What's Your Style: Get Industrial Style with a Steampunk Twist
Industrial style is more than raw concrete walls and exposed pipes; add a touch of Victorian for a steampunk twist.
Industrial style is one of the most popular home decor schemes in Singapore, partly because many HDB apartments continue to have exposed pipes and structural beams, making the Industrial look an easy choice.
However, industrial style is more than just raw concrete and exposed pipes. The 1980s was not the only time an Industrial aesthetic permeated our interiors.
“Industrial style pertains to the mass production of furniture as opposed to hand-crafted pieces,” explains Jas Jhol from Singapore interior design firm Sugarbakers.
“The idea of industrial style or design in Singapore often only extends to exposed electrical ducting and brick walls.”
However, there are many ways to combine industrial design style with other styles that can give you a more unique look. “I believe this style will slowly fade out here as more and more people want something more original, authentic and personalised,” says Jhol.
“The idea of industrial style or design in Singapore often only extends to exposed electrical ducting and brick walls.”
However, there are many ways to combine industrial design style with other styles that can give you a more unique look. “I believe this style will slowly fade out here as more and more people want something more original, authentic and personalised,” says Jhol.
One way to warm up and give your industrial-style interior more texture and glamour is to look to other time periods when industrialisation made an impact on how we lived, like the Victorian era.
Victorians and the age of steam
The Victorian era was officially the period of Queen Victoria’s reign, from 1837 until her death in 1901. During her reign, the Age of Steam exploded and homes were filled with mechanical items like steam-powered irons, iceboxes, telegraph machines, electric lights, and of course people began travelling by steam locomotives.
The Victorian era was officially the period of Queen Victoria’s reign, from 1837 until her death in 1901. During her reign, the Age of Steam exploded and homes were filled with mechanical items like steam-powered irons, iceboxes, telegraph machines, electric lights, and of course people began travelling by steam locomotives.
There were a lot more metal finishes in homes, typically brass, as well as more machine-made fabrics as the industrial looms took off.
This led to homes full of finely detailed finishes, more brass knobs and switches and walls decorated with machine-printed wallpaper.
This led to homes full of finely detailed finishes, more brass knobs and switches and walls decorated with machine-printed wallpaper.
A Victorian-themed home might be a bit too much for a Singapore apartment, but you can add some touches that will bring a bit of historical elegance.
What is steampunk?
Steampunk started out as a sub-genre of science-fiction writing that is usually set in an alternate version of the 19th century; it features a mix of Victorian style with the addition of steam-powered versions of modern things like guns, cars, robots, mobile phones etc.
Steampunk started out as a sub-genre of science-fiction writing that is usually set in an alternate version of the 19th century; it features a mix of Victorian style with the addition of steam-powered versions of modern things like guns, cars, robots, mobile phones etc.
The books inspired fans to try to recreate this fantastical world, some of whom have gone to extreme lengths to recreate their ideal steampunk homes.
However, you don’t have to be so extreme; take a few of the elements like brass metalwork, gears, Victorian furniture and fabric and mix in some exposed bricks or old timber and you’ll find you have a new industrial style with a steampunk twist.
Get the look:
Steampunk is a mix of elegant Victorian interiors with the stronger look of industrial elements. Go for brass-coloured metal fixtures, or metal pipes rather than ducting and exposed electrical wires.
Steampunk is a mix of elegant Victorian interiors with the stronger look of industrial elements. Go for brass-coloured metal fixtures, or metal pipes rather than ducting and exposed electrical wires.
Look for opportunities to feature exposed brick – particularly red-coloured bricks – or add a faux version in your main room. You could also use exposed brick as a backsplash in your kitchen; or if you prefer a metallic look go for a metal inspired version.
Eighteenth Century Victorian Lattice Bonnet Armchair
When it comes to furniture, look for Victorian-inspired pieces for your dining table and add workman-like benches or create stools from bits of pipe and recycled wood.
Get the look:
There is a touch of the wabi sabi style to steampunk industrial with a focus on older pieces that have been refurbished or upcycled.
There is a touch of the wabi sabi style to steampunk industrial with a focus on older pieces that have been refurbished or upcycled.
Vintage Side Tables
You can use old trunks for coffee tables and side tables; check out vintage furniture stores or head to Victorian Flair in Toa Payoh for reproduction Victorian furniture pieces.
Trunks, crates and sewing machines: set these aside!
Trunks, crates and sewing machines: set these aside!
Get the look:
Gears are a huge part of the steampunk look. This version might be over the top, but you can create smaller wall art to get a similar feel.
Gears are a huge part of the steampunk look. This version might be over the top, but you can create smaller wall art to get a similar feel.
Get the look:
When it comes to the kitchen, you can combine a more traditional industrial style like in the image here, with a touch of Victorian feel by adding open shelves and subway tiles.
When it comes to the kitchen, you can combine a more traditional industrial style like in the image here, with a touch of Victorian feel by adding open shelves and subway tiles.
Get the look:
If you prefer a more minimal version of the industrial steampunk look, mix it up with the mainstays of Scandinavian style like all-white everything; the wide floorboards add to the Victorian feel.
If you prefer a more minimal version of the industrial steampunk look, mix it up with the mainstays of Scandinavian style like all-white everything; the wide floorboards add to the Victorian feel.
Get the look:
A great way to use the Victorian style is to keep the period features but stay away from dark wall colours. Go for white and grey, but keep the dado and wainscotting.
A great way to use the Victorian style is to keep the period features but stay away from dark wall colours. Go for white and grey, but keep the dado and wainscotting.
Get the look:
For a steampunk industrial bathroom, go for white subway tiles and a black-and-white floor. Use exposed metal fixtures and a black-framed shower cubicle to get that industrial edge.
For a steampunk industrial bathroom, go for white subway tiles and a black-and-white floor. Use exposed metal fixtures and a black-framed shower cubicle to get that industrial edge.
Get the look:
Steampunk industrial doesn’t have to be cold and clinical. Bring in strong Victorian-inspired colours like in this bathroom. The copper fixtures look fantastic with the timber and bold pink ceiling.
Steampunk industrial doesn’t have to be cold and clinical. Bring in strong Victorian-inspired colours like in this bathroom. The copper fixtures look fantastic with the timber and bold pink ceiling.
Perfect for a masculine room
The style is great for a more masculine-inspired study space. The dark timber and leather chair create a cosy library feel. Add some plants for a touch of nature.
The style is great for a more masculine-inspired study space. The dark timber and leather chair create a cosy library feel. Add some plants for a touch of nature.
This is a great Singapore version of steampunk industrial style.
TELL US
How do you put a unique spin on the Industrial Style? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
TELL US
How do you put a unique spin on the Industrial Style? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.