The Kitty Snug is a space to the rear of the villa house (on the first floor) that lacks natural daylight, due to an extension that obscures the sun, so rather than resolve that with bright lights, I fed the vibe with a cosy snug (CAVE) like feel. Nothing matches. It never does. But it all gets along. And it’s always nice to swap bedding around to give the space a new feel with the seasons.
Standard white duvet covers bore the hell out of me. I like a bit of quirk. You can even find a fabulous choice of good quality bedding in supermarkets. You don’t have to spend a lot to give a room that unique quality. Never worry too hard about co-ordinating. Stick with a desired palette, but try keeping to no more than three leading colours and you can only work wonders!
Although when I first styled this room, the bedding was a black and gold leopard print. So now the sofa does look a little out of place. But it could easily transform back. I just wanted a change for the summer, and cat-inspired textiles are limited. So there’s a bit of a colour clash going on here, but the guests like it. So that’s fine.
And here’s my original palette and you may ask why there’s a reindeer in the picture since it’s the Kitty Snug? Well, it was Christmas!
Tiffy’s Place in South Shore, Blackpool was a derelict guest house that needed some care. I acquired the building before it went to auction by making a low offer to the vendors, which was accepted. The project took nearly three years to finish. A lot of planning. Blood. Sweat. Tears. A labour of love. All taking place through lockdown and bereavement. Today, Tiffy’s Place is a high spec award-winning guest house. It is fully licensed with superb reviews across authentic booking channels. Returning guests and luxury spaces maintained to the highest standards. Accredited with Stay Blackpool and Visit Blackpool.
A mixture of nostalgia where community, charity shops and collectible outlets meet local suppliers and brands. Each room comes together like a family. An eclectic mix of the old and new.
I never really plan how I want a room to look on completion. It’s a journey of my essence and findings in that moment. So really, it’s about the energetic value of creative spirit, mixed with the aesthetic overall appeal, forever evolving. It’s very much a personal thing. It is not influenced by others. It is more about what’s available when I put it out to the universe. I always find exactly what’s needed. I guess it’s like baking the perfect cake and decorating for the occasion. In the case of this project, for guest satisfaction. That they feel a sense of peacefulness.
I am very proud of this assignment. Not just for me, but also my late Father. For whom I promised that no matter what, I would not give up. It’s been a joyous journey. The anticipated negativity within a small majority of onlookers has only made me more focused. I am determined to retain my unique ways.
South Shore, Blackpool is a strong, diverse and resilient community. I have been very proud to be a part of it. Albeit quietly. My aim, to deliver something special. Mission Accomplished. With credit to all who helped. Danielle, Gee, James, Colin and others who took part in the renovation. A little bit of untold history. The best stories are often by those who walked in the rain before the glory of rainbows. For nature is our best inspiration. That and the community.
It’s my sacred canvas of crafting with true intention. Though being original may not give us financial wealth. Yet a deeper sense of accomplishment, one of soul purpose, is priceless. I am sure you will agree with me when I tell you this. Being altruistic is perfectly priceless. And for those discovered, the credit is to their quality of life improved. But we should not stop crafting when life becomes tough. The good folk strive hardest for self improvement.
This is not a flattering photo of me. It was a few days after losing my Dad. During Covid and I had arrived back in Blackpool to get things done. I can still remember how broken I was inside but glad to be home. Fortunately I had no idea what was ahead of me. I had been through enough turmoil during these times or so I believed. But … I did it, Dad!
Sometimes, no matter how much we try to avoid problems and mishaps they find us. This can be family matters, work, finance, health or general wellbeing. But work and crafting can take our mind from this. The more free time we have to dwell, the further our minds may become complexed with stuff which is unnecessary, as worry is a form of self abuse.
So today whilst styling the final room at Tiffy’s Place I decided it was time to unbox one of the mannequins. Danielle (my housekeeper) and general morale booster, plus aspiring designer, took to dressing her like a duck to water. Where as I have a past in fashion, mannequins and window dressing. It may look simple, but propping up a stiff dummy is not easy.
The wig I have had for a couple of years and the outfit was from a market in Blackpool. ‘Belde’ which is an anagram of Danielle and my middle name ‘Belle’ seemed fitting. So here is our new resident!
It’s been a very busy few months. Whilst we have been in lockdown as a nation I have some how never had so much to do. and i should imagine many are in the same position. preparing for the summer and months ahead.
All these images are representative of Pamper Boxes and Wax Melts soon available to buy online at South Shore Soap Company. I will be busy with the hotels so we may pause during the summer high season to return in the Autumn as this is the perfect low season hobby. But we shall see which way this goes as I am always open for change and that’s why I love what I do so much.
Preferred payment is online with a debit or credit card or collection in person. We are not offering bespoke orders unless they are in larger quantities.
Tiffy Belle Design 