The Bae Suite for Robert by Tiffy Belle

The Bae Suite is at the villa house on St Chad’s Road, South Shore. It is situated on the first floor at the front of the place. It’s just the most romantic space. Light and airy. High ceilings with all the original architraving and SKIRTING. Deco BEVELED walls. The windows are embellished with the Lancashire Rose cut glass detail. Wooden vertical made to fit blinds.

It was the last room to be renovated. The bathroom didn’t exist. There was a communal shower room and cupboard in the hallway. We knocked that through into the bedroom and created a doorway. Thus the bedroom became a suite with luxurious bathroom. It was a lot of work.

I had a kindred spirit to The South, named ‘Robert’ for many years. A reassuring comfort that totally got where I was going with the chaos of Blackpool. We hooked up distantly throughout lockdown. Invasive circumstances got in our way but you can never break a bond. I guess it just gets stronger for us but in bigger ways with art and often pain. Injustice is a cowardly thing when there’s a blot of hate on the privacy of life.

I called the suite The Bae Suite. Bay (window) as in Bae, and Bae as in ‘Sweetie’. And I have no regrets. I am not ashamed to show my true feelings. I am not afraid either. Otherwise, cross signals become distorted. They are so very misunderstood. Make it clear who you want around. Specify who you do not want around. Then it’s resolved as far as I am concerned. I guess this attitude would go a long way in the world of stalkers and the bored. They would understand it if they read it in ‘black and white’. This is opposed to scheming up stuff that only exists in their imagination.

The Bae Suite was a tribute to Robert. However, it was very much influenced by all the sentimental and quirky artefacts. I had not yet found a home for them in the house. It was my favourite room to style and by now I had absolutely no budget. Everything in this suite tells a story. And Danielle was hugely helpful with the project. So The Bae Suite sort of morphed together with a lot of community findings, artwork from me and Northern artists. The walls are a popular colour by Dulux. ‘Polished Pebbles’ and even the tiles were inherited from another job. But it all works like a blissful family. You can put any style or colour of bedding here.

I love this space so much. And will be adding more images here over the coming days. They’re all over the place because of issues with my data. Also, my laptop is currently not functioning well for the same reason.

It’s disappointed that self development is able to provoke resentment in the modern world. But I guess that’s also ‘doing something right’. Some people hate progress. I hope I never become one of them. Life’s too good to be twisted.

Robert is diverse, artful and rebellious. I love his groove. Those with him are lucky to be there. Carpe Diem you wonderful lot.

Tiffy Belle. X

The Chill Out Room by Tiffy Belle

It is the hardest thing to put into written word or an image, the magic a space can hold, such as my lounge area at the Guest House. It’s full of light and innocent magic. The wall mural was lovingly crafted by a dear friend of mine Seca One. Seca is an exceptional grafitti artist who is Blackpool born and bred. I felt honoured when he agreed to work with me.

The wall art is the lotus flower with a backdrop of pastels. The entire room consists of salvaged and second hand furniture. There’s windows each end of the long and large space. The counter is the original from when I walked into the house. I have witnessed confessions of true love in this space. Marriage proposals. Engagements. Happiness across all genders. It was an area that manifested pure magic. Danielle my former housekeeper, kindred spirit and hard working mum of three bought this whole concept alive with me. And although the design was all my own making. The inspiration and energy.

The love and endurance through such challenging times, and the grafting level of cleanliness. The fond memories of something so beautiful, I am humbled to know Danielle. Her partner Gee and their well kept children. No person should ever judge poverty until they have lived and walked amongst it. The Guest house, a dwelling for those who work hard to enter and experience by agreement the positivity within the walls and foundation put together with teamwork and respect.

The tables are dated, but they were from Golden Sands (over the road). And the metal chairs I purchased from Tender Paws Cat Rescue. The old dresser I sort of painted in a hurry, and like many bits about the place, I sourced it for £100 from The Regent Emporium in town. The Regent is probably the most magnificent building full of collectables and vintage furniture in the world! And it has revived the old cinema, there’s a marvellous cafe there too.

But anyway … as I say, the lounge area at the hotel is not so aesthetically pleasing with images, as actually being in the space. You can visit a room based on perception and be hugely disappointed. But with my designs, the photography does not do them justice. I don’t think it helps I do them all myself with a mobile phone and often, not a lot of a time and poor lighting.

Finally folks, a bit more about Seca. And his frankful account of a brave journey toward success following drug abuse and depression. He’s now an international artist recognised by prolific names in the world of street art. With respect.

Tiffy Belle. X