Framed and hanging above a plush velvet sofa, two Hermés scarves—the bottom a rare, collector’s item—are the centerpieces of this space designed by Emily Wood. Just like an antique armoire or a piece of art, the scarves add not just color, but a layer of history, a story that’s begging to be told.

“It’s fun to think about who these scarves belonged to and where they have traveled in the past,” Wood notes. “I love to mix older items with newer pieces in my designs. I feel like the scarves help to accomplish that layered look.”

The young designer often incorporates fashion, notably scarves like those in this space, into her projects. The combination comes effortlessly, she says, because fashion is just a form of art. In her opinion, collecting something like Hermés scarves is the same as collecting fine art. The process of finding a piece that speaks to a person or a design is all part of the fun.

“Each piece brings a touch of whimsy and warmth to the space because they tell a different story,” she says. “Some are old. Some are new. Some are bright and cheerful and others are moodier. That’s what is so fun about collecting them. You never know what you will find.”

Scroll over the photo below for even more insights from Emily Wood about this living space.