Founded by Khalida Toukkani in 2019, Maison Toukkani boutique has become synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship and timeless design through its woven goods. Though Khalida resides in Switzerland, her roots remain deeply intertwined with the traditions of her homeland of Morocco, bridging continents and cultures. This connection shapes every step of the process, ensuring each bespoke collection honours ancestral knowledge while embracing contemporary refinement. Khalida’s extensive training in interior design, upholstery, wood carpentry, and traditional MRIRT weaving serves as the foundation of the brand’s commitment to innovation, uncompromising quality, longevity and craftsmanship. Learn more about Khalida and her rugs in today’s Maker Monday.
Pelican Bay
Andrew Joseph: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a designer?
Khalida Toukkani: One of the best pieces of advice I received came from Yinka Ilori, a designer from London, a few years ago. He told me, “Don’t try to fit into the market, just be yourself in your designs. That’s how you’ll end up working with the right people on the right projects.” That really stuck with me. It reminded me that authenticity attracts alignment, and staying true to your creative identity is what leads to the most meaningful collaborations.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
KT: Honestly, I’m inspired by two very different things: First, nature. It’s my go-to muse, like when I designed the Manhattan Rug or the Pelican Wall Art. There’s something about the shapes, colors and chaos of the natural world that just sparks ideas.
Second (and far wilder than nature): my three kids. They’re a constant source of unexpected inspiration and mild chaos. They come up with the most random, hilarious and borderline absurd ideas on a daily basis. I don’t always understand how their brains work, but they remind me that it’s okay to be weird, to dream big and to break the rules (creatively speaking… most of the time).
So between Mother Nature and my little whirlwinds of energy, I never run out of inspiration…or reasons to question my sanity!
AJ: What is your favorite thing about being a designer?
KT: The most rewarding part of being a designer is knowing that people are drawn to my ideas, imagination, vision and way of seeing the world. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about that. It’s a deep kind of validation, not just of my work, but of who I am as a creative person.
Brooklyn
AJ: Can you tell us about a specific moment in your career that made you feel accomplished?
KT: For me, true accomplishment comes from making a real impact on people’s lives. Some of the incredible women we work with, especially our weavers, are single mothers, and being able to collaborate with them is what gives meaning to everything we do at Maison Toukkani. They often say they feel lucky, but honestly, I’m the lucky one. I get to work with incredibly talented, resilient women every day.
This deep connection inspired me to take on the biggest project of my career. We’re currently building a large, beautifully designed production unit in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco, where our weaving already takes place. The space will be minimalist and sophisticated, designed not just for efficiency, but also to be a safe, inspiring environment for our artisans.
We’re also creating guest lodges for our clients, so they can come, stay and experience the whole journey with us, from design to craftsmanship. Our goal is to build a supportive, creative ecosystem that uplifts our weavers and gives our clients a genuine, immersive connection to the work. The landscape there is absolutely breathtaking, the people are incredibly kind, and the food… well, let’s just say words don’t do it justice!
AJ: How do you keep up with the latest design trends?
KT: To be honest, I don’t really try to keep up with every trend. I focus more on staying true to who I am as a designer and creating work that feels authentic to my vision. And let’s be real, I have three kids, so trend-watching isn’t exactly part of my daily routine (even if I’d love to have the time for it!).
That said, I do stay curious and open. I find inspiration in unexpected places, through people, nature, travel and sometimes even in the chaos of everyday life. Trends come and go, but I believe good design is about timeless storytelling and personal expression.
Staten Island
AJ: How do you approach designing for different types of clients?
KT: At Maison Toukkani, we work on both residential and hospitality projects. Our approach always begins with getting to know the client deeply and understanding their aesthetic preferences, lifestyle and values. From there, we build a creative bridge between their vision and our own design identity, ensuring the result feels personal yet aligned with our design philosophy.
When it comes to hospitality projects, the process is even more nuanced. I ask many detailed questions to understand how the space will function: Who are the guests? What kind of atmosphere are we trying to create? How should the space feel and flow? We also consider practical aspects such as acoustics, maintenance needs (like how often rugs will need to be cleaned) and durability. It’s about creating an experience that is both beautiful and functional, tailored to the specific context of the space.
AJ: How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
KT: Sustainability isn’t just a part of what we do, it’s at the heart of everything. We design and produce handmade rugs using 100% wool, sourced responsibly from live sheep. This signature wool is soft and natural, maintaining its original qualities and beauty. What makes our approach unique is that only about 1% of Moroccan rug production still follows these traditional, eco-conscious methods. Our rugs are made without any chemical products and are hand-knotted using techniques that have been passed down for over 1,300 years.
For us, sustainability means honouring both the environment and the cultural heritage behind every piece we create. Every exquisite rug that we design and craft tells a story of collaboration, care, and respect for both people and the planet.
AJ: Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
It’s okay to be different. One day, it will be your biggest strength.
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