My Houzz: A Vancouver Condo Hits a Modern Note
Masculine accents, musical instruments and curated artwork infuse a Canadian bachelor pad with off-the-charts character
Heather Merenda
June 13, 2012
Small space aside, Richard Liang knew his Vancouver condo was exactly where he wanted to live. Although the 650-square-foot living space was a little intimidating, he was able to fit all of his furniture in by developing a drawing of the space to scale and experimenting with countless furniture arrangements before moving in. "The biggest design challenge for me was accommodating the limited amount of space without sacrificing aesthetics or utility," says Liang, a mechanical engineer. The result is a comfortable and masculine bachelor pad, with accessories that show Liang's life passions and a stunning city view.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Richard Liang
Location: Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Size: 650 square feet; 1 bedroom
That's interesting: Liang is a talented guitarist and has played with live acts across the South of France.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Richard Liang
Location: Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Size: 650 square feet; 1 bedroom
That's interesting: Liang is a talented guitarist and has played with live acts across the South of France.
Music has a big influence in Liang's interior design and artwork — there are tributes to his passion in every room. The piece above the dining table is one of the earliest forms of written music on sheepskin. "I have been told it is a dirty hymn, but I can't read Latin, so I may never know," Liang says.
What looks to be a framed polka dot print from a distance was created by Liang's friend Natalia Grosner. The clever illustration depicts how their friends are connected.
What looks to be a framed polka dot print from a distance was created by Liang's friend Natalia Grosner. The clever illustration depicts how their friends are connected.
Liang commissioned artist David Ko to create this oil and acrylic canvas for the living room. Along with paintings, Ko also does T-shirt illustrations, album artwork, package design and skateboard graphics.
The dining room light merges a traditional shade and a wire cage into an industrial-inspired but refined pendant. Paired with an antique table, it gives the room a postmodern feel. "I have always been fascinated by depictions of the future that are unmistakably from the past," Liang says.
Pendant lamp: Bluff City, Jonah Takagi for Roll & Hill
Pendant lamp: Bluff City, Jonah Takagi for Roll & Hill
The interior color schemes were created by Portico Design Group. Liang opted for a contemporary look with polished Caesarstone slab countertops, sleek stainless steel appliances and walnut cabinets.
The ice cream silkscreen by Natalia Grosner is a welcome addition to the kitchen. The design was inspired by rap lyrics about food.
This antique table features a crank system that makes it perfect for entertaining. When turned, the crank allows the table to be raised to bar height or lowered for dining. Visible rivets adorn the iron trim, adding to the industrial styling of the dining area.
Dining table: Antiques Direct Worldwide
Dining table: Antiques Direct Worldwide
The framed Joan Miró lithographs propped atop this rustic bookshelf were a gift from Liang's mother. The classic pieces are Liang's favorite artwork in the house. "I am an impulsive shopper and purchase on instinct. If I like something, I usually know right away and go after it. The decorating comes after," he says.
The south-facing living area boasts expansive views of the city. The living room's guitar installation is a clever combination of storage and art.
Sofa: Niels Bendtsen for Bensen; rug: from Hong Kong
Sofa: Niels Bendtsen for Bensen; rug: from Hong Kong
Liang has been playing music since he was 6 or 7. The acoustic guitar on the wall with the D-shape sound hole is a style of guitar often associated with gypsy jazz. The handmade guitar has deep sentimental value to him.
When the canvas shade on this floor lamp is illuminated, the patchwork, texture and stitching shine through. Along with the vintage leather chair, these details add a tailored, masculine edge to the room.
Floor lamp: Diesel's Successful Living collaboration with Foscarini
Floor lamp: Diesel's Successful Living collaboration with Foscarini
Low-maintenance succulent varieties from local shop Balconi Floral Design Studio sit on top of a living room console.
Liang's home office desk has a great cord management system: Walnut wood panels magnetized front and back make it easy to keep wires and cords out of view. A discreet multifunctional front drawer allows the keyboard to be stowed away for a minimal look. The side of the desk is in a satin aluminum finish. Liang hopes to find a stylish new office chair to add to the space.
Framed artwork: Bahaus Museum; painting: secondhand; desk: Inspiration Furniture; ceiling light: Egoluce
Framed artwork: Bahaus Museum; painting: secondhand; desk: Inspiration Furniture; ceiling light: Egoluce
Liang placed outdoor furniture and a barbecue on the balcony to add livable square footage. With great views of the city, this is a prime place to hang out with friends day or night.
It's hard to beat the view from Liang's balcony. When he hosts larger events at his condo there is rooftop access, complete with a barbecue and a fireplace. The panoramic views are worth a trip up to the top. Liang says, "I feel the area has changed dramatically in the past few years, and I find that exciting. Although Vancouver is not that large a city, I still feel I can get lost here."
Houzz call: Do you have an eclectic, creative home? We'd love to see it.
Houzz call: Do you have an eclectic, creative home? We'd love to see it.
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I had a north facing condo older than yours but a similar issue. The few windows faced north and the kitchen was relegated to a dark corner (as was the dining area and a small hallway). .I lived in Vancouver BC at the time so I had the same issues as you! I found that good lighting really made a difference. And placement of the lighting; also I went for light neutrals on the accent pieces (pillows, throws, carpets) and since I had black furniture I REALLY had the improvise ..My newest condo--in Victoria BC NOW has south facing windows and walls of them so NOW the issue is sun in the summertime! I guess there is no perfect solution and even the "best" orientation has challenges!