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

Everyone says that London has some of the most beautiful old architecture in the world but as i’ve been walking the streets of New York this week I have noticed the most stunning colour combinations gracing the city’s warehouse style buildings. Rarely in London do I see buildings with complimentary aesthetics sitting side by side and most usually march to their own merry tune!

These New York buildings are stacked up next to each other and adorned with subtle and elegant greys, blues, olives and taupes like someone has taken a giant Farrow and Ball brush and swept across Manhattan in a flurry of on-trend colour combinations. Even railing details, recessed windowsills and doors are highlighted in perfect symphony. Has anyone else ever noticed?

The trend for collecting and sharing collections has really been gathering pace the last few years. I’ve been seeing exciting examples cropping up everywhere from events like The Museum of Everything which curates wondrously themed exhibitions each year and Miracles and Charms at The Wellcome Collection [see previous post].

What’s really nice to discover however is the odd private collection spied online with passionate collectors obsessively documenting their Achilles heel.

I happened upon the insanely covetable ceramics archive of anonymous collectors David and Louise Rosenfield with no more information given about themselves aside from the words “This site currently contains 1,864 works by 413 artists. This represents a small portion of the collection. We’re adding the work as fast as we can but the collection keeps growing. Who knows when we’ll catch up…”

From plates, to tumblers, to platters and bowls, glazed and unglazed, brightly coloured and of earthy hues, you will find them all here. Wouldn’t you love to see the space in which all 1,864 are stored…? [Edit: I have since discovered that they are based in Dallas, Texas]

The American’s really know how to do ‘Fall” the best… Sweet Paul is a beautiful online magazine authored by stylist/crafter Paul Lowe (who’s actually a NY based Norwegian).

The magazine developed following the huge success of his blog where he used to publish styled inspiration and new recipes linked to his editorial and commercial projects. Often described as “Anthropologie meets Martha Stewart Living” the magazine is super inspirational and packed with elegant recipes, fun and easy crafts, and simple entertaining ideas.

The Fall 2012 issue is a beauty, adorning its pages with woodland picnics, wholesome foods and glittering caramelised treats.

We all the know the potential Ikea products have, but stylist Lo Bjurulf and Ikea have take it to another level. Can you believe these images were created using all Ikea products?

This is such a clever campaign, showing Ikea’s versatility and ability to look so, so beautiful. I am blown away by the ethereal wedding celebration settings with it’s tower of champagne glasses.

Normally I stick to bookish type things but this week I am diversifying slightly. Two days ago I had the happy opportunity to be invited to the review screening of Robin Hood which is Ridley Scott’s new epic film starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett.

As an avid history buff to say I was skeptical was an understatement but I should have put my faith in Scott. Probably one of the best Hollywood ‘blockbusters’ of Robin Hood I have ever seen I am more than happy to suggest you all head and see it immediately! Forget that Russell Crowe is quite frankly hot stuff and that Cate Blanchett’s skin is not of this earth – Robin Hood is a great period piece.

Robin Hood is the tale of Robin before we know him robbing the rich to feed the poor. After ten years on the crusades as a poor archer Robin Longstride encounters a series of events that leave him taking the crown of Richard the Lion heart home after his death.

After being asked by Robert of Locksley in his dying wish to return his precious sword to his father Robin heads North to Nottingham to settle his promise. Caught up in Nottingham events Robin pretends to be Robert of Locksley to ensure his beautiful widow [Cate Blanchet] Marion does not lose her land and home after Sir Walter Loxley’s death.

Slowly Marion and Robin fall in love against the tyrannical backdrop of the Church and King John. Sir Walter has agreed that by pretending to be his dead son he will tell Robin of his missing past. He learns his father was a rebel who drew up the original basis of the Magna Carta, but was put to death for his rebellious ideas.

Robin agrees to rouse the Northern barons of England to battle against the invading French if King John will sign his father’s treaty. The French are assured that this country is divided by a traitor Godfrey and have therefore set sail to take our Island by force.

Will John keep his word and what will face Robin so that he ends up living his life outside the law? All the familiar faces are here in their practical historical way – fat Friar Tuck, Little John and of course Will Scarlet. All these men will become the immortal Merry Men we know and love.

Although it seems Ridley Scott hoped to recreate a Gladiator movie it does not have the same epic feel. The pace is much slower but the quality is there – both Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett deliver mesmorising performances and the gritty realism makes this one of the best interpretations yet made of our famous English legend.

Go and swoon in the cinema – Lauren x