Gallerist Nina Yashar on her India debut with Nilaya Anthology

Beautiful Homes (BH): You are a name to reckon with as a tastemaker. How did your journey begin?

Nina Yashar (NY): My creative journey began when I was very young with a deep curiosity for discovering beauty in unexpected places. It started through my family business of selling antique carpets which taught me the importance of craftsmanship and history. After doing so for about 20 years, a visit to Stockholm opened my eyes to historical mid-century design. From there, I moved to collectible design by new, talented designers discovering incredible pieces from all over the world. Over time, my passion expanded to contemporary design, leading to the creation of Nilufar as a platform for bold, visionary works. And now, I have started the Nilufar Edition initiative featuring furnishings and lighting for elegant interiors that we are expanding worldwide.

BH: You have an impeccable career spanning over 40 years, what keeps you going?

NY: What keeps me going is the constant, insatiable desire to discover incredible design, new talent, ideas, procedures, and craftsmanship. Through the carpet business, I have had the opportunity to see the world and discover something new in every place I visit. Several years ago when I was in Japan, I bought Japanese screens, antique pieces, etc, and it gave me a new perspective. I am not afraid of finding new cultural narratives. In the last few years, things have considerably changed in the design world. I never knew about 3D printing but I am excited to discover it. I believe that design is ever-evolving, and there is always something new to learn. I find immense joy in bringing designers, artisans, and collectors together to create something meaningful. So this keeps me going even today. 

BH: The store marks Nilufar's debut in India. What would you like to tell Indian consumers as the doors open?

NY: I want the visitors to see my usual narrative and perspective on design through our debut at Nilaya Anthology. Nilufar has always been about discovery, and I hope Indian consumers embrace the dialogue between the past and future. I like to create a scenography where people can imagine the pieces in their homes, see them in a real, domestic ambience. For example, I started the scenography here thinking about large, convivial dinners Indian families usually have, and added a huge table. I have also included pieces by Joe Armitage whose grandfather, Edward Armitage, worked in India with Le Corbusier. He designed the iconic standing floor lamp that Joe has reinvented into an incredible chandelier. There’s also a sitting area where pieces from Nilufar Edition and vintage collectibles are placed. So this is an invitation for Indian visitors to experience a new perspective on design. I want them to feel inspired, to see design as a living, evolving form of expression.