Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,000,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
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
Houzz contributing writer and photographer, lighting consultant and design fiend
Houzz contributing writer and photographer, lighting consultant and design... More »
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.
|
by Heather Merenda
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| 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. |
|
by Heather Merenda
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| 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. |
by Heather Merenda
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
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
by Heather Merenda
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
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.
|
by Heather Merenda
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| The ice cream silkscreen by Natalia Grosner is a welcome addition to the kitchen. The design was inspired by rap lyrics about food. |
|
by Heather Merenda
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| 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 |
by Heather Merenda
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
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.
by Heather Merenda
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
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
by Heather Merenda
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
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.
by Heather Merenda
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
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
by Heather Merenda
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Low-maintenance succulent varieties from local shop Balconi Floral Design Studio sit on top of a living room console.
by Heather Merenda
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
by Heather Merenda
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
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
by Heather Merenda
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
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.
|
by Heather Merenda
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| 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. |
Comments
olldbobbi Very interesting, Heather! I'd love to see/know more about the polka-dot print and how it depicts the friends connection.
11 months ago · Like
SPACIFY INC, It's gratifying to see photos of a really small, modest living space with wonderful finds treated with importance. So true:
11 months ago · Like
· 
1
1
Heather Merenda @Bobbi P you can click on the artist, Natalia Grosner's, link to see more images of the polka-dot print. or just go here: http://www.nataliagrosner.com/The-Family-Tree
11 months ago · Like
· 1
1
Laurel Ennis Meh.
11 months ago · Like
· 1
1
Ahearn Cabinetry Designs, LLC very nice, but - typical of Americans to have over-sized fridge (36") and farm sink, when he could have downsized those appliances and given himself more storage and/or counter space. also, don't know if he has an 18" dishwasher but it should be, as opposed to the too-large-for studio 24" standard size. take a cue from NYC apartment dwellers, those of you in studios, and downsize your appliances (yes, the sink is considered an appliance of sorts)!
8 months ago · Like
olldbobbi As an American, I think his kitchen is perfect. He was fortunate enough to be able to choose his appliances and cabinetry and I think he did a spot on job. He probably feels his storage and countertop needs have been met.
8 months ago · Like
· 2
2
kat63 About the comment regarding his kitchen being typical of Americans and not NYC, (LOL) I would think you would have taken a closer look. Look again at his location and his name and you may come to the conclusion that his kitchen meets his needs very well. Judging by his name he is likely Asian, most of the food he consumes is likely fresh and needs the larger fridge, and the sink is a very workable size for washing veggies and such without being too small. As for the dishwasher, he is male and likes to entertain, probably doesn't like to do dishes, and certainly doesn't want them stacking up on his counter space during an evening of friends. Also, about the larger fridge, one is better with a larger fridge as it can be tough to have a fridge that isn't large enough, and it doesn't have to take space from other storage. I store unopened canned goods in the fridge such as salmon and tuna, and various other stuff that isn't damaged by the cold, but when I am cooking a large dinner for friends, I can again "double duty" that space and use it not only for the food prep and storage but also for the bar goods.
8 months ago · Like
· 1
1
Ideabook published on June 13, 2012.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
basements · bedrooms · dining rooms · entries · family rooms · garage and sheds · halls · home offices · landscapes · laundry rooms · powder rooms · wine cellars and more.
