Steampunk Color Palette - Antique Metal Hues
This color palette combines gold, brown and grey to capture the Steampunk aesthetic, which draws inspiration from gears, aged metals, steam-powered machinery and Victorian-era fashion, all reimagined with a futuristic twist. This palette is both refined and rebellious, a blend of classic elegance with a subtle edge.
The overall palette is a warm neutral, making it very versatile. The rich browns and golds create a sense of warmth and nostalgia, inspired by polished brass, worn leather, and aged copper. Grey acts as a cool counterpoint, grounding the palette and suggesting the industrial elements of machinery and smoke.
For contrast, see the Industrial palette, which is a pure neutral palette that feels starker, bolder and colder than the Steampunk colorway. The gold and golden-brown hues of Steampunk provide a warmer, more inviting feel.
Most of my Steampunk designs use the basic 3-color palette. When more colors can be used, I typically add different shades of brown, as they all work splendidly with this palette. Occasionally I may add black or lighter shades of champagne, peach or copper. I avoid adding yellows that are bright or have green undertones.
- 4-color version: gold, russet, brown, grey
- 5-color version: gold, russet, brown, espresso, grey
- extra colors include: champagne, peach, copper, black
Shown in the collage, starting from upper left and moving clockwise: Pirouette bracelet, Knotted Metal Graduated earrings, Large Single Knot earrings, and JPL5 Bracelet.
Love these colors? Any item in my shop can be customized with the Steampunk colorway, or you can create your own masterpiece with a custom DIY kit from Blue Buddha Boutique in this palette. Contact me and let's bring your vision to life!
Follow this series on the dedicated Color Palette board on Pinterest.
