People
Merite Design isn’t just a studio—it’s a story unfolding in colour, print, and unapologetic character. A visual manifesto where maximalism isn’t excess, but emotion, meticulously curated and boldly expressed.
Every piece begins with a feeling, not a formula. We mix eras, textures, and techniques with irreverence and intention—designing spaces that seduce the eye, stir the memory, and never settle for silence.
Behind the drama? Two creative forces rewriting the rules. Founder Nabila Nasir brings global sensibility and soulful curation; artist Manje paints life into every surface. Together, they turn furniture into fiction—and homes into chapters worth remembering.
Nabila
From Wanderlust to Workshop: The Making of Merite Design’s Maximalist Queen
Born from a personal creative pursuit, Merite began as a passion project—an effort by founder Nabila Nasir to build a home that felt deeply authentic and alive with colour, texture, and meaning. What is considered common in cities like Paris, Nairobi, or Beirut—bold colour, print mixing, and artful storytelling—was surprisingly hard to find in Kuala Lumpur. She struggled to find furniture or interiors that resonated with the expressive, eclectic, and emotionally resonant style she had cultivated abroad.
With 3,800 square feet of empty space to fill and a clear vision in mind, Nabila began designing and creating custom furniture. What started as a personal project soon caught the attention of friends and family, who sought pieces of their own. This organic growth led to something far larger than initially imagined. A collaboration with a mural artist followed, resulting in hand-painted, one-of-a-kind furniture inspired by nature—introducing characters like the parrot, octopus, and tiger, each becoming beloved icons of the Merite brand. What began as a personal exploration has since evolved into a full-fledged design studio, showroom, and second career.
Manje
Visual Alchemist: Infusing Life and Story Through Masterful Brushstrokes
Shani Ahmed’s (Manje) diverse body of work spans large-scale hand-painted murals, fashion and textile design, graphic design, product design, and children’s book illustrations. Manje’s unique perspective combines architectural precision with artistic freedom, resulting in vibrant and thoughtfully composed pieces. Her passion lies in exploring the intersections of nature, feminine beauty, and culture, drawing inspiration from traditional motifs and patterns while employing modern illustration techniques.
Over the past several years, Manje has expanded her artistic reach internationally, painting murals across Malaysia, the Maldives, Singapore, and the UAE. She has collaborated with a host of esteemed local and global brands, including Adidas, W Hotels, Movenpick Hotels, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Volkswagen, Netflix, Coca-Cola, and Nickelodeon. As a key collaborator and partner at Merite Design, Manje’s visionary artistry complements Nabila Nasir’s design philosophy, transforming interiors into immersive, vibrant environments that celebrate culture, nature, and individuality.