Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
SUBSCRIBE
Holiday

A Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide

Last minute gift guide
Image: Clouz Houz / Photography: Zee Wendell

 

Anyone else looking for gifts that will arrive in time for Christmas?? I know I am! I’ve been behind on my holiday shopping, so I thought (while I’m looking) I might as well make a guide of all my favorite finds. Of course, in store shopping is always preferred, and it’s definitely more festive and fun. In fact, if you can support your local small businesses, please do ? But if you are in a bind and want to do a little online shopping, I’m here for you! Shopping for that perfect gift can feel overwhelming with all the options out there, but I have curated some fun ideas that are thoughtful and beautiful.

Here are my thoughts on things you can order today and have in time for Christmas morning … but that are also unique and interesting. I hope you love these items as much as I do!

Shopping for the men in our lives can be so challenging! They never ask for anything, or give us any ideas. There aren’t as many products for guys as there are for women, like makeup, hair and beauty products, sparkly jewelry, etc. So, finding something thoughtful and desired yet unique for men can be hard. Let’s be honest, they’re difficult to shop for!

For as long as I can remember, my dad has been a huge car fan. In fact, he’s living out his dream and bought himself a Porsche for his retirement! I found this book and thought what a perfect gift: coffee table book where he’ll love the photography and my mom will actually love displaying on their coffee table.

Speaking of boys and their cars, they want them clean and tidy. I love this handheld vacuum for guys to keep in their trunk for quick clean ups and for keeping the interior looking new. This one has a handy attachment for getting crumbs out of all the crooks and crevices.

Our youngest son is all about retro looking items. I love these bluetooth speaker for him that has all the vibes! I could see this in his room or in the family room where he likes to hang with his buddies.

Derrick owns this denim shirt and wears it ALL THE TIME! We got it from a local store here in Bend, Jack + Millie, which is one of our favorite stops for shopping locally. But if you aren’t local, you can find the same shirt here.

Barbour has been a long-time favorite for a men’s jacket. I love the classic profile, and it works with almost any outfit, whether it’s jeans and boots or dress slacks and button down shirt. It’s so versatile! I think this jacket is the perfect option for the guy in your life … young or old.

A power tool?! Yep, what guy doesn’t love his toys, especially fancy tools. This power drill is something every guy should own. Derrick uses his all the time, whether it’s to hang a light fixture or wood molding — it always does the trick.

 

 

Whenever I’m holiday shopping for the women in my life, I like to think about what would I appreciate … and which things we don’t buy for ourselves! There are a few splurges in this collection, but also some items that I know I love, so I think they would make a perfect gift.

First, I love myself a graphic t-shirt! And this one is so, so cute. I’d pair it with sweats and comfy socks for Christmas Day.

This hot pink and furry scarf is a fun pop of color worn with denim and puffer. I’d wear this all winter long!! I’m thinking I may just have to get one for myself ? One for them, one for me, right?!?

In my opinion, and considering my coffee table book addiction, you can never go wrong with gifting a book. I love this one. It’s perfect for catching some wanderlust vibes. I’m actually going to Italy in 2023 and can’t wait as it has been way too long since I was there. This gets me so so excited to go back!

Bath and beauty products are luxury items, and let’s be honest, it’s rare that women treat themselves to such gifts. These soaking bath salts are heavenly, and of course, I love the name “The Martini” since it’s my favorite cocktail of choice! But these really are such an indulgence- – they’re touted as taking the “edge off” after a long day. And, who doesn’t like a bath retreat after a busy afternoon? I know I do!

Christmas morning jammies are one of my favorite gifts to give — and of course, to wear! These are lovely, especially since they aren’t just for the holidays and will last year round. The luxe satin is incredibly soft and yummy, and you can never go wrong with white pjs. Add these furry and festive slippers and you have yourself an outfit for Christmas morning … or maybe all day if you are lounging with family! This pretty robe would also be a beautiful accessory for while you are getting ready for Christmas dinner. Add a beautiful sleep mask to match, and you have yourself a really pretty gift for your bestie.

I’ve become the biggest Gucci Westman fan. Her products are perfect for aging skin, and let’s not forget they are all natural and good for you! This trio is such a great value. “Petal” is one of my favorite blushes I have ever owned. In fact, I use it more than any other product in my makeup collection. It works for lips too! The highlight stick also works well under your brow bone. I can’t say enough good things about this brand … a splurge for sure, but believe me when I tell you your gal pal will love you for this.

This reversible tote bag is not only fashion-forward, but also the perfect size for carrying your travel essentials. Or, maybe it becomes the tote you use for your daily commute to/from the office. I love that it has shearling and leather — such a great neutral tote to accessorize any outfit!

I hope these holiday gift ideas are useful and inspirational. You will be shining as the best gift giver this season ? Cheers and good luck gift hunting!

 

Join the Conversation

get inspired
#clouzhouz
follow along
@clouz_houz
Everyone wants their home to feel elevated. What most people don’t realize is that it rarely comes from choosing the most expensive countertop or the prettiest light fixture.

During every project, we’re constantly asking ourselves, “Will this actually make life better?” Does this layout make unloading groceries easier? Is there somewhere to put the toaster instead of leaving it on the counter? Will there be enough storage for the things this family actually owns? Is this chair beautiful... and somewhere you’ll want to sit every night?

I think people assume we spend our days obsessing over fabrics and finishes. Truthfully, we spend just as much time talking through layouts, storage, and the tiny decisions you’ll appreciate every single day. Those conversations don’t always show up in a highlight reel, but they’re usually the reason a home feels so good to live in.

You don’t have to have every decision figured out before reaching out. Most of our clients come to us because they know something isn’t working—they just need help seeing what’s possible. Schedule an hour consultation with me and we can talk through your project (link in bio)!
Life is too short for a room that doesn’t make you happy. Color is @farrowandball Setting Plaster🩷
POV: You want a home you love... but you don’t have the budget to do it all at once.

And then you find our studio!

I’d rather see you create one room you absolutely love than stretch yourself across an entire house and feel like nothing is ever finished. One finished room gives you momentum. It reminds you why you started. And it gives you a clear vision for everything that comes next.

One of the things we help clients with is deciding where to begin. Together, we create a roadmap that allows your home to evolve thoughtfully over time-without feeling pieced together.

You don’t have to do it all this year. You just have to know what comes first.

If you’re wondering where to start, we’d love to help. Feel free to message me and we can set up a 15 min discovery call!
New project in Bend, Oregon.🤍

We just signed on with the sweetest family, and one of the first things they said was, “We don’t really love our house.” A home can be objectively beautiful and still not feel good to live in.

In this house, the kitchen, dining room and living room are all one big great room. It sounds ideal until you realize the dining table is taking up the exact real estate the living room desperately needs.

Instead of making the kitchen bigger, we’re making it smarter. One move solved several problems at once: more storage, a better dining area, and enough square footage to give the living room the footprint it deserved.

Now we’re moving into one of my favorite phases... layering in materials. This is why I love the conceptual phase. Before a single cabinet is ordered, we’re already changing the way this family will live in their home.

If you’ve been looking around your own home thinking, “I know this could work better, I just don’t know how,” we’d love to help. Whether you’re planning a renovation, reworking your layout, or just need an expert eye before making expensive decisions, that’s exactly what we have to offer!

Check out our services through the link in our bio or send this post to a friend who’s struggling with this exact thing.
While renovations are an investment, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned after years of designing homes is this:
It’s not about how much you spend. It’s about where you spend it.

The homes that feel the most elevated aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets. They’re the ones where every decision was made with intention.

That’s the philosophy behind everything we do. We help our clients understand where it’s worth investing, where they can save without sacrificing the overall look, and how to create a home that feels layered, timeless, and beautifully functional. Because a thoughtfully planned home will always feel more luxurious than one filled with expensive choices that don’t work together.

Good design isn’t about spending more.
It’s about making every dollar work harder for you-and creating a home you’ll love living in every single day.

If you’re planning a renovation or a furnishing project, we’d love to help. Learn more through the link in our bio.
People often ask why renovations have always been my favorite. The easy answer is that I love watching a transformation. But if I’m honest, I think it’s something much deeper than that.

Years ago, our family walked through a season that forced us to start over. It wasn’t something I would have chosen, but looking back, it changed the way I see everything. Homes. People. Even myself. I stopped looking at what something was and started paying attention to what it could become. Maybe that’s why fixer-uppers have always felt so familiar to me. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re starting over. I know what it’s like to wonder if something beautiful can come from a season that feels uncertain. That’s why I love renovations. They’re hopeful. Every wall that comes down makes room for something new. Every decision is an act of believing that what’s ahead can be better than what was there before.

The funny thing is... I don’t think this is really about houses. I think all of us have something in our lives that feels unfinished, overlooked, or in need of another chance. I’ve learned that the middle of the story rarely looks like the ending. And sometimes the most beautiful things aren’t built from scratch. They’re simply revealed.
For anyone who’s ever had to start over... I’m rooting for you!