?

(P.S. If the look appeals, be sure to check out The Steampunk Home, a blog devoted exclusively to steampunk in the domestic sphere.)

Guest Post: Susan's eBay Finds

More Ways to Waste Time reader Susan Schulz posted a comment the other day gently suggesting that maybe I've gotten into a bit of a rut with my recent eBay Finds. (OK, what she actually said was, "I'm almost at my wit's end with your Arabia Finland, tulip side tables, globes, and enamel bowls ... ") She then generously volunteered to curate a collection of her own eBay booty to help break up the mind-numbing monotony of it all.

Take it away, Susan:

"I'm 31-year-old designer in Houston, Texas. I do graphic design, interior design, textiles, custom paintings, and art projects.

I'm also an expert at wasting time on eBay. I kind of swing wildly between obsessions. Right now I'm looking for vintage ID bracelets with my name on them, collecting Liberty prints, and searching for the perfect pair of wedges for summer. Next week, I'll be scouting lithographed British tea tins or Victorian silver jewelry. Last week, it was books about knots. I refuse to buy almost anything retail until I determine if it's available for a better price on eBay.

My favorite (and largest) eBay purchase is my sofa: midcentury on teak ski legs -- awesome! I put in a half-price 'Best Offer' at 3 a.m. one night after a half bottle of wine and didn't consult the boyfriend. Thankfully, he ended up liking it, but at the time the ink wasn't even dry on our first lease together!

My best eBay tip is simply asking sellers for what you want: Is there any way to ship shoes cheaper? Ask for a new rate without the box. Missed an auction? Ask the seller to relist. Think the starting price is too high? Ask them to add a 'Best Offer' option. Most eBay sellers are pretty reasonable -- they want to get a sale and make a few dollars, and as long as your requests aren't insulting or ridiculous, everyone wins."

Great advice! Herewith, Susan's current eBay picks (and her commentary on them):

Midcentury Modern Orange Ashtray (Yes, it's an ashtray. But it's so sculptural and I love the orange color -- perfect for rings and earrings.)

Danish Modern Bent Silberg Teak Magazine Table (A great side table with simple lines and storage for magazines. Plus, all of the accessories pictured on the table are included gratis in the auction.)

Midcentury Modern Lucite & Wood Lamp (Yes, please! I love lighting -- lamps and hanging fixtures are a must for layered decorating.)

Retro Blue Hanging Swag Light (Blue has been such a huge trend lately. I'd love to have this in a corner hanging over my Eames lounger. Sweet colors and optic pattern!)

Danish Modern Frosted Glass Swag Lamps (Swag lamps can always be rewired with plugs and don't necessarily need to be hardwired into a junction box. These are very Jonathan Adler-y and would be beautiful over a vanity.)

Vintage Portable Lightbulb Swag Lamp (SO fun. Great for a kid's room or a craft room -- lightbulb moment!)

Vintage Retro Ugly Quilt (One of my favorite eBay tricks is using misspellings and weird adjectives to find interesting items. So yes, I did search for 'ugly retro' ... beauty is in the eye of the beholder! This would be fun in a stairwell or over the foot of a guest bed.)

Left to right: Vintage Murushka Silkscreen Print Flowers; Marushka Canvas Buoy Boats Silkscreen Print; New Marushka Pines Signed Silkscreen Art (I love textiles and I love researching and finding new -- or old -- artists and designers. I recently discovered Marushka, a designer from the '70s and '80s out of Michigan whose prints are very simple and graphic. They're now being reproduced at a reasonable price.)

Vintage Mod Barkcloth Sewing/Knitting Basket (This basket would come in handy to wrangle pet toys and leashes, or for sewing projects waiting to be done.)

Couroc of Monterey Two Cats Brass Inlaid Tray and Drink Inlay Cork Tray (Another vintage brand that I like to stalk is Couroc -- Californian resin serveware that's inlaid with natural and sometimes unexpected materials like cork, wood, coins, and newspaper, with striking, whimsical designs. Always available at good prices.)

Josef Albers Exhibit Screenprint Poster OP-ART (I want, need, and lust after this classic '70s poster design for the retrospective of a classic American/Bauhaus-inspired artist.)

Vintage Curmanco Metal Desk Organizer (I love old metal office supplies. This deluxe sorting tray would be nice under a side table for magazine sorting. I like the 'Cold War gray,' but a good spray-paint job would spice it up, too!)"

Muchas gracias, Susan!

P.S. I'm totally open to guest posts from any of you who might be willing. Want to pull together your own selection of eBay or Etsy Finds? Hand-pick items from your favorite indie e-tailer to highlight? Show off your recent remodel, room redesign, or crafting project? Share images from your inspiration file? Just let me know! (Believe me, I get bored by the sound of my own voice, too. I've asked some of my design-savvy writer friends to contribute from time to time, but they're all giant losers and have actual work to do, I guess.)

Etsy Find of the Day: FilzFelt Floor Mats

Much as I love pattern, I've been shying away from strong pattern on the floor after having had to craigslist one too many nice rugs that simply didn't work with the ever-changing decor in our rooms. (I told you I have design ADD.)

My new strategy is to opt for simplicity in the larger elements in our home, like flooring and furniture, so that I can go wild with color and pattern in easier and less-pricey-to-change things like pillows, artwork, and accessories.

So these simple, earthy felt floormats from Etsy seller FilzFelt (aka Boston designers Kelly Smith and Traci Roloff) are especially appealing. (Plus, you know how I love felt.)

They're made from high-quality German industrial wool felt, come in 6-by-9-foot ($405), 4-by-6-foot ($180), and 2-by-3-foot ($50) sizes, and are available in an array of Pantone-matched hues.

FilzFelt also has a great selection of simple, modern placemats and coasters, pillows, and felt by the yard.

Check out all of Smith and Roloff's Etsy offerings right here -- and see more of their designs here.

Design Dilemma: What Should I Do With My Boring Powder Room?

More Ways to Waste Time reader Harriet writes, "I'm hoping you can help me with my boring powder room. I'm looking for ways to add spunk, character, and style without spending much money.

The room lacks architectural details: There is no window. It's a five-by-five-foot square. And it's painted a pale green. There is a nice new sink and toilet, but I'm not attached to anything else in the room.

I'd definitely like to paint. Two people recommended pumpkin or terracotta, which I like, but I'm wondering if they would clash with the orange-y wood of the bathroom door. I love deep peacock blue-green, but have been warned against a cold color in a windowless room. I'd also like to change the light fixture, hopefully without moving the light box. Finally, I'm on the lookout for a small table or cabinet with more character than the white cabinet that's in there now. To me, a table wants a plant on it, but with no natural light, I haven't figured out what to put there instead. Any ideas?"

Photo from Point Click Home

I have one word for you, Harriet: Wallpaper. It's a great way to add color, dimension, and interest to a lackluster space. And it doesn't have to be prohibitively expensive, especially when you're papering a small room. You could even paper just the sink wall, and paint the other three walls a complimentary hue. Cole & Son's Woods wallpaper, shown above and below, is one of my favorites.

Photo from House to Home

Photo from House to Home

If it's in your budget, installing a wood or tile wainscot will add instant architecture to a space with none. For the look of wainscoting without the expense, you could even install a simple chair rail, then wallpaper above it and paint below.

Photo from Walnut Wallpaper

If matching the wood of the door is a stumbling point, be sure to test paint or wallpaper swatches against it to make sure they don't clash. Or consider simply painting the door. I don't have a strong opinion about warm vs. cool colors for your space. I think that as long as the lighting isn't cold (i.e., glaring fluorescents), it doesn't really matter.

Besides, it's just a powder room -- a space to go to the bathroom and wash your hands. Nobody's going to be spending a ton of time in there or doing anything other than maybe reapplying lipstick, so I don't think it's a big deal if the color palette is on the cool side. (But readers, feel free to say so if you think I'm wrong on this.)

Photo from House to Home

Design by Benjamin Dhong, photo by moi

Now about your mirror. It's OK, but you could add a huge dose of style and drama by upgrading. Again, you don't have to spend a lot of money. Keep an eye out on craigslist, in thrift stores, and at flea markets for a vintage mirror with an interesting shape or intricate frame. If you don't like the frame's color or wood finish, you can simply spray paint it.

Photo from Domino

Photo from Walnut Wallpaper

Photo via Desire to Inspire

For lighting, you could go vintage (or vintage-inspired), classic, or modern, depending on your preferences and the other elements in the room. Circa Lighting and Rejuvenation are great places to find a vintage or reproduction over-mirror fixture that will add a lot a character to the room. For more budget finds, don't overlook eBay or your local architectural salvage yard. A great old piece can often be rewired for very little expense.

A vintage side table or cabinet topped with fresh flowers, a shade-tolerating plant like a peace lily, a collection of small treasures, a basket full of rolled hand towels, or an interesting objet will complete the look.

The most important thing, I think, is to have some fun. Because a powder room is a space that's only experienced for a few minutes at a time, there's no better excuse to just go for it.

Readers: Any other ideas for jazzing up Harriet's lackluster powder room? If so, please leave a comment and share them!