03/28/14 ~ Luxury Ideas

The Nam Dger Apartment is a contemporary home embedded with industrial elements of décor. Inspiring sobriety and elegance, this particularly beautiful home located in Nam Tower, in the very heart of Tel Aviv, is the work of Gerstner Architects, an Israel-based studio involved in luxury interior design projects. The interior showcases an interesting (and sculptural) swirl-like staircase, made of solid iron. The intriguing item becomes the core of the living room, standing out and making an impression on whoever ends up seeing it, due to its unpolished and industrial look. It also allows vertical circulation throughout the apartment. At a closer look, the staircase defined the neat design adding a touch of contemporary urban wilderness.

When it comes to colours, the designers sticked with neutrals. Nuances of beige, grey, black and white embellish the interior and give personality to it. The apartment is quite compact, so, in order to save some space, the doors have been removed. There are floor-to-ceiling windows that allow the sun to flood the interior with light and warmth. The living space seems more spacious and uncluttered. Somehow, this reminds us of the precious and coquette Scandinavian attic apartments.

A rare Stradivari viola set to be auctioned this spring by Sotheby’s is expected to fetch at least $45 million – making it the most expensive musical instrument ever sold.

The MacDonald Viola (which is slightly larger than a violin) was crafted by Italian artisan Antonio Stradivari (maker of the famed violins) in 1719. Only 10 of the violas are known to still exist today. In contrast, over 600 Stradivari violins still exist). The sale will mark the first time one of the famed violas has been put on the market in 50 years.

The Macdonald is widely considered the finest viola in the world. It is made of alpine spruce with a back crafted from a single piece of maple. The instrument is reportedly in perfect condition. It is called the Macdonald because it was purchased by Godfrey Bosville, the 3rd Baron Macdonald, in the 1800s.

The auction of the rare instrument will require a minimum bid of $45 million. All bids will be sealed, and the highest bidder announced on June 25.

Stradivari was born in Italy in 1644. Over his 70 year career he fashioned the finest violins and violas the world has ever seen (and heard).