The Assets Beneath Our Feet
As we rapidly evolve into an even more technological society, the treasures at home become a tactical way to ground and stay connected to the past. And exceptional design really does start from the ground up. Fine carpets are much more than floor coverings; they are pieces of art, storylines in our history, and valuable assets for generations to cherish. Rugs also serve as a statement and a symbol of discerning taste coupled with a global purview.
Photo credit: Wojciech Michal Izydorczyk
Nader Bolour has long been at the helm of iconic brand Doris Leslie Blau spearheading the custom creation of carpets and the trade of antique rugs for a clientele that intimately understands this art form.
We sat down with Nader to understand what clients want in 2025.
Q: What are clients looking for in custom carpets in 2025?
A: Clients in 2025, particularly those with grand spaces and discerning tastes, are seeking unique, high-quality, and handcrafted carpets that tell a story. They value artistry, tradition, and sustainable sourcing. Mass-produced options were never desirable for this clientele; instead, they want pieces that offer true quality and craftsmanship, and become treasured possessions.
Q: What makes these custom rugs stand out?
A: These carpets distinguish themselves through several key features. They showcase the meticulous skill found in traditional weaving regions like Nepal, India, Afghanistan, and Morocco. We have a number of custom pieces right now that beautifully demonstrate the intricacies of this trade. The dyeing process, as seen in the "Twirl" rug, is overseen with great care. The use of high-quality materials like wool and silk, combined with intricate weaving techniques (e.g., half-pile and flat weave in the "Snow Pile" rug, or the 150 knots per square inch in the "Midnight Blues" rug), creates luxurious and textural experiences. Subtle variations in tone, as demonstrated by the "Snow Pile's" all-wool construction and tone-on-tone whites, demonstrate how technique results in sophistication
Q: How are carpets an opportunity for expression?
Abstract designs, like those woven in Afghanistan, offer a forum for expression. Clients are looking for carpets that complement their interiors, unique location in the world and enhance the overall essence of their homes. Whether it's a specific design, color palette, or material, the ability to customize is highly valued. The connection to time-honored traditions and the stories behind the creation of these rugs are important to clients. They are not just buying a rug; they are investing in a piece of history and artistry.
Q: Is brand recognition important?
A: It’s funny. The interior design industry is influenced by such a small group of talent. Designers working with discerning clientele come to us with a vision and try to keep their sources close to the vest. We’ve earned brand recognition among luminaries like Robert A.M. Stern, Peter Marino and Victoria Hagan, but the public at large has never known our name. That’s okay but we do welcome those with a true desire to invest in quality and be part of this fascinating process. Carpets can be truly exceptional, an asset passed through generations and for those who take a central role in creating their own worlds, this storied industry can be quite an enjoyable adventure.
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