The Beat That My Heart Skipped – A blog dedicated to daily design inspirations. By Rohini Wahi.

Despite the tempramental weather I have found myself charged up with an energy for gardening on my tiny balcony [more of that later this week]. Anyway, one thing any gardener novice or otherwise will tell you is that the right container is the most important thing and I didn’t realise this until I actually began thinking I could just start planting and then figure out the containers later! Bad move and pretty pointless as I soon discovered – planning is key!

So here’s my round-up of eight lovely planters if you are planning a spot of gardening this ‘summer’.

[1] Verdigris Chinese Planter £32, OKA [2] Iznik China Planter £48, OKA [3] Olas Ceramic Planter £10, John Lewis  [4] Lead Effect Square Planter £19.99, Homebase [5] Embossed ceramic Owl Planter £40, Next.

[6] Coral-Crackle Herb Pots £8-£12, Anthropologie

[7] Set of 3 Bassano Planters [only one shown here] £144, Garden Trading

[8] Hex Terracotta Pots £8.95 each, The Balcony Gardener

Celestial Dynamics from Kim Taylor on Vimeo.

My friend Louis is an explorer and an adventurer, I stole this incredible video from his blog 65 Litres. If you want to read a beautiful blog about outdoor adventures, cooking under the stars and poetic musings about the world bookmark his.

This 1.39 min short animation by illustrator and animator Kim Taylor brings to life antiquated astronomical diagrams found in her fathers attic. The animation is a journey across the stars and heavens accompanied by a spine-tingling Bjork soundtrack.

Put on your headphones, click full-screen and enjoy!

Ever since I saw the painterly new Weather Diary collection from Marimekko in Elle Decoration’s July issue, I have not been able to stop thinking about it, imagining all of the tableware, textiles and accessories nestled in my home.

Designed by illustrator Aino-Maija Metsola, the products reflect seasonal weather patterns in Finland, such as the rolling in of heavy rain clouds on the Jussarö (an island in Southern Finland) gentle drizzle on the Harmaja (an island outside Helsinki) and cool winds on the Kuuskajaskari (an island in Southwest Finland).

Since the collection is not out in stores till August, I got in touch the talented Aino-Maija Metsola who has been working for Marimekko since 2006, to learn more about her and the collection.

When did you begin working for Marimekko? How does it feel to see your work everywhere? : )

Last night was the press launch of One Leicester Street – a new hotel and restaurant venture by Michelin Star chef Tom Harris, located at the former St. John Hotel site in Leicester Square, London.

Re-designed by interior design practice Universal Design Studio [founded by Barber Osgerby and perhaps most popularly known for their striking re-brand of Mulberry stores worldwide] the five-storey Georgian building is set to provide traditional warm hospitality in the busy heart of Chinatown.

The once stark white space has been transformed into a haven from the evils of chaotic Leicester Square [!] using a rich and muted palette of poetic materials and colours. The charming and intimately proportioned restaurant pairs details like elegant parque flooring with black ash timber dining chairs and bespoke copper lights suspended overhead.

The first floor bar has a cosy and buzzy members club vibe, cloaked in deep blue walls, with an oak panelled counter and characterful vintage seating to relax into – water is served from Another Country terracotta pitchers which sealed the deal for me!

It seems to me the most successful of ventures are when it’s clearly evident that everyone involved has put their heart into a project, which in turn rubs off on the tone of how it’s received by others.

Although, One Leicester Street is clearly a high-end venture, all of its elements felt lovingly and intimately put together;  from the most delicious old-fashioned rhubarb cocktail I have ever tasted served by the genial bar staff, to elegant home-made style snacks by Tom Harris [giant Pork scratchings!] the poetic menu illustration by Sister Arrow and tying it all together was the charming fresh floristry by Tom’s wife Miria Harris.

A super elegant and home-made affair. LOVE.

Professional images courtesy of One Leicester Street and Paul Greenleaf

Since I was on the opposite end of town yesterday [West London] for the opening of the ethereal new Serpentine Pavilion in Hyde Park designed by Sou Fujimoto,  I thought I’d check out my favourite home-stores on The Kings Road.

I whizzed around pretty fast [to refrain myself from lingering to buy] so I only managed the biggies Anthropologie and Habitat wich are both looking pretty smart for summer.

In Habitat, there was definitely an old-school vibe going on with the introduction of quite a few goodies like the mid-century style potteries and wooden kitchen accessories that they were known for – and also at one time for their fabulous art section which seems to have been revived. There was a beautiful gallery style area at the front of the store that reminded me of my favourite [now closed[ Habitat store on Regent Street where I would love lingering in the art section.

Also to my delight their wicker Wilbur lampshades have been turned into baskets – much more practical as I loved the shape and material but wasn’t convinced about it as a light feature.

Anthropologie had a few nice surprises, usually its all quite lovely but samey with lots of ethnic prints and Ikat tableware, but a few unusual things stood out like, botanical measuring cups and hand-painted polka-dot butter dishes, some super cute nautical and wave prints and striking woven table linens in punchy colours.

Watch this space for more Retail Therapy! ; )