Preparing the Lighting for our Guest Season
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The Chateau Diaries Episode 570 ✨🏰✨
Escape to the chateau with ’The Chateau Diaries’ 🏰
This channel follows the adventures of chatelaine Stephanie in her French 16th century home, the Chateau de Lalande, in the heart of rural France ❤️
We share our life in this ancient chateau in the heart of the French countryside, and show you the diy, renovations, crafts, cooking and gardening that are needed to bring a home like this to life!
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I wouldn’t put any curtains up. The light is glorious!
Exactly what I thought too! Nobody is going to run around nekkid in the kitchen😂!!!(except Lancelot) Maybe just a valance OR the faux curtains that only ever hang open & if closed they don't cover the entire width of the window space. But only if you're the kind of person who thinks a window needs a covering (my mom) ❤
Bring the curtains back for Winter . To keep the heat inside.
Absolutely! No drapes on those windows!
@@marshawargo7238You haven't been to a party at Lalande then 😉😗😂😙😊?
Agree!
I love the no curtains in kitchen
The kitchen looks so much cleaner and fresher without the curtains!
A new coat of paint would do the most to brighten up the kitchen... the dusty grey does not strike me as elegant at all ... either a white, cream or even a shiny pale yellow with cream on the trim or vice versa would do wonders!! 🎨
@@kindlydude Pale yellow would go so well with the blue china 😊
Agree. Far too fussy, too "boudoir"!
Ok. I’m just gonna say it. Who puts heavy, expensive material, lined, floor to ceiling tie back drapes in a kitchen? Especially a high functioning professional kitchen that serves paying guests and staff?
How sweet Molly how she rests her head on dad's lap 🤗
Leave the curtains in the laundry room or donate them. The windows seem to bring such a breath of fresh air. The room looks so much more inviting, so light filled, and the windows are quite attractive without distracting fabric obstructing the view.
We use so many spices that we purchase them in bulk and put them in quart jars, so your gorgeous wall hanging wouldn’t work for us, but that is fine. My theory is, do whatever the chef wants! I’ve been a chef and I know making beautiful food and serving it on time can be stressful so whatever she wants - she gets! I can’t wait to see what she does with the powders she’s making, what fun! I love seeing a creative group of people working together to make a beautiful and warmly hospitable house possible.
I agree with Marie. Fabric in a kitchen is not appropriate for the amount of cooking that happens there. Spices should be labeled and easily accessible. Maybe a drawer with labels on the lids. Marie is the best!
It is quite a revelation to see just what goes on “behind the scenes” before the guest season begins and how all of the “players” fulfill their roles. And I must say … poor Amaury! That man quietly moves from disaster to disaster (and I am thinking primarily of the radiator debacle that time) fixing, repairing, installing and, most importantly, EMBELLISHING Lalande. He has the patience of a saint. In fact, I may continue to think of him as Saint Amaury. Putting together that gorgeous gazebo in the garden (about which I am completely and unashamedly JEALOUS!). Creating the wainscotting in that one room, the name of which escapes me. I cannot wait to see the 18th century panelling installed. That will be beyond stunning. Having to move his painstakingly organized workshop while installing the “powerhouse” in its place (he must have been gutted). And today. This is the only time I have noted a wee frisson of annoyance while rewiring the wall sconces. A wee bit of gritted teeth was detected this end. Hmmm. I think that we the viewers should applaud Saint Amaury and all that he does so quietly and assuredly for Lalande!
He is an absolute angel. I worry about him. His patience is legendary. I'm glad he has Molly (who worships him) and Nati. And of course, all who truly appreciate him and don't take him for granted, like Stephanie and Philip. I'm also always delighted when someone spells his name right. 😊
I totaly agree! He is a very special person. I also like the interaction between Amaury and Stepanie, thinking of how close they grew up together. Almost as brother and sister I can imagine.
We 'see' so much of what Amaury does behind the scenes. St Amaury, yes,I agree 😊😊
The lights are beautiful and Philip was on point for the shades, though he usually is for color and composition. The gardens are looking amazing, it’s hard to look at it today and remember what it was like before the gazebo. The chapel is coming along beautifully and it will be a spectacular place to be married in❤️ Thank you all as always letting us in to spend time.
I love everyone in the house but Marie has such a beautiful wonderful lively aura. 😊
The Jasmine is dying because it is strangled by the ties that have been left on it. Those little ties are only for when it is in the shop or being shipped. You may be able to revive them by removing the ties, opening up the tendrils and tethering only each tendril to the pillar, so there is breathing space for each length. Do that, feed them with something high in nutrients and give them a few weeks. It is possible with that will be enough to bring them back to life - hoepfully you will see the leaves turning back to green and the plant coming back to life.
I have to agree with Marie, using your spice rack is not an easy thing to use and will get dirty with hands that may be a bit messy.
I would leave the curtains down in the kitchen for the summer and fall. Maybe just hang them during the winter? The chateau and the grounds are looking exquisite especially the gazebo; the sconces in the dining room are perfection. Here's to another fun-filled season at LaLande!
Use a marine epoxy on the fountain base while it's dry and clean
It is very admirable to want to catch two birds in one blaw. To have a spice storage that also hides the electric cabinett. How ever this reminds me of a line from Pippy longstockings story when she asked the pharmasist to give her a medicine for aching belly that would also be good for polishing the furniture... Please respect Marie and find a mor professional solution for the spices.
All preparations for the season…the garden and Chateau look gorgeous 🌟 The Chapel of Saint Joseph is a jewel box, and yes, a perfect chapel for a wedding 💒
YESSSSSSSS!!!!!!! 💗💞💖 Can't wait!!! 💒🤴👸💐🦢🦚🕊⛲
Maybe leave a cloth in a protective bag in the greenhouse to wipe the furniture under the gazebo when needed.
Actually I think the windows look great without any curtains at all... Do you need to put them back at all? Feels cleaner, less clutter and they are beautiful
Might be cold in winter without.
@@theresagosling1530 Yes, they keep the heat in. We have a dark lounge room in winter, but at least we are warm! However, in summer, I pull them back so plenty of light.
Yes let Marie choose her spice rack 🎉
The girls will need a ladder to get to the top of the spice rack
@@ldnwholesale8552 Yes I was thinking the top of spice holder was positioned very high up!
I love cooking so much, but getting spices out of that cloth spice holder would drive me insane. I love the fabric being used for the curtains and especially those large bow tie backs. Very lovely.
Stephanie, you’re very lucky to have your cousin, he’s very talented and skilled. Shout out to Amury👏👍🏽
The spice thingy is not appropriate for a busy working kitchen. I’m sure Marie could devise something more user friendly, that would not gather dust. And the windows look much better without the curtains, giving light and a lovely view to the courtyard.
Maybe Amory can build a better functioning spice cabinet. I have one on either side of my stove with 4 shelves that slide out. But I think being in an area that abutts a state, Louisiana, that has spicy cuisine with French and African roots, and a country that is known for its spice, Mexico, we probably use an extraordinary amount of spices.
I have a pull-out, double sided spice rack that is counter height, right next to the stove. It’s my favorite drawer in the kitchen.😎
Maybe the spice curtain could be used elsewhere in the house. It's pretty but not practical in a professional kitchen, which is what it should be when catering for paying guests. 🙂
I agree with Marie! The spice rack has got to go!😂
Your Chateau is looking more beautiful each year…..
It looks so amazing without curtains. Incredible. Curtains in a kitchen is tough with all that cooking and moisture.
I still love seeing the green dining chair's. So beautiful. Also, the white table and chairs in the gazebo, gorgeous
I drool over them. every time I see them.
I’m with Marie…spices in the cupboard (organised to regimental standards obvs to avoid future cayenne mishaps!) and cover the electrical box with a painting. The less dust collecting fabric in a kitchen the better. As ever the food and dinner table looks amazing 👏
You can tell when Marie wants to say how she really feels about something - what she really would like to have, or not have, in the kitchen or elsewhere but keeps her thoughts to herself. Self control!
I love how everyone steps up & gets things clean beautiful! The Chapel is looking so spiffy! The garden is coming in and love is in the air!❤❤
Without the curtains the kitchen looks so much brighter, airier, uncluttered & more spacious. More inviting.
You really have a dream team working with you now Stephanie. Love seeing how you all work so hard together.
I love how much Lancelot loves Marie.
Yes. She's an empath and a dog knows. Also dogs know who rules the kitchen! (and she's lovely about taking him out for walks) 🥰
I love the kitchen without curtains. It’s so much brighter… just a suggestion but I think Stephanie shout consider repainting the kitchen walls, cabinets, door frames and doors. I think they’re beginningto look a little dingy. Love the channel.
Sorry, I meant Stephanie “should” consider repainting … instead of Stephanie “shout”.
Leave the down (curtains) until November. Sunlight is cheery.
How exciting everybody. Marie, you are going to blow their minds. The gazebo is so charming. Have a great day, I know your guest will. Never take my scissors. 🤣
Same here. No one messes with my scissors 😆 There are plenty of other scissors for everyone.
There are battery operated light bulbs that require no electricity. This might be a solution for lighting your chandelier without ripping up flooring. Something like this might fit - or you may have to engage in a bit of a search for the dimension of your chandelier sockets and the flame shape to match it. I have seen them on Amazon. Good luck!
Wow, everything looks great...the lights, the flowers, the table setting, the gazebo, apple blossoms, Lancelot and all of you! Great video!
Natti needs a lockable desk, drawer or box for her suppliers. :)
Do miss Pavlina ..!! She did make beautiful flower bouques. !!!. Special teas. And garden help. Where is she now??
Travelling.
Hopefully Pavlina comes back soon. Miss her great info on all the items she found to make teas. Wealth of wonderful wisdom. Hurry back, Pavlina. Am missing Maria as well. Her awesome cooking & piano playing is missed.
I prefer the kitchen windows without curtains and as you say you never close them. The light in the kitchen is much more important for a working kitchen.
I love sheer curtains, it blocks the glare without blocking the light
I think you need matching jars to put your spices into your lovely spice caddy!
Amazon has some beautiful options….
Yes, was thinking that would make it look even more organized, with the name of the herb/spice labeled on the front
I totally agree with the comments about the kitchen curtains, the room looks much better without them. More hygienic to, with no cooking smells lingering in the fabric.
Yes I agree no curtains lovely light coming in!!
The the kitchen looks so much lighter without curtains & as Marie will be the person spending the most time in there, perhaps she should have the final word. Light affects our mood so much.
I agree with everyone else don’t put the curtains back up kitchen looks so nice without them.I wonder Stephanie when will you be showing us your engagement ring we would all love to see it.looking forward to another season of guests and fun.❤
those bowls remind me of my grandma i miss her so much
🍃🦚 well, one last opinion on the curtains and spice bag; if Stephanie pulls them way over to the side like she said, I think there will be enough light and fabric to please everyone! Leave the spice bag for overflow only and have Philip & Amoury come up with a handy solution for Maria’s spices that she uses a lot…with her input! When cooking, one wants to grab those in a flash! (And not have to walk around the room to get them! Amen🍃💚❗️
I can’t imagine all the details you are concerned about as you prepare to begin receiving guests this year. All of that would be too much for my mind to handle. Hope all goes well this year.👍❤️❤️❤️
I adore Phillip’s eye for detail and the way he loves Stephanie. He is one of a kind.
What was Phillip's job before he came to the Chateau? 🌈😊🙏
I believe he was a professional singer, like Stephanie used to do.
Stephanie you are happy and it shows.
This was lovely! The gazebo in the garden is stunning!
You should really paint the pantry doors. They look unsanitary for a commercial kitchen. To keep them looking nice , it would help if you install door finger plates. These doors are constantly opened and the paint wears off fast.
Stephanie, your hair is fabulous today!
I would love to see it shorter.
What never fails to stun me is the brilliant blue of her eyes ... especially outdoors!!! She is extraordinary in so many ways !
Stephanie looks so beautiful because the joy in her heart shines through her lovely smile.
I agree with everyone here that the kitchen looks brighter without the curtains, but if you must have something, consider a window valance box using the curtain fabric. That way you can get the best of both worlds.
I wouldn’t put the curtains back. Kitchens produce too much grease and dirt. Also please allow Marie to have a proper spice rack wherever she needs it. The cloth one is not practical. Love your videos!
I just realised that you haven't had any new volunteers for a while. I miss seeing people from all around the world in the château. Each one of them brings another story. After all that's how Stephanie met Philip and how Natie and Amoury fell in love.
Sabine, Andie, on her way to her new house, Wendy and Amaury's parents have all been around. Plus Nic and family for Easter. As the heating is still mostly wood stoves and propane bottles, volunteers may have not been around much this winter. 😂
Philip did it again with the lighting..he has an eye for style and color..I enjoyed all the blooms everywhere..beautiful garden..
The dining room looks vibrant with the green chairs and drapes as does Marie’s flowers and Philip’s table setting. LaLande has become my favorite chateau with the most beautiful people to visit with, even if it’s only by video🥰😘💕
One must have spices at the ready. I’m not sure it’s fair to ask Marie to walk across the room every time she wants to trade out a spice.
Such exciting times for you Stephanie. The Chapel is looking MAGNIFICENT and will be a tribute to you and all yuor patrons and followers and an alluring place of significant cultural interest to visit. Oh and also, as you mentioned, a great little wedding venue 💝💝🛐🛐
Love Lancelot s energy hello from Canberra Australia ❤😊
You could maybe use rechargeable lightbulbs for the chandelier that is not working? Ive used them in my sconces they have worked well for me! love the new lighting! :)
Stephanie looks particularly beautiful today.
Hello from Australia! The dining table looked like spring, beautiful ❤
Stephanie have you thought about mason jars with labels for all the spices you have multiples of? 😊❤️
Hola from Honduras! So lovely for everyone to enjoy supper in the beautiful dining room before the guest season begins!
the lamp shade 'match' is wonderful - such an enjoyment of the flower blossoms in nature...thank you for sharing
Those lights are pretty,,BUT I bet that room is still dark. Chandeliers? Not for me but a decent light in the centre of the room is required with those new lights to just lighten up the corners.
Well done everyone, everything looks great!
I agree, a summer wedding in the Chapel would be glorious ❤
The flowers on the trees by the pergola are so beautiful and delicate! 💮💮
Marie is hilarious 😂❤ you all are so lovely. Watching is always a joy🫶🏼
The lights look wonderful in their new homes. Garden furniture is just waiting for the guests. Blessings.
I'm saying it again....never ever question Philip's interior design visions.
WOW guest!! 😮 seems like you just finished up with the last season ❤❤❤❤❤
Hello from Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦 ❤
Everything is looking beautiful.Stephanie I'm so glad you started doing these vlogs because I had no idea what it takes to get the Chateau ready for guests.Hi from Wisconsin
I am loving all the changes and new additions. I know the guest will love it all. Now Stephanie you can use the spice thing for extra spices to save space. Let it go, bow down to the chef. ❤
Looks better without courtains!!
I would leave the kitchen windows bare! Beautiful. Clean. Open, and Bright! Marie needs a proper spice rack, single depth, perhaps on the back wall above the stove running the whole width. ❤
NO, they would be covered in grease right away.
Poor Amery - perfection has a high price. And he is priceless. ♥️ The lamps all look great though. 👍 Future label tip: Avery labels can be run through a printer - no need to hand-write, and you can pick an appropriate font. Unless hand-written is the look you’re going for. 🙂
You should find a pretty chandelier, that matches the gazebo, with little glasses for tealights, and hang over the table in the gazebo 😁 Also, speaking of chandeliers - you really should swap the ones in the dining- and musicrooms... And I still think the grandfather clock needs to return to a proper place in one of the main rooms 😂 You need some beautiful clocks! 😁😁😁
The Wisteria hanging against the wall is so pretty and Marie’s bouquets are gorgeous. Good eye Phillip on those lamp shades. My husband was an electrician and it was a challenge trying to do wiring in an old lamp or appliance.
Stephanie and Philip, it's so nice to see you all including Amaury, Nati, Marie and Lancelot enjoying each other, working together and at the end of the day sitting down to a gorgeous table, flowers and delectable food! Happy B&B Season!!!
I think the kitchen looks lovely and bright without the curtains. Maybe leave them off for Summer and then on in winter to help keep the heat in.
Phillip is so right this time of day when you take videos out there it seems almost unrealistic it’s so beautiful. Amery is a genius! He takes pride in his work and that doesn’t happen these days very often.
Amauray was so sweet to recognize the new gardener and highlight that he is such a good husband and father that he changed his profession to gardener from truck driver so he could be nearer his family ...that was so thoughtful!!!
@@kindlydude he is beyond thoughtful.
Well I normally do not read the comments, but for some reason today I did. Was disappointed in the negativity. It’s a bit of a stressful time for all getting ready for the season. I think you all are absolutely fabulous… and I so very much appreciate each and every one of you. I hope to visit you wonderful people myself. Love to all.
I know, some people are so rude and insulting in the comments, there's a way to get your critiques across without being nasty
I agree!! I was ready to cry myself hearing all the "you shoulds" and relentless criticism of practically everything by several people. Tomorrow is show-time! No one at Lalande needs the negativity!! Blessings for the best season ever! ❤
I know! I’m going to stop reading the comments! So many rude people saying they should do this or not do that! Get Amaury to build a new rack! I think he has enough to do! Paint the cupboard doors! Urgh drives me nuts!
For me it's the use of words like "hideous", "ugly", "disgusting", "filthy", etc etc. How would these people like it if strangers came into their homes and blurted out things like, "Gee, those lights are really ugly and old lady looking. You should get rid of them." or "Wow, you actually cook on that counter? It looks disgustingly stained and dirty" ... People need to stop and ask themselves if they would be ok if someone they didn't know, that they'd invited into their home, said the things to them that they're so eager to write here. I'd love to inspect their homes and see how they "measure up" 🙄
The spice pocket thing, you could use it in a bathroom to use for personal things, soaps, brushes, etc. if you don't use it in the kitchen. I'm with Marie. If it was plastic and see through and you could see what spice was where, it would be really good. I do prefer my spice on a spice rack or flat in a drawer. I really like the kitchen windows with out the curtains. It makes the kitchen seem bigger and a lot brighter.
With the amount of spices they have, you would have to have every drawer full of just spices. I think what they are doing is working.
Hi Stephanie, perhaps you could put up lace curtains in the kitchen. It will still look bright and yet have curtains. The gardens looks amazing.
All the new changes are making such a wonderful difference to the rooms. The lighting looks wonderful and the garden furniture as well! Such a busy time for you all but it's going to be amazing I'm sure. We are so excited to passing by very, very, very soon...a bientôt et bisous 🥰😍🤗😘💖
The garden looks so beautiful, such a little retreat
" place to get married " ? We've got to go dress shopping with you!! Double wedding !!! Stephanie & Philip and Amory & Natie!! So exciting! Love you guy's! ❤
I hope to come visit someday. It would be surreal actually because I feel like I know you all.
Make Roman blinds for the kitchen when you run out of fabric for curtains. They allow a lot of light to shine in....
Renovating the chapel is a COLOSSAL job... that demands a lot! I think that after it's ready, you should make a special just detailing each step of this incredible journey!
hello from atlanta GA USA
Always love the chateau diaries ❤❤
Loving the kitchen windows without curtains x
My third comment 😂 I’ve got lots to say after today’s vlog. I agree about the kitchen looking lighter ( and less cluttered) without the curtains. Given that you have to alter them anyway, have you considered turning them into blinds instead, or decorative swags and tails ( as you don’t use them)