Season 21 of The Block is heading to Daylesford, Victoria and you can expect the trendy town to make a huge impression.

Not only is Daylesford, set in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, one of the country’s most notable tourist destinations – it’s also a design hub, with a distinct style we are set to see throughout the series.

Judge Marty Fox told 9Entertainment there were a few reasons why the Daylesford aesthetic stood out.

“How established it is, the gold rush boom style architecture everywhere and the fact it is a luxury market with many movers and shakers calling it their second or primary place of residence,” Marty explained.

“It’s also the spa capital of Australia and the regional LGBT capital of Australia.”
Daylesford is home of The Block Season 21. (Supplied)
That definitely gives the Blockheads plenty to get inspired by!

Here are some of the trends you can expect to see as The Block heads to Daylesford…

Rich colour palettes

Block judge Shaynna Blaze believed “anything goes” of course, but Daylesford “has a penchant for deep colours – not pastels”.

Yep, big call. Pastels are out!

Marty agreed about the need for warmth, saying earthy tones and timbers are typical of the location.
Pastels are out! According to judge Shaynna Blaze. (Nine)
On Today Extra, co-host Shelley Craft explained how the Daylesford’s distinct seasons impact colour choices too.

“Because we shoot for three months, we did get that beautiful summer right through autumn and that really does influence how the contestants went about their design, the colours they were choosing,” she teased.
The Block co-host Shelley Craft. (Nine)
Before heading to Daylesford, judge Darren Palmer said he spoke to a friend who is a real estate agent in the area to really get a feel for the place.

“Colour drenching for example is very appropriate for Daylesford. Lots of patterns, rustic red, olive tones and a colour palette inspired by the Australian landscape is spot on,” he said.

Don’t forget texture, either!

Marty called out artistic wallpaper as a great way to add texture – and embrace another tenet of Daylesford: boldness.

Bold yet sophisticated

The judges agreed that in Daylesford, going bold is definitely encouraged.

“It’s artistic, quirky yet sophisticated and anything goes as long as there is an element of soul and warmth,” Marty said.
Marty Fox, Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer return as judges in 2025. (Nine)
“Daylesford has two very distinct styles,” Shaynna agreed, listing one as “eclectic with bold colours and pattern entwined with a sense of play and fun”.

More on the second style below!

Influence from the landscape

Daylesford’s architectural identity is intertwined with its landscape, using foliage and deep timbers that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor.
Daylesford design is informed by the town’s stunning landscape. (Getty)
It’s also a spa town – which is where Shaynna’s second distinct Daylesford style comes in.

“Then there is embracing the wellness world with the local landscape,” she said.

Sustainable and natural materials

All of this comes together in Daylesford design’s love of organic materials, tying everything back to nature.

Shaynna was anticipating “earthy materials and a focus on the local flora and fauna”.

Think timbers, stone, linens and cotton and you’ve got the right idea!

No doubt the Blockheads will find plenty of incredible ways to express the town’s distinct style as they immerse themselves in Daylesford for The Block 2025 – we cannot wait to see what they come up with!