Maison of Hand: Tunisian Craftsmanship Finds a Home in Los Angeles
Celebrating Tunisian heritage through furniture, pottery, and sustainable design.
In the heart of Los Angeles’ La Brea neighborhood, Maison of Hand is introducing Angelenos to the beauty of Tunisian and North African artisanal traditions. Founded by Faycel Mekbel, originally from Tunisia, and his business partner Jesse Terry, the 1,200-square-foot boutique is filled with handcrafted furniture, pottery, textiles, and lighting that celebrate Mediterranean heritage while embracing sustainable design.
Walking into the space, visitors are greeted by palm fiber light shades, suspended from wooden beams, and olive wood lamp bases paired with bulrush glassware. Colorful cushions made from repurposed kilim rugs add vibrancy, while Sejnane pottery—created by Tunisian women artisans without pottery wheels—serves as a reminder of centuries-old traditions. In fact, Sejnane pottery is officially recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, making its presence in Los Angeles a cultural bridge between North Africa and the U.S.
Bringing Tunisian Heritage to Los Angeles
Mekbel, who has long been passionate about design, explained his motivation: “I liked the idea of bringing in something from a different place that was also my cultural heritage. There’s a uniqueness to it we haven’t seen here.” After years of curating design for Airbnb properties in Bali, he envisioned a more permanent project that highlighted Mediterranean and Tunisian craft.
Tradition Meets Modern Bohemian Style
Maison of Hand’s collection is carefully curated to fit seamlessly into modern homes while retaining authenticity. With a bohemian chic aesthetic, the store reflects California’s lifestyle—natural colors, outdoor living, eco-consciousness—while paying tribute to Tunisian heritage.
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Palm fiber lamps, starting at around $700, bring warmth to interiors.
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Vintage kilim rugs are restored or repurposed into textiles, pillows, and upholstery.
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Low tables and chairs are crafted from reclaimed wood and sustainable materials.
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Olive oil soaps and jasmine-scented candles echo Tunisia’s cultural symbols, while notebooks decorated with old Tunisian photos add nostalgic charm.
Mekbel and Terry also emphasize sustainability—from reclaimed woods to olive branches collected during seasonal tree trimmings. The result is a boutique where every item not only decorates a space but tells a story.
More Than a Store: A Cultural Experience
For Mekbel, Maison of Hand is about more than selling furniture and décor: “I hope we’re not just selling a piece but also a culture and tradition. Everything in here tells a story.” With items ranging from $4 tea glasses to $2,700 handcrafted armchairs, the boutique makes North African culture accessible to all, offering both affordable touches and luxury statement pieces.
Maison of Hand is more than a design store—it is a cultural gateway, bringing Tunisian and North African craftsmanship to Los Angeles while preserving traditions that have been passed down for centuries.
Maison of Hand, 456 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles
maisonofhand.com
