Tag: design

The James Suite by Tiffy Belle

Throughout the three year renovation of the villa house, located at 30 St Chads Road, Blackpool, many workmen got involved. It was during lockdown, together with some unreliability. That’s the thing with any restoration project, finding solvent, steadfast trades people. Though eventually, I got there!

My son ‘James’ was a consistent strength and undertook the joinery works to the highest and best specifications. He has a degree in surveying. Is keen on the property field of duty and an accomplished tradesmen.

He himself owning properties in Leeds and maintaining them himself. Also doing work for Estate Agencies and Landlords. James has a sparkling reputation. I was very lucky to have his help for a while. He assisted me greatly in getting the place open. This suite fondly named after my son. And in addition to these images, there’s also an en-suite shower room within the space.

Also my dear friend ‘Colin Almond’ who stepped in at the later stages. He still works with me now and is a trustworthy craftsman. But the James Suite was primarily down to James.

The top floor to the left you will find the attic space of the house. It was formerly two small bedrooms and a shared bathroom. The bathroom became a spa suite whilst the bedrooms were knocked into one, creating this vibrant space. Because of the low eaves, I decided it must be a young area with low level furniture. Writing a room description is challenging with the booking sites. There are only boxes to check what the room has available. Being low level gives that ‘chill out’ feel.

Fortunately most guests are able to see what they have chosen by the images incorporated to each individual listing. This system can be hugely annoying. Unlike a website that is able to convey specific detail, the booking sites are short and sweet. But we get there in the end. It would be impossible to provide accommodation that would please every person and budget. But I’ve done pretty well with trying my best and doing what I love most. Putting my energy into a space. Hoping to create some happiness, albeit short term, but hopefully a lasting ‘good’ memory for the majority who drop by.

With most attic rooms, you do not get one full height wall. So you are working with the room center. There is something lovely about being tucked away in the top of an old building. It feels cosy and romantic. You also get street views and a sense of history. Opening up the space was probably the most challenging job in the building. And the way James built the spa suite is so very skillful. I am proud. The full renovation has been carried out to the highest standards.

My guests are of all gender. I wanted colour in this room to reflect freedom and fun. It was important to maintain a contemporary feel, even on a very small budget to furnish, in preference of expense toward the main workmanship of the building. But it all worked as a collective and I believe most guests can feel the ambience and experience the attention to detail.

Tiffy Belle. X

by Tiffany Belle Harper

The Tiffany Suite by Tiffy Belle

The Tiffany Suite is on the first floor of the villa house, to the rear. It was once three badly laid out bedrooms. The new bathroom is one huge space and the bedroom area used to be two former rooms. It was a risk, since had it remained as three bedrooms, it would have possibly made more money. But it’s quality over quantity.

This suite has received 10/10 feedback from guests at the hotel. Particularly with honeymooners and special occasions. There was never a huge budget to furnish the hotel as the funding came from the sale of my small terrace house in Leeds. And finding workmen during lockdown etc, was a bloody nightmare. I did however spend more than I wanted on the french style bed, drawers and bedside table in this room.

The glass table and two dining chairs chairs were on sale at FAB Interiors. I love them. The artwork is mostly from charity shops, apart from a couple of prints I just had to have in the room. And whatever bedding I have in here, it works as the decor is neutral. I can highly recommend ‘Egyptian Cotton’ by ‘Dulux’. It’s just so earthy and neutral. Although the king brand of all paints is ‘Farrow and Ball’. Dulux comes a close second for interiors. And I always take a matt finish.

Bold colours date so quickly and will make a space shrink in. It’s best to stay safe if you like a lot of prints and patterned textiles. But then … I do love wallpaper as you will see with other projects. Prints or paper, there’s a balance. The Tiffany Suite is prints and with the feminine. Holistic womb talk. Empowered by our softer flow. It was always my dream to deliver children in the tub here. Maybe that’s something, somewhere, for the future. Water and a space of love = life abundance.

The bathroom is indeed lush. Initially, I didn’t want the huge relaxation tub, but it was in clearance and when it arrived they just left it on the pavement outside. I urgently called my son who drove from Leeds and we had to smash a wall down just to get it in the building. There are many tales about the formation of this little guest house by the sea. It’s been a journey of a life time. Truly, it has. And I am grateful to have met so many colourful people and animals along the way so far. In particular Buddy the dog, Billy the cat, then Percy and Gloria the seagulls. All of which I rescued (as they also saved a part of me.) One needs the other. Rescue and Healing. Real life values are completeness and rescue work helps us respect the intricate nature of life at its best.

The Tiffany Suite is such a light and airy room with a gorgeous feel to it. As with all the hotel, there’s loads of crystals beneath the floorboards and I believe they play a big part in energy enhancement. The place is full of love and happy vibes, best felt by the wonderful guests for which I will never forget.

Tiffy Belle. X

by Tiffany Belle Harper