At Home with Justin Tse
Victoria, BC
Whether your dream home is a sprawling estate or a high-end condo in the heart of a vibrant city, a well-designed outdoor cooking and entertaining space is an essential element.
Justin Tse, lifestyle, tech and home design content creator, wanted to create an outdoor sanctuary amidst the bustling city life of Victoria, British Columbia. This project was part of a complete highrise makeover, and the design team at Urban Bonfire and dealer partner Thomas and Birch were enlisted to create a modern outdoor kitchen to serve as the focal point of a completely transformed terrace oasis.
The team at local dealer partner Thomas and Birch explains, “one of the challenges was balancing aesthetics with functionality while ensuring durability in an outdoor setting. To overcome this, careful consideration was given to material selection and layout planning."
Urban Bonfire’s expertise and collaborative design process allowed for a fully customized outdoor kitchen solution. The modular cabinetry ensured a perfect fit within the designated space while providing ample storage space for linens, cooking tools, and other outdoor essentials. The spacious kitchen, installed by Thomas and Birch, even holds large furniture covers and conveniently hides a hose for cleaning and maintenance. “Having as much storage as possible was a very high priority,” explains Justin.
A large spectrum of finishes and hardware options made it possible for the outdoor kitchen to complement the overall design scheme of the condo. Justin selected Urban Bonfire’s sleek Anthracite finish. “I didn’t want to draw attention away from the other elements of the space, including the wood accents, grass and hedges,” he explains. “It turned out amazing, and the outdoor kitchen elevates the entire space.”
Justin adds, “Victoria is one of the most rugged climates in the country. It rains often and I’m near the water. Generally speaking, products that are outdoors will show wear in this kind of climate.” The quality craftsmanship and durability of Urban Bonfire’s marine-grade aluminum cabinets made them the ideal choice for this climate where harsh weather is expected.
A wide array of appliances can integrate seamlessly into Urban Bonfire cabinetry thanks to custom trim kits, which means homeowners don’t need to compromise on compatibility when designing their outdoor kitchen. In Justin’s project, an outdoor refrigerator and a DCS grill complete the kitchen run.
“The whole process, [from design to installation] was really easy and it's definitely what made [Urban Bonfire] a joy to work with.” - Justin Tse, Homeowner
The renewed terrace design also features several seating and entertaining areas, including a putting green, a large waterfall, a Dekko firepit, and scenic views of Victoria. Artificial hedges create a lush atmosphere while requiring minimal maintenance. Learn more about the project and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the entire condo remodel on Justin Tse's YouTube channel.
Featured in this project
Anthracite finish
Black Bronze Bauhaus Handles
DCS grill
Project Coordination & Installation: Thomas & Birch
Additional project partners
Turf by Turf Team Vancouver
Pots and greenery by Atlas Pots Vancouver
Fire pit by Dekko Concrete
Outdoor furniture by Rove Concepts
Countertop installation by FloForm
Photography by Jonathan Folk
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