In this week’s episode, Patrick and Stuart talk about their plans and design choices for the renovation of the Château de Colombe cuisine. They share their decisions for the kitchen layout, floor tiles, wall tiles, cabinetry, and appliances.
Join Patrick and Stuart on their journey to find a neglected, forgotten, or crumbling château or castle in France, and then continue to follow them as they work on its restoration, rénovation, decoration, and furnishing. Along the way, they will also create and share videos on their preparation for having gîtes for guests, and an event venue in their chateau (wedding, birthday, anniversary, organization or club meetings, retreats, etc.).
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Address:
Château de Colombe
22 Lieu-dit Colombe
Saint-Baudel 18160
France
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47 Comments
Loving your plans for the kitchen and I totally agree with you wanting lots of storage! Its the most important thing in a home. I also prefer cabinets instead of open shelves. Look forward to seeing your progress. 🤗
You both speak French so well. I can’t wait to see what you’ve chosen in terms of paint colour and design. ❤️Term 2 started of power engineering @ 55 yrs young I got this. Btw guys I can drive anything from a school bus to a motorcycle 🇨🇦🥂one of my many talents. 🤪🥰
Love your kitchen design and especially love your gorgeous flooring choice. Absolutely don't worry about your kitchen being dark. New lighting will make it as light as you want it to be. I might suggest that you think about a beverage fridge underneath your coffee station otherwise your houseguests will be looking for the milk/cream etc. You can always use a panel to make it blend with your cupboards. Your counter might serve as an intimate wine station as well and your beverage fridge could accommodate that use as well.
I would so love to sit in that new kitchen with you both. Your humor and the way you finish each other’s sentences would entertain me for hours. Good luck .
It will be wonderful!
that sounds rather interesting – wishing you good success in 2023!!👍🍱🍳🍔🥞🥨🥗🧈🧂🍲good appetite🥂🍾
The kitchen layout looks wonderful adding light, warmth and function. The floor and wall tiles are in keeping with the chateau and the imperfections make it appear more authentic. I couldn’t tell but the stove looks like La Cornue, which is exquisite. I look forward to hearing about how you will be handling the untiled walls in the kitchen. Take care my friends, Ralph Rocchiccioli
It’s all going to look so beautiful. Love the tile floor you picked. You guys are to funny when talking together.
I love it can't wait to see it ❤
I personally think the areas like kitchens and bathrooms should reflect the present owner's ideas of style, comfort, practicality and beauty. I loved your kitchen design so far. We have the same tiles in light cream colour in two different finishes. Satin sheen and matt and I absolutely love the effect they produce as different light reflection adds to the handmade quality of these tiles. It is a personal preference and other people might disagree. I also love shaker style cabinets. They do look like old chateau panelling don't they? The stove you have ordered is a dream for any kitchen. I only hope that it will not compete with the wood burner being in one space. This is the only "not quite sure" moment, perhaps it upsets my love of balance kind of thing. Otherwise well done guys! Can not wait to see it done. ❤👍
Sounds Good. In Our Kitchen we Have lots Of Units and Pan drawers💕
Exiting! I designed and built a small open plan kitchen/livingroom in the 90s with Moroccan hand made tiles in terracotta with a light grey glaze all the way to the ceiling on two walls, and the other walls painted in a matching matte grey color, it was Gorgeous!!! If you're working with this form of tile there are very important things to know from the get go: First, order alot more than you'll need! Even with decent crating these tiles are more fragile than others and you'll loose quite a few (breakage) and some will be less attractive than others, so really give yourself some extra square meters of wiggle room. Any excess can be used for beautiful garden tables, or a fountain, a garden feature. Secondly, you definately can NOT tile with these like you normally do, ie using x-spacers and supports, rope, using a level etc, impossible, and ugly. Using Moroccan tile you must tile like they do in Morocco. That means minimizing the grout berween tiles as much as possible (only milimeters) no rope, and accepting there won't be a straight, plumb grid in the end. This is in fact also what makes the result so stunning in the end, even using white monochrome it still becomes much like an organic ancient mosaic only in slightly larger scale. DO NOT worry about lines being uneven, not straight, that it will look weird, I assure you it wont, the whole look depends on this! Thirdly your tiles are more likely than not going to be of quite dramatically different thickness, which is unique to these types of tile, also the glaze will vary alot, and sometimes the outer dimensions even.
So start by dividing them in piles according to glazing, and thickness, at least 4 piles. The base grouting is important, and add the tiles one by one horizontally and with minimum separation, and fit from the piles like laying a puzzle thinking about the variations of glaze reasonably spread out. Don't grout more wall than you tile in a day, work organically area for area, rather than systematically (in layers) Once that has all dried treating the tiles before grouting the spaces between them, will help so the excess grout is easily removed and the glaze sheen intact. There are several traditional Moroccan methods for this, worth looking at, not expensive, just a different step/method than normal.
Ever since I left that home and kitchen I've wanted to make another bigger kitchen using these, they are just SO beautiful, timeless, artful yet monochrome, and reflect light in a hundred different directions like the surface of water.
I used to have a pottery studio, so this choice makes me very happy!
I have two suggestions after listening. One is to use some part of your counter space to house your most often used electrical appliances and consider housing them behind a roll top inside a cabinet if they are many or not too pleasing to look at. Taking them out of cabinets and plugging in every time is a pain in the butt. An alternative would be to do what a friend of mine did who uses lots of gadgets: he tiled a used industrial trolley/wheel mounted tiered storage cart, added a row of electrical sockets and stored them in the unit under the counter. When he needs to use a machine he pulls it out and places it on the top. Easy, practical and you dont need to sacrifice other storage or carry things and mess around.
Thirdly: consider all the rooms lighting needs before getting started. The worklight on counters, the overhead lights for general lighting, any in cabinet lights, and your ambient lights and dining lights. Have all that electrical done before everything is fitted and splurge on dimmers compatible with LEDs (!) with settings you can adjust once in a while but also allows you to just press and not adjust ( allowing a preset). It will save you alot of trouble, and ugly afterthought wiring. Consider using sockets with flap covers, or embedding sockets in counter tops with flap lids to minimize visible wires for things plugged in, and dirt/grease collecting over time. Small details that are so worth and difficult to add sucessfully later. Lastly in light of your future plans I would advise planning for a dish and potwashing station in one of your adjacent secondary kitchens with sink. Restaurant style, with deep stainless steel sink and flex arm with shower attachement. If planning big events, B&B, this will be extremely handy for all high intensity periods. Even better if that space has a floor drain and space for a regular restarant kitchen dishwasher (that closes from overhead). Those can be found cheaply at second hand outlets from professional kitchens thatnhave been dismantled and sold for parts. Total game changer if often working larger events over longer than a single meal, like weekends, weddings, etc. That can come later but its good to have included in your overall scheme.
I think your plans look great! You're absolutely right about the soul and style of a Chateau kitchen being one of practicality not opulence . It's also a place where people gather and are active together so you don't want fussy or fragile materials, it's the creativity and company at hand that's the focal point, and everyone is comfortable in the kitchen bc it's the most informal environment!
You're in for a real ride here, and it's a bitch to get through, but as long as you have an alternative space for cooking in the meantime (and don't quarrel too much about it) it will be so worth while and one of the biggest achievements you'll enjoy every single day for the rest of your lives. Worth remembering this 😉 Godspeed boys! Whoot! ❤️
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Sounds like you all had a Fabulous meal that Jane cooked for you all . The menu sounded so delicious just my taste .
love all your ideas! I have had large 4 door (oven) Aga's with side ovens in two similar fireplaces in houses and they were just wonderful. Watching all developments with interest as I have to start on a new kitchen here in the Ariege… oh the space..😅
Hi Stuart and Patrick, love the new kitchen plans. The new floor will be gorgeous. In the UK the wood burner needs to be elevated from the floor on a hearth. Doesn’t this apply in France? Patrick, I’m jealous of your glorious hair, so pleased you keep it long (sadly my hair is thinning at 71 yrs old) not a good look for a lady!! Love to you both x
Love the floor tile. However, a bit concerned how difficult it will become to keep absolutely clean with the natural pitting. (Personally, I’m a clean freak, especially in the kitchen.) BEAUTIFUL CHOICES, great style!
Lovely as always. ❤ I’m really looking forward to the kitchen renovations. Like you, Stewart, I love all of it. Gearing up for my own kitchen renovations this summer, so I’m particularly interested in your choices.
I would love to see the inside of your scullery. We’ve always know when it’s there, but I don’t remember you ever showing us. I’m also curious about what the kitchen ceiling looks like.
Patrick, you were so butch with your tiny little jackhammer. And I totally got your “layer” joke, even if nobody else did. Can’t wait to see you manhandle that harth with a full size monster. 😉
Big hugs to you both. ❤❤
Hi Patrick, I have a question regarding your hood/extractor. How will you go about this? On the left you will have your log burner with the pipe going up the chimney. How will you install the extractor fan? Sounds like a challenging project….I trust your taste and guess that the wall tiles will not look as bright as they did on the pic. Regards Johanna
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This will be fun. Do you think it will take you 8 months like Anna and Phillip on the other channel ?
The plans you have made look lovely. Its exciting to get going, but first the clear out then the mess and then the putting back together. It will look great its just the getting there that can drive you mad. Good luck
At first I was upset about it looking too modern. But the floor tiles and the wall tiles will do the trick. The wall tiles will look somewhat old in style but beautiful in the shine. I like everything you have planned and can't wait to see it. Was just wondering about the lighting. Guess you will need bright for work, and then something darker for eating. Which can be a dimmer, or another set of lights or light over the table. Will be glued to the next blogs.
I am so excited to see this new kitchen can hardly wait love to you both from beautiful West Virginia
Was there any discussion about /using/making the exterior door a glass door?
Oh that kitchen is going to be stunning. The tiles that you guys are going to use are just so gorgeous. Being handcrafted gives the tiles that labour of love vibe and a nod to colombes history considering the staircase and all its wonky-ness 🤣🥰 its such a gem, it reminds me of the staircase to no-where in the Winchester House in America 🤣🤣🤣 I can't wait to see that kitchen transform. Its so exciting!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
There is just sooo much to look forward too with you both and colombe!!! 🥰🥰😘😘❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Big plans! Can't wait to see them coming to furition, meine Lieben. I am eagerly awaiting when I can book myself into your B&B. 😘
I have one suggestion … before you close cut-out please make it a time capsule… so in another 100 – 200 years there maybe a discovery 🤔 … then get subscribers pick things to go in .. within reason … then narrow the list down … box it in and scribe on wood year 2023 you will discover 😁😁😄💌 absolutely love the plan for the kitchen … love to you both and dogs 🐕 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🛠🔨🪚🍽
The new kitchen plans are awesome, I will be here watching the progress 😅. 🇨🇦
I’m so excited you would think it’s my kitchen! ❤
Big respect for doing almost all by yourself. May I ask, what is the room under the stairs? And what does it mean sculary (I dont know if I am wrtiting it right, I am not native speaker). What do you use it for? Are you planning on having a small fridge in the kitchen? Sometimes its very practical to have it there and not to carry all back and forth.
Your plans sound awesome and I love that you respect the age and not make some ultra modern kitchen.
Thank you so much for sharing the plans and explanations. It's going to be beautiful. Wondering if the cut out could be used to slide in a secret safe, hidden and accessed through one of the back panels of the cabinet. Could you have heating units that are available for under the base cabinets, thus eliminating the heating stove and stove pipe. It would allow way for heat to be distributed unobtrusively around the room. Another option would be under-floor heating beneath those beautiful new tiles. That would leave room for more cabinets beside the cook stove and restore balance. It would also eliminate the need to hang cooking utensils at the back of the stove where reaching for them over open flames may be a safety issue and where they would need continual de-greasing. They could be hung to each side of the cook stove above cabinets, and the stainless-steel square could be eliminated allowing for more unified look of the beautiful tiles.
I love your design ideas for the kitchen! I know it was probably a very hard decision to close off the stairs, but it will be fantastic for your design and functionality!! We are making our plans too for the kitchen and I'd love to know where you are getting the wall tile. I was going to go with subway for its timelessness (is that a word?!?) but yours is soooo beautiful. We've only been in the house for 2.5 months, but the kitchen is a TOP priority. We're going with a local stone for the floors down here in the Gers that is similar to yours but with some rust-colored veining. First project though is to get the back kitchen (original kitchen) ready to become the kitchen while we renovate. I can't wait to see your progress. You both are so very talented, and I know it will be beautiful. And don't worry too much about dismantling what you've done to live in the house; we're doing the same thing (much to my husband's dismay LOL) because you have to live, right?!? You need to cook, and I was so inspired when I saw that you decorated for the holidays and had friends over. Making a move from the US to France and leaving all your family and friends behind is hard, especially around the holidays! Sending LOVE and can't wait to see the kitchen reno proceed!!
Hello Journeymen! You two are the best-matched pair of husbands, ever. It is so refreshing to hear a couple whose tastes mesh so well discussing their design decisions. I very impressed with the work you've shown us on your homes in the US, and I'm sending you virtual gallons of energy to keep you going on these projects. ***Please***promise that you will wear eye protection when jack-hammering away at old stone. You don't want to miss the opportunity to have future cataract surgery on BOTH eyes, now do you? 😉 Btw, that surgery is a breeze! 😘🥰 Hugs and Kisses from Tina and Penny Boston 🐕
Love your kitchen plans and as always really enjoy your great senses of humor. Hats off to you for even thinking of starting these projects so soon after you made the “life altering” decision to movie hearth and home to a new country. As I have said many times before, I’m continuing to watch from PA, USA.
Your new kitchen is going to be just fantastic
love that you're keeping it rustic and not to making it too "current". I love an unfitted kitchen and while I understand how modern cabinetry really suits our lives today, I'm trying to figure out how to "conceal" all the handy internal hardware – pull outs etc. (I'm working on kitchen remodeling plans too). I think I'm going to fit those into old cabinets/furniture. You fellas got a Lacanche? Woohoo! Good for you! I just bought a 48" Forte' and love having 8 full burners. With all the entertaining it will suite you well. Great investment and hoping you'll do a whole vid on it when you get it. They are gorgeous!
Two years ago when we gutted a bath (we live in 120 year old house) I wanted Zellige tiles. The price point wasn't in the budget but I loved the look. I ended up finding at good old Home Depot tiles named Amagansett. They're ceramic with that hand made texture and are a soft eggshell color. They were the right choice for me. I added big clawfoot tub with an insert in the wall behind it ,hardwood floors, sconces, etc., and they gave the bathroom the aged look I was going for plus they were budget friendly. (And have that Zellige look!) I've seen them used in kitchens and am thinking of using them in mine. We'll see. So after being that long winded… I'm thinking that's the texture you're looking for which I think is perfect for your kitchen. You're right – the tiles you're thinking of will add the age and not scream "new tiles". One thing before I forget – if I may give an unsolicited opinion, that indent in the wall that you plan to cover with a backsplash. One thing that I always find that lends charm and age to a room are nooks. Since it's practical to cover it, perhaps think of adding some nooks around the range.. along the side walls. Even other wall space if you can do it. thank you as always for sharing. it's great to live vicariously and you two are just too fun!!
Good plan for the kitchen lots of work and very interesting to see your project both of you good luck for this year hope you choose well the colors for all nice fire I am happy to follow you again this year bye
Hi guys, I love your plans for the kitchen, how exciting and so much storage, great plan, it’s going to look quite stunning, it’s certainly not practical at the moment not with one and a half draws 😂 My word when they made that fireplace they made it to last, the thing is Stuart and Patrick that although you both want to keep the Chateau as original as you can, you also have to make it yours, with your input and ideas as the new Chatelains, I love the way your new floor will look, it’s going to be stunning, I’m so excited to see it and those tiles, wow, what a great adventure I love Chateau Colombe and I love you both xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love your new kitchen plan. The flooring looks perfect and so suitable, the stove is awesome love the brass, the cabinets, the wall tiles, you have great taste. I agree you need a functional kitchen if you’re cooking a lot and storage is everything. We have a 3 year old kitchen so I understand the planning involved. So excited for you two. ❤️👏👏
Love the new intro with your Chateau! I can't wait for your kitchen renovations to get going! The plans look fantastic.
Could you rent the big tools, we can in Denmark? LOVE the wall tiles to come, great way to get light and unity 🙂
I am so glad you are going with a practical space. One thing to think about is how long you will be standing on the floor at one time. Maybe having a rubber mat in front of the places you will spend most of the time standing.. if you can find ones that look like the floor they wouldn’t seem out of place. I am looking forward to seeing the end product,I am sure you will do a great job.
Can't wait. It will be gorgeous.
Love your cabinet and tile choices. If the tiles are porous I would recommend sealing them otherwise cleaning them will be hell. Can’t wait to see your journey with the kitchen renovation. I’m sure it will be spectacular. Thanks for sharing 😍😘
Can’t wait to see your vision come to life. It looks like it will be amazing. My favorite I think is going to be the flooring. I love the natural look of stone flooring and that it a soft beautiful color will definitely help brighten up the kitchen. I also love what you are doing with the beautiful fireplace. It is going to be like having an art piece in your kitchen.
Just a suggestion consider no texture on the walls as they collect dust and even worse grease no matter how much you try and also because you have a wood burner in the kitchen its impossible to keep all the beautiful walls and cabinets clean and as you said cleaning unnecessarily is not something you relish so why not keep walls smooth for easy washing and easier to repaint as well for a quick fresh up in a few years. Also if you want the walls to look in keeping with 150 yr old Chateau use a hand applied plaster finish which is smooth but not perfectly flat there are very small undulations feels smooth but a level would reveal that it isn’t perfect kinda like the lovely tiles you are using perfect example. By the way that is the perfect tile for all your back splash and i love the floor tile choice too. You are both doing a wonderful job with your choices so far for your new kitchen love love all choices so except the walls but that is my experience in a project my husband and i built. Good luck thanks for keeping everyone in the loop its so much fun to hear your plans coming together. Until next week have a wonderful time bye for now from this Canadian in Mesa Az USA. Give all your fur babies a hug for me. ❤❤❤😊🇨🇦🍷🍷🥰