Small space apart, Richard Liang knew his Vancouver condominium was exactly where he wished to live. Even though the 650-square-foot living space was a little intimidating, he was able to match all his furniture by creating a drawing of the room to scale and experimenting with countless furniture structures before going in. “The biggest design challenge for me personally was accommodating the limited quantity of space without sacrificing aesthetics or usefulness,” says Liang, a mechanical engineer. The result is a comfortable and masculine bachelor pad, with accessories that show Liang’s life pursuits along with a gorgeous city view.
at a Glance
Who lives here: Richard Liang
Location: Mount Pleasant area of Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Size: 650 square feet; 1 bedroom
That is intriguing: Liang is a gifted guitarist and has played live acts across the South of France.
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Music has a significant effect in Liang’s interior design and artwork — you will find tributes to his fire in every area. The piece above the dining table is among the earliest forms of composed music on sheepskin. “I’ve been told it’s a dirty hymn, however I can’t read Latin, so that I may never know,” Liang says.
What seems like a framed polka dot print in the space was produced by Liang’s buddy Natalia Grosner. The smart illustration depicts their buddies are connected.
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Liang commissioned artist David Ko to make this oil and acrylic canvas for the living room. In addition to paintings, Ko also does T-shirt illustrations, album artwork, package design and skateboard graphics.
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The dining area light merges a conventional shade and a wire cage into an industrial-inspired but elegant pendant. Paired with a classic table, it gives the room a postmodern feel. “I’ve always been fascinated with depictions of the future that are unmistakably in yesteryear,” Liang says.
Pendant lamp: Bluff City, Jonah Takagi for Roll & Hill
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The inside color schemes were made by Portico Design Group. Liang opted for a contemporary look with polished Caesarstone slab countertops, sleek stainless steel appliances and walnut cabinets.
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The ice cream silkscreen by Natalia Grosner is a welcome addition to the kitchen. The design was motivated by rap legends about food.
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This antique table features a crank system that makes it ideal for entertaining. When flipped, the fold enables the table to be raised to pub height or reduced for dining. Visible rivets adorn the iron trim, adding to the industrial styling of this dining area.
Dining table: Antiques Direct Worldwide
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The framed Joan Miró lithographs propped atop this rustic bookshelf have been a present from Liang’s mother. The classic bits are Liang’s treasured artwork in the house. “I’m a spontaneous shopper and buy on instinct. When I like something, I usually know right away and take care of it. The decorating comes afterwards,” he says.
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The south-facing living area boasts expansive views of the city. The living room’s guitar installation is a smart combination of storage and artwork.
Sofa: Niels Bendtsen for Bensen; rug: from Hong Kong
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Liang was 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 frequently associated with gypsy jazz. The guitar has deep sentimental value.
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When the canvas color on this floor lamp is illuminated, the patchwork, stitching and texture shine through. Together with the classic leather seat, these particulars include a tailored, masculine edge to the room.
Floor lamp: Diesel’s Successful Living collaboration with Foscarini
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Low-maintenance succulent varieties from neighborhood shop Balconi Floral Design Studio sit on top of a living room console.
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Liang’s bedroom is a work in progress — he is currently on the lookout for a new bed frame. A painted portrait by Ben Tour hangs over the headboard, and a ceiling lighting made by Ramón Benedito to get Vibia illuminates the space.
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Liang’s home office desk has a excellent cord management system: Walnut wood panels front and back make it simple to keep wires and cords from view. A discreet multifunctional front drawer allows the computer keyboard to be stowed away to get a minimum look. The side of this desk is at a satin aluminum finish. Liang hopes to find a fashionable new office chair to increase the space.
Framed artwork: Bahaus Museum; painting: secondhand; desk: Inspiration Furniture; ceiling lighting: Egoluce
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Liang put outdoor furniture and a barbecue on the balcony to include livable square footage. With fantastic views of the town, this is a choice place to hang out with buddies night or day.
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It is hard to beat the view from Liang’s balcony. When he hosts larger events at his condominium there is rooftop access, complete with a barbecue and a fireplace. The scenic views are worth a trip up to the very best. Liang says, “I believe the place has changed radically in the past couple of years, and I find it exciting. Although Vancouver is not that large a town, I still feel I can get lost”
telephone: have you got an eclectic, imaginative residence? We’d really like to see it.