Reprinted from Go Design Go Magazine, October 30, 2014
In this rapid fire Q&A series, Go Design Go is quizzing design leaders on everything from their idea of happiness to their greatest achievement in design. In this interview, Doris Leslie Blau CEO Nader Bolour shares some interesting facts, including what historical design period he would most like to visit and his favorite furniture designer:
Your chief characteristic? Workaholic
Your favorite design motto? Recreate the past
What makes a house a home? Love
What is your most treasured possession? My soul
If not yourself, who would you be? Sean Connery
Your design hero? Waldo
Your favorite author/poet? Roald Dahl
Your favorite season? All
Your favorite furniture piece/designer? Paul Evans
A natural talent you’d like to be gifted with? Patience
What is your present design state of mind? Simplicity
Your favorite virtue? Positiveness
Your idea of happiness? Satisfied with my blessings
What was your favorite journey/trip? Jerusalem
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be? Humility
What do you consider your greatest achievement in design? Presenting 60 top interior designers’ rugs
What one goal do you hope to accomplish this year? Better leadership
How is design evolving? There is more passion as there are more jobs in the industry
What decorative item would you save first if your house caught fire? Anything from the bar
What historical design period would most like to visit? Directoire
A traditionalist in the buying and selling of luxury carpets and rugs, Nader Bolour, owner of the Doris Leslie Blau Gallery, is a true expert in his field, traveling the world and connecting with rare rug and carpet dealers, allowing him to buy some of the most exemplary and unique pieces across the globe. By continuing to maintain new inventory and ideas, Bolour is able to provide his customers with exceptional pieces to fulfill their needs.
Bolour’s passion for antique carpets began early on, growing up in the family business. Founded in the 1920′s in Iran, Bolour & Sons was considered one of the world’s most distinguished dealers, and a gathering place for Iran’s most prominent. In 1978, Bolour’s family established Y&B Bolour in London, where at 20 years old, he met Doris Leslie Blau, America’s doyenne of antique Oriental rugs and carpets who opened her namesake gallery in 1965.
Branching out on his own in 1994 in New York City, Bolour opened the U.S. location of Y&B Bolour. Reconnecting with Ms. Blau, a friendship turned into a partnership in 1997 when he acquired the famed Doris Leslie Blau Gallery.
To take a look at the rugs offered at Doris Leslie Blau, stop by the DDB, Suite 625.