Tag: Interior Design

The She Room by Tiffy Belle

The She Room is on the top floor. It’s part of the original extension. A very comfortable space with a warm, wrap around feel to it.

As with all the rooms I put lots of crystals beneath the floorboards during the renovation. The She Room had the most. It felt like such a feminine space. It has a double walk in shower with a power shower. And I love the Moroccan style mosaic tiling below the window across the entire lower wall.

At first I painted this a dark purple. But it showed every small chip and dent. It quickly became tatty. So I used some silver wallpaper I had invested for another job. Unfortunately, I couldn’t reach my regular DIY expert at that time. I resorted to a friend of a friend. He did not do the best job in terms of wallpapering. I was so excited to see the finished product. I had already paid him £450.00 rather foolishly. In belief he had done as good a job as I had been convinced. But on entering the room (now silver) it looked like a four year old had tried to decorate it. I quickly sourced some edging tape. I pushed the corner paper into the wall. I edged all around it with the tape. Eventually it took shape.

I found the large ethnic prints in FAB Interiors. I decided to buy them because they would brighten the walls. They also would bring the remaining artifact in the room to a consistent theme. There’s an adorable retro table and chair in the room too! A nostalgic feel together with some calming ambiance. All in all I was happy with the end result! And from this room you get to see the real lives of local seagulls and all their shenanigans. Blackpool is a magical town. The sky. The Irish Sea. The birds. The alleys. It’s changed my life forever. No regrets to find this place. Well, actually … I think Blackpool found me. Thank You.

Tiffy Belle. X

by Tiffany Belle Harper

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 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

by Tiffany Belle Harper

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

by Tiffany Belle Harper

Wild Comfort by Tiffy Belle

Wild Comfort is at the top of the house to the rear. It’s a cool room (as in temperature, but otherwise also.) This and the bedroom next to it were once three bedrooms. So much renovation work has taken place over the four years since occupying ownership. I can’t even remember how it was before. My mobile storing all the pics was taken from my bedroom. This happened when I owned a lease over the road. As you will find, my data and privacy have been somewhat of a disturbing issue. This has been especially true these last years, mainly from distant sources.

I wanted to craft a room specifically in admiration for wild animals. I guess in their memory, since many are becoming extinct. And the main global agenda now is to focus on war and discrimination. If only we could unite as mankind and stop further decline to our natural world. One of which many take so shamelessly for granted. I feel so sad to think of this matter.

My passion around Wild Comfort was inspired by the wallpaper. Elephants. Rhinos. Zebras along with tribal nature. So with mainly silver I used a blue and neutral palette. I love the pinhole legged desk and italian, free standing light. The perspex chair and china antlers. There’s so much detail here. It’s a modern yet cosy room that guests have loved to get comfy in. Last but not least. Check out the ceramic buffalo skull. It’s too beautiful for words. I have called him Chester. I got him from an independent outlet in the town and sadly it’s shut down. A shame as it had some really unique pieces. Support local! It all comes together.

The bathroom prints I found outside a student house, whilst out at work with my son in Leeds. I can never part with them. They’ve been on quite a few walls since being adopted by me.

The cushions and two elephant sketches in frames were from The Range in Blackpool. An affordable haunt for locals. There’s many branches around the UK. The Range is a Northern chain. It’s well worth a visit. Something for all budgets. Their towels and bedding are great quality too.

Tiffy Belle. X

by Tiffany Belle Harper