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

The Kitty Snug by Tiffy Belle

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 Belle. X