Behind the Studio Collection: 75 Years in the Making

The Studio Collection is the culmination of everything we’ve built over the past seven and a half decades. It’s a tribute to textile craftsmanship shaped by human hands and machine precision, rooted in heritage and fueled by the future. Every material in the collection—whether woven, embroidered, or embossed—carries the imprint of people who care deeply about the spaces we design and the planet we share.

Here’s a look behind the scenes at how this collection came to life, starting with three of its standout categories: Xorel®, Upholstery, and our new Wood Look vinyl alternative wallcoverings.

At the heart of the Studio Collection lies Xorel®, Carnegie’s exclusive, industry-defining performance textile that’s been pushing boundaries for over 40 years. For this collection, we approached Xorel as a design canvas—one where nuanced pattern, material innovation, and sustainability intersect.

We turned to our heritage of jacquard weaving, embroidery, and embossing to bring forward refined textures that whisper, rather than shout—subtle motifs that unfold more with each glance. From the dimensional elegance of Chisel Embroider to the vibrant energy of Cloister Embroider, each pattern was designed with intention and built to endure.

Half of the collection incorporates 91% biobased content, derived from rapidly renewable sugarcane. This isn't just a technical feat—it’s a continuation of our long-standing promise to develop materials that perform beautifully while treading lightly on the planet.

This latest upholstery offering is a study in contrasts—luxurious yet durable, bold yet versatile. At Carnegie, upholstery has always been more than just a finish; it’s a tactile expression of how people experience a space. For the Studio Collection, we leaned into quiet luxury, creating textiles that feel as good as they look.

Our Carnegie Elements value performance brand expands with 46 new SKUs, including Joli, a velvet-look textile that bridges the gap between elegance and performance, and Moreland, a bleach-cleanable Crypton that combines softness and strength.

From boutique hotels to high-end lounges, these textiles were designed to elevate spaces at an attractive price point. They echo the warmth of antique tapestries and the sleek appeal of contemporary design, all while championing healthier materials.

The Studio Collection also marks the debut of our new Wood Look wallcoverings—a game-changing alternative to traditional vinyl. Developed from a cellulose composite, these 100% PVC-free wallcoverings deliver the warmth and realism of woodgrain, without the environmental cost.

Our journey to bring these designs to life began with a deep dive into biophilic principles and client insights. We heard the call for finishes that feel timeless yet modern, with a focus on natural beauty, durability, and simplicity in specification. The result? Briarwood, Sap, and Timber—three distinct wood-inspired designs that blur the line between visual art and functional surface.

Each pattern draws inspiration from organic forms: the graceful shadows of sun-printed branches, the painterly transitions of hibiscus blooms, and the versatile textures of elm, walnut, oak, and more. Printed on non-woven substrates, they’re bleach-cleanable, stain-resistant, and free from added finishes, setting a new standard in sustainable high-performance wallcovering.

With no PVC, PFAS, or added chemicals, these wallcoverings don’t just look natural—they are natural, thoughtfully engineered to support healthier interior environments without compromise.

The Studio Collection is more than a product launch—it’s a statement of who we are and where we’re headed. Rooted in 75 years of expertise, it reflects a company continually evolving, yet always guided by a clear purpose: to create materials that matter.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to the next 75 years—and to designing a future we can all be proud of.

Reach out to a Carnegie rep today for a special presentation or new samples. And explore the collection with this short 60-second video!

Michelle Ko is a marketing manager with over a decade of experience in the industry. With a background as a textile designer, she has hands-on expertise in researching and developing textiles, including Xorel. Passionate about storytelling, education, and collaboration, she loves uncovering the deeper truths behind trends and innovations—exploring not just what we love, but why we love it.