A Philosophy of Reclamation and Renewal
Merite was founded on the principle of creating beauty where others see waste. Our design journey began with the simple act of transforming discarded, unwanted furniture into pieces that were not only functional but full of personality, history, and art. This act of reclaiming and renewing—taking what was overlooked and giving it new life—is the beating heart of our sustainability philosophy.
Our studio sources and salvages vintage and discarded furniture from across Malaysia—items that would otherwise end up in landfills. Instead of contributing to the cycle of overproduction and fast furniture, we choose to slow down, look deeper, and create with intention.
Every piece is stripped, cleaned, treated, and lovingly restored or reimagined—often transformed into one-of-a-kind artworks with hand-painted motifs and bespoke detailing. The result is not only a lower carbon footprint but also a richer, more meaningful living space.
The Art of Maximalist Sustainability
Our design approach embraces maximalism—not as consumerism, but as celebration. We believe in filling spaces with life, stories, textures, and colour. Sustainability for us doesn’t mean austerity; it means intentional abundance.
Rather than promoting mass-produced decor trends, we curate meaningful collections—art, furniture, textiles—that reflect the individuality of our clients while reducing the demand for new resource extraction.
Maximalism can be deeply sustainable when it values preservation over novelty. We cherish antiques and vintage pieces, encouraging clients to build homes that feel personal and layered over time rather than being quickly filled with homogenous, trend-driven items.
Education and Conscious Consumerism
Through storytelling, workshops, open studio visits, and digital content, Merite engages with the public to raise awareness about the environmental cost of fast furniture and the beauty of restoration.
We offer guidance on how to spot quality vintage pieces, the basics of furniture care, and how to design a home that evolves over time without unnecessary consumption. Our clients become part of the story: personal connection fosters emotional durability—one of the most overlooked yet powerful tools for sustainable living.
Ethics in the Details
Our ethos and execution reflect a commitment to both Environment Social and Governance (ESG) values and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs).
We approach design as a responsibility—choosing materials, makers, and methods that honour environmental care, social equity, and thoughtful governance. Every decision, from sourcing to styling, is made with integrity and intention.
Our vision is not just about furniture—it’s about people, stories, and stewardship. It’s about proving that sustainability does not require the sacrifice of beauty or creativity. On the contrary, it flourishes when we choose to see value where others do not, when we create with both heart and conscience.
Quantifying Our Environmental Impact
We aim to focus on three measurable categories:
At Merite Design Studio, sustainability is not a trend — it is a mindset, a method, and a responsibility. We are committed to designing a future where beauty and integrity go hand in hand, where furniture is reclaimed, not discarded, and where creativity uplifts both people and the planet.