The Significance of Steampunk Aesthetic Design

The greater significance of steampunk interior design is the ability to escape from the world while inside one’s home and to enter another which is specifically designed and suited to fit the needs and identity of the homeowner. D. Elfman, a steampunk blogger claims, “If you can ask the question ‘Dude, aren’t you a little too dark skinned to be posting things in the steampunk [section of a webpage]?’ . . . If you can allow the words ‘You do realize you have to be pale right?’ to pass your lips or fingers as anything other than an absurdity you are doing Steampunk wrong” (Elfman). He suggests that the judgement of others based upon physical differences such as race within steampunk culture is unacceptable, and implies that there is no room for condescending attitudes based upon individuals’ differences within the genre. As prejudice, sexism, and discrimination occur within the public sphere, the private sphere within a home can be made to be an escape from oppressions. By decorating in a steampunk aesthetic style that often differs greatly from the designs of public spaces and workplaces, one can imagine that they are in another world or environment that is free and safe from judgement and completely one’s own. Atkinson suggests that, “the desire appears to be for a Victorian world with some of its imperfections and vices, but without the aspects that we now find unacceptable, for example, racism and sexism. One thing that comes across clearly is an embracing of manners, etiquette and general civility, combined with a desire for adventure. What they also want to avoid is the oppression of others” (7). Many individuals within the steampunk community believe in acceptance and tolerance towards others, and by creating a steampunk environment within houses, homeowners may be able to create spaces that embrace the ethics of steampunk and that are free from harsh discriminations and which allow individuals to accept and embrace their identities. 

While steampunkers embrace Victorian aesthetics, they may not accept the social attitudes of the era and individuals may be included in the culture regardless of age, race, gender, or ethnic background