Charlie drew both historical figures and fictional characters on the walls of his basement. He featured his dad, R2D2, Winston Churchill, Joan Crawford, Sherlock Holmes, and others. Here’s a screenshot of a corner of the basement:

Although the entire basement is covered with the drawings, it doesn’t look crowded or overwhelming, due to the simple lines of black over a cream background. There isn’t a spot of color on the walls, which makes the mural even more striking.

If you can draw, you can try this technique out yourself. Start small like in a bathroom or a closet. It can add a bit of whimsy to an otherwise boring wall.

You can see Charlie’s entire basement at Kentucky.com.

image via screenshot of Kentucky.com

Post from: Keeping the Castle

decor8 is a to-the-point name for this blog I’m featuring today. It’s a blog for finding decorating inspiration, eye candy, tips, stores, and products for adding just the perfect touch to the home.

decor8 is written by Holly Becker, who describes her blog as:

decor8 is a quick fix for design addicts who love decorating their homes but find it challenging to shop online. Your time is important, so that’s why I (founder/editor Holly Becker) scour dozens of resources for the latest tips and trends so you don’t have to. Then, I sift through it all extracting only what I strongly favor, posting it here on my blog.

I’m inspired to create my own inspiration notebook or mood board!

Post from: Keeping the Castle

Zwello carries pieces by established designers, but also seeks out up-and-coming talent to add to its collections. Here are some examples of what you can find there:

This Super Charger corrals chargers and cords for various electronics, providing a neat central location for them.

Believe it or not, this is a table. The modular Panier Table is great for storing magazines and knick-knacks, while functioning as an eye-catching side-table. It can be used both indoors and out.

The Mag Table triples its uses: as a magazine holder, a seat, and a laptop stand.

The minimalist Botanist Flora Series Bench is great both indoors and out. It is sturdy yet lightweight, and comes in four colors.

The Familia Dinner set is gorgeous in its simplicity. It’s all about the form, in all white china.

Visit Zwello for more of these one-of-a-kind furniture and fixtures for your home.

images used with permission from Zwello

Post from: Keeping the Castle

This first giveaway is for one copy of the book “The Peaceful Nursery: Preparing a Home for Your Baby with Feng Shui” by home and lifestyle experts Laura Forbes Carlin and Alison Forbes.

Using principles from interior design, Feng Shui, healthy, green living and their own parenting experience, the authors promise to help you:

Create a balanced and peaceful nursery

Make healthy, earth-conscious choices when selecting paint, fabric, toys and furniture

Enjoy the practical and emotional benefits of a streamlined and clutter-free home

Set up a nursery that encourages good sleep for their baby

Prepare and organize nursing, changing, bathing, sleeping and play areas

And many more helpful step-by-step guidelines for creating a nursery that will nurture their baby’s mind, body and spirit – as well as their own – during their transition into parenthood

This is a great reference or gift for expecting parents. To join this giveaway, leave a comment (one per household) before 11:59 p.m. ET on June 4, 2008. This is open for residents of the U.S. and Canada only.

For more information about the book and authors, go to Art of Everyday Living.com.

The other giveaways this week are: EZ-Fit Safety Gate Adapter and Mabel’s Labels.

Post from: Keeping the Castle