Cultivated: Honouring the Past, Sustaining the Future
Championing a circular economy through authentic design.
Every year in Australia, it’s estimated that over 250,000 tonnes of furniture is sent to landfill — a staggering volume of waste, much of it made up of items that could have been repaired, repurposed or restored.
Cultivated is Cult’s in-house product stewardship program, created to provide a meaningful alternative to disposable culture. At its heart is a deep respect for the integrity of original design and a commitment to sustainability — breathing new life into furniture and lighting that has been designed with care and made to last.
Restoring, Reinventing, Recycling
From a single lounge chair needing reupholstering to a full office of worn-out desking, Cultivated works with skilled local craftspeople to repair, recover and repurpose authentic furniture and lighting. This process reduces waste, supports Australian manufacturing and preserves the design legacy of quality products.
The program draws on the talents of a wide network of artisans — including metalworkers, carpenters, and upholsterers — to ensure that the restoration of each piece is as thoughtful and skilled as its original creation.
Refurbishment of a 2006 Erik Jørgensen Corona Chair, designed by Poul M. Volther.
Why a Circular Economy Matters
Unlike the traditional linear model of "take, make, waste," a circular economy keeps resources in use for as long as possible. Cultivated is built on this principle. By extending the life of well-made furniture, they:
- Minimise the use of finite resources
- Reduce the need for raw material extraction (like timber, cotton and iron ore)
- Divert furniture from landfill and incineration
- Lower emissions, pollution, and energy output throughout a product’s lifecycle
- Decrease exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are most harmful in the first years of a furniture piece's life
Simply put, the longer a product lasts, the less environmental harm it causes — and the greater its value becomes.
Designed to Last, Supported for Life
Cultivated is more than just a refurbishment service — it’s a philosophy that values longevity, craftsmanship and considered consumption. Whether you're updating a much-loved piece at home or reconfiguring an entire commercial space, the Cultivated program allows you to keep authentic design in use and out of landfill.
As stewards of original design, we believe in celebrating the old while making it new again — thoughtfully, sustainably, and with the same passion that went into its original creation.
Refurbishment of a 2008 Louis Poulsen PH Artichoke Pendant designed by Poul Henningsen.
Learn more about Cultivated and how to get started at cultivated.com.au
