The owner of New York-based atelier Doris Leslie Blau talks about some of the most complicated and notable pieces he’s procured
Carpets—specifically, high-end and rare antiques—have been a part of Nader Bolour’s life since he was born in Tehran, Iran.
His grandfather and father were premier rug dealers in the city and catered to notable clients such as European and American diplomats and celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, he said.
“My earliest memories from Tehran were from my father and grandfather’s shop, it was basically my summer camp,” Bolour said. “I knew I wanted to follow their path.”
The family fled Iran in early 1979, just days before the Shah was overthrown, and moved to London, where their business continued to flourish.
As the owner of the New York rug atelier Doris Leslie Blau, Bolour continues his family legacy and is considered among the most renowned carpet purveyors in the industry. His who’s who clients include architects such as Peter Marino and Robert A.M. Stern, along with Madonna, Jerry Seinfeld, Jeff Bezos and Lady Gaga.
According to Bolour, a carpet can instantly elevate a mediocre space and create an environment “where you crave spending time.”
“I’ve walked into rooms where the carpets truly take my breath away,” he said.
Bolour recently spoke to Mansion Global about his most memorable jobs, the request he turned down and his own rug collection.
Mansion Global: What is the most over-the-top request you ever received from a client for a custom installation?
Nader Bolour: In 2018, the interior designer Bunny Williams casually strolled into the showroom and said she was shopping for Alberto Baillères, a Mexican billionaire who passed away in 2022.
The mission was to deliver nine carpets (one had to be 65 feet by 30 feet). They wanted the finest wool and silk that money could buy, with a custom pattern. The deadline was 16 months. For context, one carpet of this size would take three years alone, let alone nine massive custom carpets. In the end, we completed the order just in the nick of time, and Bunny and her customer were thrilled. The largest of the nine carpets required 12 people to fold and deliver it.
In 2015, two Secret Service agents came into my showroom to inform me that the King of Bahrain would like to inspect the carpets. They spent 30 minutes and $350,000 on carpets, with the bulk of the time spent negotiating.
For the interior designer Julie Hillman, we created Tuscany goat skin carpets for the living and dining rooms. We used the balance of the skin to upholster the dining chairs. Over the top is an understatement.
What is the most spontaneous appointment you’ve ever had?
Alberto Pinto, an iconic designer to the stars, arrived with one hour’s notice and spent $600,000 on carpets in 30 minutes. He had just lost his dog and could barely focus; he was lovely, elegant and spent a fortune.
Are there specific aspects of carpet design that real estate developers are looking for?
Yes, for example, we worked on the Baccarat Hotel [in New York], and the designers chose silk rugs that reflected the brilliance of the Baccarat chandeliers. They wanted the heritage of the company to shine through. We also worked on the Steinway Tower [in New York], using vintage-inspired Art Deco carpets that incorporated the history of the colors.
What is the farthest you’ve traveled to source a rug?
One time, we got a call from the Romanov family of Russia. I had to travel to the most eastern part of Russia; they were selling all of their carpets. I bought three antique carpets specifically, Savonery carpets, which are the best of the best.
Have you ever said no to a request because you knew you wouldn’t like how the design of the carpet would turn out?
The only time I’ve turned down a client was Robert Metzger [the engineer and science fiction author]. He wanted a reproduction made of a 17th-century Polonaise carpet, made for the Kings of Poland. It cannot be replicated because of the metal thread. It wouldn’t have the same patina as a real one would. He offered 600,000, but I said sorry, no.
What is the most expensive carpet texture a person could buy?
Rugs that are 300 knot count Chinese Mulberry silk. They cost $550 per square foot.
Can you tell me about any private planes and yachts you’ve been commissioned for?
We did [billionaire grocery-chain owner] Rick Cohen’s jet. He wanted custom hand-knotted wool rugs, which are very challenging to use on planes because of fireproofing. There are many codes required for approval of a jet, but we were able to complete the process successfully. We also worked on [another supermarket magnate] Charles Butt’s boat…He requested only antique carpets, which was a very unique request.
You’ve designed beautiful homes for your family and for investment purposes; how do carpets enhance architecture and design?
A carpet can be the star of the room, or it can blend in seamlessly to allow furniture or art to take center stage. A contemporary white box room can be dramatically transformed with a custom carpet. From texture to color, carpets have the ability to alter a space as much or as little as you’d like. That is the beauty of having a variety of options like silk, wool, knot count, and color.
What are the biggest art-carpet trends in 2025? Have you ever had carpets framed?
The more unusual the carpet is, the better it is suited for a tapestry or art piece. It has to be very unique to be hung on the wall. Also, more color is in, in 2025. That is trending after so many years of being colorless.
Tell us about your own carpet collection.
I don’t believe in collecting rugs as it would mean withholding from my clients.
That said, I have one meaningful rug I have held onto because of the story: 42 years ago, when I was 16, I went to Bermondsey, a market in south London, that I frequented weekly to scour for carpets.
I found a great stand selling silver and noticed that it was sitting atop a gorgeous, very old-looking rug. I inquired about the rug, and the owner said, “This old thing? I’d like 80 pounds.” I returned to my father’s shop with my new purchase, and he told me I had hit the jackpot. This was an authentic 18th-century, very rare silk Indian carpet. It is the one carpet I will never sell.
By Shivani Vora for Mansion Global