I ran across this fine example of Victorian Gothic style on the website of Ridge Property Consultants in the UK. Love the rafters!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wokingham Town Hall
I ran across this fine example of Victorian Gothic style on the website of Ridge Property Consultants in the UK. Love the rafters!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Mason Jar Light
If french jam jars aren't quite your style, how about a Mason jar light instead? I like how these have a country feel.
Don't think Mason jars are steampunk enough? You've obviously never seen the alchemical and mechanical ingenuity it takes to make moonshine...
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Gearhead Desk
via Gizmodo, a $21,000 desk by Dale Mathis with gears that actually move. Really. Go watch the video.
Mason Jar Light
If french jam jars aren't quite your style, how about a Mason jar light instead? I like how these have a country feel.
Don't think Mason jars are steampunk enough? You've obviously never seen the alchemical and mechanical ingenuity it takes to make moonshine...
via Design*Sponge.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Ten Tips to More Successful Decorating
1. Hang pictures at eye level. People frequently make the mistake of hanging photos too high. Hanging them at eye level for the average person's height will enable them to be enjoyed and also make them work better with the furnishings, such as sofas and chairs.
2. Use accessories in odd-numbered groups. It's just a matter of balance. Odd numbers - such as three or five - work better than even-numbered groupings of four or six.
3. Use wallcovering borders. Borders define your lifestyle. They not only are decorative, but frequently they can be a reflection of your interest. There are novelty borders that depict gardening scenes, sports activities - such as golfing or fishing - or well-loved children's characters, such as Winnie the Pooh or Peter Rabbit. Use borders creatively around doors or windows, at ceiling or chair-rail heights to give personality to your room.
4. Decorate for your lifestyle. If you move frequently, you may want to choose neutral furnishings that can go with any decor. Or buy area rugs and extra fabrics that you can take to your new home. If you have young children and pets, choose easy-to-clean carpets and colors that camouflage dirt and scuff marks.
5. Use paint to minimize home's defects and accentuate positive features. For instance, use light colors to make a room look bigger. Or dark colors to make a room look more cozy and intimate. You can accent a room's feature - such as a pipe or post - by painting it a different color from the rest of the room, or de-emphasize it by painting it the same color.
6. Use wallcovering suited to your home. Choose lightly-colored textures and small prints for a smaller room; opt for larger prints and darker backgrounds for a larger room. Use stripes to give a room the illusion of height. Use wallcoverings to tie rooms together. For instance, a living room and adjoining dining room can be done in the same or similar patterns to give a sense of cohesiveness.
7. Look for coordinating products. Many of today's wallcovering sample books feature a whole gamut of coordinating home fashion products, such as borders, fabrics, comforters, pillow shams, place mats, table rounds, and shower curtains. By selecting a specific collection that features these products, you can put together a whole cohesive decorating package for a relatively low cost.
8. Have a focal point. Your focal point can be virtually anything - a fireplace, a painting, an entertainment center. By having a focal point, you can decorate to accentuate the focal point and give your room a sense of cohesion.
9. Collect photos of rooms you love. If you're not sure how to define your decorating style, start collecting photos from decorating magazines. Look at the photos to determine what is the same about them - same colors, same styles, same types of furnishings. Once you've determined that, you can pretty well draw some conclusions about what styles are right for you.
10. Work from a total plan. When decorating your home, don't just go piecemeal from room to room. Work up a plan for the entire home, including budget and timetable. As you go along, you can be on the lookout for products that work within your plan. Your neighborhood decorating center will be glad to help you devise this plan and work at making it become a reality.
article souece : http://www.doityourself.com/
2. Use accessories in odd-numbered groups. It's just a matter of balance. Odd numbers - such as three or five - work better than even-numbered groupings of four or six.
3. Use wallcovering borders. Borders define your lifestyle. They not only are decorative, but frequently they can be a reflection of your interest. There are novelty borders that depict gardening scenes, sports activities - such as golfing or fishing - or well-loved children's characters, such as Winnie the Pooh or Peter Rabbit. Use borders creatively around doors or windows, at ceiling or chair-rail heights to give personality to your room.
4. Decorate for your lifestyle. If you move frequently, you may want to choose neutral furnishings that can go with any decor. Or buy area rugs and extra fabrics that you can take to your new home. If you have young children and pets, choose easy-to-clean carpets and colors that camouflage dirt and scuff marks.
5. Use paint to minimize home's defects and accentuate positive features. For instance, use light colors to make a room look bigger. Or dark colors to make a room look more cozy and intimate. You can accent a room's feature - such as a pipe or post - by painting it a different color from the rest of the room, or de-emphasize it by painting it the same color.
6. Use wallcovering suited to your home. Choose lightly-colored textures and small prints for a smaller room; opt for larger prints and darker backgrounds for a larger room. Use stripes to give a room the illusion of height. Use wallcoverings to tie rooms together. For instance, a living room and adjoining dining room can be done in the same or similar patterns to give a sense of cohesiveness.
7. Look for coordinating products. Many of today's wallcovering sample books feature a whole gamut of coordinating home fashion products, such as borders, fabrics, comforters, pillow shams, place mats, table rounds, and shower curtains. By selecting a specific collection that features these products, you can put together a whole cohesive decorating package for a relatively low cost.
8. Have a focal point. Your focal point can be virtually anything - a fireplace, a painting, an entertainment center. By having a focal point, you can decorate to accentuate the focal point and give your room a sense of cohesion.
9. Collect photos of rooms you love. If you're not sure how to define your decorating style, start collecting photos from decorating magazines. Look at the photos to determine what is the same about them - same colors, same styles, same types of furnishings. Once you've determined that, you can pretty well draw some conclusions about what styles are right for you.
10. Work from a total plan. When decorating your home, don't just go piecemeal from room to room. Work up a plan for the entire home, including budget and timetable. As you go along, you can be on the lookout for products that work within your plan. Your neighborhood decorating center will be glad to help you devise this plan and work at making it become a reality.
article souece : http://www.doityourself.com/
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Jam Jar Light
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Bookcase Interior IdeaS
DIY: Raised Bed with Expedit Bookshelves
Make your own Raised Bed with Expedit Bookshelves for Storage. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing bed however it is functional! Parts needed: * 3 X Ikea Expedit Bookshelves ($90 each) * 2 X Ikea Observator Cross Braces 393 Version ($5 ea ...
Also Chair
Those who have space issues will certainly appreciate the ‘Also Chair’ by designer Akin Bacioglu. This chair is all about multi-tasking as in few easy moves one can transform it into a table. It also features a bookcase so to make sure your f ...
IKEA STOCKHOLM
The IKEA STOCKHOLM is a new add-on unit H that is selling for $200.00. It comes equipped with adjustable shelves that can be spaced according to one’s need and goes perfectly with the IKEA STOCKHOLM bookcase that measures 28 3/8×87 3/8R ...
Bookcase with Integrated Giant LED Clock
We are all for multi-tasking and hence could not resist the Bookcase with Integrated Giant LED Clock by Hong Kong manufacturers Anka. This bookcase measures 28 (w) x 14 (h) x 5 and also moonlights as a LED clock as the oversize clock conceals red 7 ...
Flexform Oltre sofa - Bookcase Sofa!
Here’s a great practical sofa for impratical people. Wow, take a look at this beautiful multi-functional Bookcase Sofa, Flexform Oltre sofa! If you are multi-tasking like me, watching TV, reading books, and using the laptop on the sofa, it’ ...
Bed With Bookcase by Point Architects
Point Architects from Tokyo have successfully managed to combine a bed with a bookcase. The whole process looks really interesting and you should check out the step-by-step construction on flickr. Let us know what you think and would you ever dare t ...
The Black Sonoma Captain’s Platform Bedroom Set
The Black Sonoma Captain’s Platform Bedroom Set can be purchased directly from here. The Sonoma Collection has the look and feel of much more expensive millwork and includes Platform Captain’s Bed, the Bookcase Headboard and the 2 drawer ...
Ron Arad ’s New Bookshelf
Trust Design Guru Ron Arad to come up with always something unique. His new bookshelf has been inspired by the map of the United States and we must say, it looks absolutely gorgeous. You can catch it at the Timothy Taylor Gallery in London between ...
Dolce Dark Walnut Folding Bookcase
Not necessarily for the bookworms, people will always come to a point where they need proper storage spaces for books, magazines and journals. Maybe toss in some small pieces of furniture and you will find this Dolce Dark Walnut Folding Bookcase qu ...
Make your own Raised Bed with Expedit Bookshelves for Storage. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing bed however it is functional! Parts needed: * 3 X Ikea Expedit Bookshelves ($90 each) * 2 X Ikea Observator Cross Braces 393 Version ($5 ea ...
Also Chair
Those who have space issues will certainly appreciate the ‘Also Chair’ by designer Akin Bacioglu. This chair is all about multi-tasking as in few easy moves one can transform it into a table. It also features a bookcase so to make sure your f ...
IKEA STOCKHOLM
The IKEA STOCKHOLM is a new add-on unit H that is selling for $200.00. It comes equipped with adjustable shelves that can be spaced according to one’s need and goes perfectly with the IKEA STOCKHOLM bookcase that measures 28 3/8×87 3/8R ...
Bookcase with Integrated Giant LED Clock
We are all for multi-tasking and hence could not resist the Bookcase with Integrated Giant LED Clock by Hong Kong manufacturers Anka. This bookcase measures 28 (w) x 14 (h) x 5 and also moonlights as a LED clock as the oversize clock conceals red 7 ...
Flexform Oltre sofa - Bookcase Sofa!
Here’s a great practical sofa for impratical people. Wow, take a look at this beautiful multi-functional Bookcase Sofa, Flexform Oltre sofa! If you are multi-tasking like me, watching TV, reading books, and using the laptop on the sofa, it’ ...
Bed With Bookcase by Point Architects
Point Architects from Tokyo have successfully managed to combine a bed with a bookcase. The whole process looks really interesting and you should check out the step-by-step construction on flickr. Let us know what you think and would you ever dare t ...
The Black Sonoma Captain’s Platform Bedroom Set
The Black Sonoma Captain’s Platform Bedroom Set can be purchased directly from here. The Sonoma Collection has the look and feel of much more expensive millwork and includes Platform Captain’s Bed, the Bookcase Headboard and the 2 drawer ...
Ron Arad ’s New Bookshelf
Trust Design Guru Ron Arad to come up with always something unique. His new bookshelf has been inspired by the map of the United States and we must say, it looks absolutely gorgeous. You can catch it at the Timothy Taylor Gallery in London between ...
Dolce Dark Walnut Folding Bookcase
Not necessarily for the bookworms, people will always come to a point where they need proper storage spaces for books, magazines and journals. Maybe toss in some small pieces of furniture and you will find this Dolce Dark Walnut Folding Bookcase qu ...
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Eclectic Traditional
I ran across this room setting on The Rug Company's website, and thought you would like it for it's traditional gothic feel, but also for it's not-so-strict interpretations -- the 40s style couch and arts and crafts style rug mix wonderfully with the more gothic and traditional elements. And it uses blue, which we don't see enough of in steampunk settings.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Steampunk at Restoration Hardware
This has been mentioned before, but Jon McDougal just mentioned the Steampunk finds currently on offer at Restoration Hardware again, and I thought it merited a post of it's own. One of the neat things about this line is that RH is spotlighting the artisans who design or make these pieces.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Happy Birthday, Steampunk Home
Can you believe I've "been at" The Steampunk Home for two years today?
From my very first posts in April of 2007, and thanks to all of your wonderful suggestions, I've never lacked for material, only for time.
This blog is a labor of love -- it brings me such joy to find fun things, and to make friends in the process.
Ok, enough romantic sentimentality. I thought it might be fun to take a look at some stats about the last two years to go along with it:
Thank you all, for taking the time to read and share your finds.
What's been your favorite part of the last two years?
From my very first posts in April of 2007, and thanks to all of your wonderful suggestions, I've never lacked for material, only for time.
This blog is a labor of love -- it brings me such joy to find fun things, and to make friends in the process.
Ok, enough romantic sentimentality. I thought it might be fun to take a look at some stats about the last two years to go along with it:
- 316 posts over the last 2 years: 30 this year, 129 in 2007, and 157 in 2008.
- We've gone from 100 daily website visitors in August of 2007 (when I started counting) to 1000 daily visitors on a regulary basis
- 2500 of you subscribe via RSS
- There are ~720 (yikes!) items on The Steampunk Home Kaboodle list -- more added regularly!
Thank you all, for taking the time to read and share your finds.
What's been your favorite part of the last two years?
Monday, April 13, 2009
Winner: London Particulars
The winner of the London Particulars giveaway is Mikki who recommended Edinburgh as the most steampunk city.
Thank you all for the creative and enlightening answers to the question of what is the most steampunk city -- from the major Victorian cities around the world to many others that I didn't realize had that "vintage industrial" feel -- I enjoyed reading each and every one, and hope you all did too.
Mikki, if you would email me (saracarl at gmail dot com) your shipping information, Derrick of London Particulars will send you your print and ring.
Thank you all for the creative and enlightening answers to the question of what is the most steampunk city -- from the major Victorian cities around the world to many others that I didn't realize had that "vintage industrial" feel -- I enjoyed reading each and every one, and hope you all did too.
Mikki, if you would email me (saracarl at gmail dot com) your shipping information, Derrick of London Particulars will send you your print and ring.
Kunstformen der Natur
Ben just pointed me to a fabulous collection of scientific prints at WikiMedia Commons. 100 plates of Ernst Haeckel's Artforms of Nature
from 1904.
Are they not the most beautiful, vibrant scientific plates? I love the symmetry of each print.
These are on the Wikimedia Commons, which means they can be freely reused without permission. In other words? Go crazy. I want to see these printed and framed around someone's office. What about using them for a bathroom? (Something about having scientific prints up to study while taking care of life's necessities appeals to me... )
What about using them for fabrics? Printed on pillows? Screened onto plates? Someone more crafty than I should do *something* with them -- and then send me pictures and links to share...
Go see the whole collection -- one is sure to appeal.
from 1904.
Are they not the most beautiful, vibrant scientific plates? I love the symmetry of each print.
These are on the Wikimedia Commons, which means they can be freely reused without permission. In other words? Go crazy. I want to see these printed and framed around someone's office. What about using them for a bathroom? (Something about having scientific prints up to study while taking care of life's necessities appeals to me... )
What about using them for fabrics? Printed on pillows? Screened onto plates? Someone more crafty than I should do *something* with them -- and then send me pictures and links to share...
Go see the whole collection -- one is sure to appeal.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Traditional Style Kitchen Design and Pictures
Traditional - more formal than country, traditional style gets its look from fine woods and often ornately detailed cabinetry. Rich, deep colors are used to create a mood of refinement and good taste. Traditional style plays up architectural details, such as crown moldings and raised wood paneling. Elegant and refined.
This fine example of a Classic and Handpainted Kitchen for the most discerning of homes, can only be achieved through attention to every little detail.
This fine example of a Classic and Handpainted Kitchen for the most discerning of homes, can only be achieved through attention to every little detail.
A Beautiful Southern Belle and Picture
Southern house plans wouldn't be southern if they didn't display the generous hospitality known for the region. House plan number SU-5669-2538-1607-I has a long name and a longer list of outstanding features. Without question, this southern belle has a sense of hospitality to the owner and visitors alike.
The stunning and refined look of the exterior is easy on the eyes and very inviting. The style gives an Italian villa on a horse ranch kind of feel. Upon entering, you are greeted with a large two story foyer with formal rooms at either side. The great room is beyond and is open to the large kitchen. A guest room with a private full bathroom ensures that friends and family are welcome.
The main floor also enjoys one more feature that is uncommon to most houses even twice this size; a full, attached guest house. This addition is perfect as an in-law suite, a rental, twenty-somethings, and frequent guests. While guest houses are nothing new, many building codes restrict them as they're often a second building. With this one integrated into the house, such regulations should not apply.
The upper floor houses five more bedrooms, including the master suite. Additional niceties include a rather large utility room, and a recreation room perfect for the little ones or a home theater. The luxurious master suite enjoys a fireplace, a private covered porch, and a large master bath and closet. The bathroom has direct access to the laundry room to save time and effort.
This unique member of our Southern house plans offers a rare luxury with its combination of fantastic features. You and your guests will feel at home in this beautiful southern belle.
source : http://www.theplancollection.com/
The stunning and refined look of the exterior is easy on the eyes and very inviting. The style gives an Italian villa on a horse ranch kind of feel. Upon entering, you are greeted with a large two story foyer with formal rooms at either side. The great room is beyond and is open to the large kitchen. A guest room with a private full bathroom ensures that friends and family are welcome.
The main floor also enjoys one more feature that is uncommon to most houses even twice this size; a full, attached guest house. This addition is perfect as an in-law suite, a rental, twenty-somethings, and frequent guests. While guest houses are nothing new, many building codes restrict them as they're often a second building. With this one integrated into the house, such regulations should not apply.
The upper floor houses five more bedrooms, including the master suite. Additional niceties include a rather large utility room, and a recreation room perfect for the little ones or a home theater. The luxurious master suite enjoys a fireplace, a private covered porch, and a large master bath and closet. The bathroom has direct access to the laundry room to save time and effort.
This unique member of our Southern house plans offers a rare luxury with its combination of fantastic features. You and your guests will feel at home in this beautiful southern belle.
source : http://www.theplancollection.com/
Traditional House Plane Ideas
Descriptions :
This traditional country home includes an open floor plan with 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, a split-bedroom layout, and other unique features. The master suite includes a raised ceiling in the master bedroom, 2 large his and her walk-in closets, a jet tub, and an oversized shower. The kitchen is fully-equipped with a wraparound raised bar, pantry, and a large adjoining breakfast area. Just off of the kitchen is a beautiful formal dining room complete with built-in shelves and 10' ceilings. One bedroom can even be used as a family member suite. Expansive great room features 12' ceilings, a gas log fireplace, and great views to the rear porch beyond. Large front and rear covered porches complement the livability of this home. This plan even features a large bonus room area perfect for storage or future expansion. An oversized garage is also provided for real-sized vehicles. Room spaces are designed large enough to have added space for a comfortable lifestyle!
source : http://www.theplancollection.com/
This traditional country home includes an open floor plan with 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, a split-bedroom layout, and other unique features. The master suite includes a raised ceiling in the master bedroom, 2 large his and her walk-in closets, a jet tub, and an oversized shower. The kitchen is fully-equipped with a wraparound raised bar, pantry, and a large adjoining breakfast area. Just off of the kitchen is a beautiful formal dining room complete with built-in shelves and 10' ceilings. One bedroom can even be used as a family member suite. Expansive great room features 12' ceilings, a gas log fireplace, and great views to the rear porch beyond. Large front and rear covered porches complement the livability of this home. This plan even features a large bonus room area perfect for storage or future expansion. An oversized garage is also provided for real-sized vehicles. Room spaces are designed large enough to have added space for a comfortable lifestyle!
source : http://www.theplancollection.com/
Southern Traditions House Plans Photo
Southern Traditions House Plans by Larry James DesignsSaturday, April 11, 2009
Giveaway: London Particulars
After I featured his artwork on The Steampunk Home earlier this year, Derrick of London Particulars contacted me and offered a print as a giveaway to you, my dear readers! So we're having a contest to see who wins The Professor and the House of Lords, a moody 8"x12" Photographic Artwork:
But wait, there's more. London Particulars has also thrown in one genuine adjustable steampunk ring.
Like all of London Particular's work, part of its charm is in the Professor Thistlequick narrative that places it in the same world as the print:
Professor Aubrey Thistlequick's niece, Fiona Stickclick was a very curious girl.
Not curious as in strange or unusual, but curious like a particularly inquisitive cat.
Once, on a Sunday afternoon visit, the Professor found her sat before a trunk in his hidden study rifling through one of his most secret collections.
"What are all these?" she asked, holding up a small keyhole.
"Ah, well that escutcheon contains the lock that secures one of the many hidden secrets of the universe" replied the Professor.
"Oh my! Are they all secrets Uncle?" cried Fiona.
"Yes, my dear" said the Professor "and I've been collecting them for many years".
"Can I have the keys please Uncle?" asked Fiona.
"Well no, because no-one should be given the keys to the universe, my dear, besides, everyone needs an element of mystery in their lives!"
"But I only want to see just one of the universes deepest secrets!" protested Fiona petulantly.
"Ah, well the other thing is that I've lost the keys. It's a bit of a bind really as I never even got to use them." said the Professor "With all the people searching for the keys to the universe, the thing which has always perplexed me is...what on Earth were they planning to do with them if they could not find the keyholes?" the Professor exclaimed with a heavy sigh and then he gave an excited squeak "There it is! I've been looking for this jar of blackberry jam for weeks!"
"Is it magical?" asked Fiona.
"No, I'm afraid it’s not. But it's pretty dashed tasty, and just in time for tea!"
Win it! Comment below and answer the question "What's the most steampunk city you know of, and why?" and Monday evening I'll pick the winner using a true random number generator.
Bonus: Derrick has also offered the readers of The Steampunk Home a 10% discount on purchases from his shop. Just mention "Steampunk Home" in the "Messages to Seller" section when making a purchase and he'll refund 10% via PayPal.
update: the contest is finished, but you are welcome to continue to add your favorite steampunk cities in the comments below.
But wait, there's more. London Particulars has also thrown in one genuine adjustable steampunk ring.
Like all of London Particular's work, part of its charm is in the Professor Thistlequick narrative that places it in the same world as the print:Professor Aubrey Thistlequick's niece, Fiona Stickclick was a very curious girl.
Not curious as in strange or unusual, but curious like a particularly inquisitive cat.
Once, on a Sunday afternoon visit, the Professor found her sat before a trunk in his hidden study rifling through one of his most secret collections.
"What are all these?" she asked, holding up a small keyhole.
"Ah, well that escutcheon contains the lock that secures one of the many hidden secrets of the universe" replied the Professor.
"Oh my! Are they all secrets Uncle?" cried Fiona.
"Yes, my dear" said the Professor "and I've been collecting them for many years".
"Can I have the keys please Uncle?" asked Fiona.
"Well no, because no-one should be given the keys to the universe, my dear, besides, everyone needs an element of mystery in their lives!"
"But I only want to see just one of the universes deepest secrets!" protested Fiona petulantly.
"Ah, well the other thing is that I've lost the keys. It's a bit of a bind really as I never even got to use them." said the Professor "With all the people searching for the keys to the universe, the thing which has always perplexed me is...what on Earth were they planning to do with them if they could not find the keyholes?" the Professor exclaimed with a heavy sigh and then he gave an excited squeak "There it is! I've been looking for this jar of blackberry jam for weeks!"
"Is it magical?" asked Fiona.
"No, I'm afraid it’s not. But it's pretty dashed tasty, and just in time for tea!"
Win it! Comment below and answer the question "What's the most steampunk city you know of, and why?" and Monday evening I'll pick the winner using a true random number generator.
Bonus: Derrick has also offered the readers of The Steampunk Home a 10% discount on purchases from his shop. Just mention "Steampunk Home" in the "Messages to Seller" section when making a purchase and he'll refund 10% via PayPal.
update: the contest is finished, but you are welcome to continue to add your favorite steampunk cities in the comments below.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Home office decorating
If you don't know what you want for home office decor, these photos may help. See before and after pictures of a bedroom converted to an office, creating workspace from stock cabinets and shelves, and much more.
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