I love Daylesford in Autumn. It's a picture-perfect postcard of historical buildings and the autumnal hues. From the golden yellows, bright and burnt oranges, to the most sumptuous claret. In this little town in the heart of spa country, the trees are truely magical at this time of year.

But it's not just the idyllic landscape you come to Daylesford for. It has natural mineral springs and delicious paddock to plate fare, and there is plenty to offer those looking to spend a weekend away. Having said that, the weekends are normally packed with people, but that is a small price to pay in a town that has so much to offer.

Whether you are staying the weekend and have booked a long lunch at The Lakehouse restaurant, or a quiet pub meal at The Farmers Arms, or even a cheeky wine at Wine And The Country; Daylesford is not just about food anymore. It's now home to a small number of boutique stores opening to fulfil your every want.  

Sure, Bromley has been in Daylesford for a while and there are a number of artisan gifts that you can buy at The Convent.  But its the stores that have popped up on Howe Street that I find most exciting. Howe Street is just a short walk up from Vincent Street and is home to some great local businesses, such as DA Apothecary, The Donkey’s Tale, Sarah Conners, Bowen & Kenneth, Ruby Slippers and the new kid on the block, Buster McGee.

Buster McGee specializes in men's clothing, grooming products, and gifts. Stocking labels such as Scotch & Soda and I Love Ugly, grooming products from The Groomed Man Co, Klein's Perfumery, and more. A number of smaller gift items, from carefully-sourced suppliers, are also on offer. And of course, Buster McGee is the exclusive central Victorian stockist of Peter Daavid cushions!

So, do yourself a favour and visit Daylesford this long weekend and explore what is on offer.

​Throughout my travels around the world, I have always been drawn to and inspired by colour.  From the vibrant colours of spices and food through Asia to the incredible vibrant coloured fabrics in Sri Lanka and Peru.  And of course the depth of colour in Europe, from the colours, shades, and textures of the architecture to the depth of colour found in art.

Since I am currently designing additions to my cushion range I thought it would be a good time to re-cap on colour and meaning.  Whilst these meanings do not influence the colours I choose for each design, I thought it may be interesting.  Considering, these meanings tend to change from culture to culture.  Below are some consistent descriptions that I have found.

Red: 
Excitement, energy, passion, love, desire, speed, strength, power, heat, aggression, danger, fire, blood, war, violence, all things intense and passionate, sincerity, happiness (Only in Japan)

 
Pink:
Symbolizes love and romance, caring, tenderness, acceptance, and calm.

 
Beige and ivory:
Symbolize unification. Ivory symbolizes quiet and pleasantness. Beige symbolizes calm and simplicity.

 
Yellow:
Signifies joy, happiness, betrayal, optimism, idealism, imagination, hope, sunshine, summer, gold, philosophy, dishonesty, cowardice, jealousy, covetousness, deceit, illness, hazard and friendship.

 
Dark Blue: 
Symbolizes integrity, knowledge, power, and seriousness.

 
Blue: 
Peace, tranquility, cold, calm, stability, harmony, unity, trust, truth, confidence, conservatism, security, cleanliness, order, loyalty, sky, water, technology, depression, appetite suppressant.

 
Turquoise:
Symbolizes calm. Teal symbolizes sophistication. Aquamarine symbolizes water. Lighter turquoise has a feminine appeal.

 
Purple: 
Royalty, nobility, spirituality, ceremony, mysterious, transformation, wisdom, enlightenment, cruelty, honour, arrogance, mourning, temperance.

 
Lavender:
Symbolizes femininity, grace, and elegance.

 
Orange: 
Energy, balance, enthusiasm, warmth, vibrant, expansive, flamboyant, demanding of attention.

 
Green: 
Nature, environment, healthy, good luck, renewal, youth, spring, generosity, fertility, jealousy, service, inexperience, envy, misfortune, vigor.

 
Brown: 
Earth, stability, hearth, home, outdoors, reliability, comfort, endurance, simplicity, and comfort.

 
Gray: 
Security, reliability, intelligence, staid, modesty, dignity, maturity, solid, conservative, practical, old age, sadness, boring. Silver symbolizes calm.

 
 
White: 
Reverence, purity, birth, simplicity, cleanliness, peace, humility, precision, innocence, youth, winter, snow, good, sterility, marriage (Western cultures), death (Eastern cultures), cold, clinical.

 
Black: 
Power, sexuality, sophistication, formality, elegance, wealth, mystery, fear, evil, unhappiness, depth, style, sadness, remorse, anger, anonymity, underground, good technical colour, mourning, death (Western cultures), austerity, detachment.


Eastern World:

Marriage: 
White and pink are favourite just as in the western world.

Green: 
Eternity, family, harmony, health, peace, posterity

Happiness: 
Red

Helpful: 
Gray

Wealth: 
Blue, gold, and purple

White: 
Children, helpful people, marriage,
mourning, peace, purity, travel

Gold: 
Strength, wealth

Evil or sadness:
Just like in the western world- black.

Source: incredibleart.org

If you are still interested and want to read more, here are a few links of what I have found:

The symbolism of colours and colour meanings around the world:

https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/color-symbolism-and-meanings-around-the-world

Meaning of colours in colour psychology:
https://www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com/meaning-of-colors.html

Colour and meaning:
https://www.color-meanings.com/

Colour Wheel Pro - See Colour Theory in Action:
http://www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-meaning.html