Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
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Holiday

The Perfect Father’s Day Gift: From Sentimental to Practical

Dads can be notoriously tricky to shop for. Whenever you bring up gifts, they always seem to say, “I don’t need anything” or “save your money!” At least that’s how Derrick is. If the dad in your life isn’t into material gifts, consider going the sentimental route, or focusing on an experience you both can enjoy together. Concerts, trips, or even a fun day out can show your love and appreciation in a way that creates lasting memories. That’s what’s so nice about gifting experiences — there’s nothing better than creating fun memories. After all, the perfect gift brings joy and happy moments!

If you’re looking for something to pair with your sweet experience gift, or just need some help brainstorming, I’ve got you covered. These are things that most guys would love and, to be honest, need — whether they like to admit it or not. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with any of these ideas.

So, let’s dive in and find that perfect gift to make Father’s Day extra special this year!

1. Frame TV 

Dad’s love their tech gifts (and technically this could even be a gift for yourself — bonus!). Look at the streamlined look of the Frame TV — it blends in nicely with any home aesthetic, and can even act as art! It’s a win-win.

2. Higher Dose Mat 

Dads never really seem to actually seek out relaxation. This genius product grounds you in earth’s magnetic field for a full-body reset, while infrared light promotes enhanced blood flow and improved muscle recovery. And, let’s be honest, as they get older, this could be really beneficial! Technology nowadays is so cool. We have one and it truly is like an at-home spa ?

3. Yeti Backpack Cooler 

Convenient and guaranteed to be used all summer long. The backpack design is such a clever idea for keeping everything hands-free!

4. Tommy Bahama Swim Trunks or J. Crew Seersucker Trunks 

Here are two options depending on his style: a funky pair fit for a tropical vacation, and a more minimalist seersucker one for a low-key coastal vibe. If you happen to be giving the gift of an adventure or vacation, throw these in as a nice hint at what their gift might be. Regardless of a trip, swim trunks are a summer necessity and you can have fun with this gift and go crazy with the prints!

5. Sunglasses 

A no-brainer. He might already have a pair, but I swear men lose their sunglasses all the time. It never hurts to give them the perfect new pair!

6. Picture Frame 

I am the biggest proponent of these CB2 frames. In my opinion, one of the sweetest gifts you can give a dad is a framed picture from a happy memory that you two have together.

7. Cornhole 

A fun gift that sparks conversation, creates memories, and allows you to be outside! Cornhole is the perfect gift if you’re looking to get competitive.

8. Slides/Sandals 

Summer shoes are always nice to receive, and they’re an item that can get boring for guys to purchase on their own. I’ve been loving sandals this season, and it makes outfits feel more summery!

9. The Perfect Summer Shirt 

Go the safe route and look for a new nice shirt that is versatile! It’s always a welcome addition to any wardrobe.

10. Hot Sauce 

For the cook! These are so yummy and make for an easy and simple gift.

11. Passport Holder 

If you’re going somewhere fun anytime soon, this is thoughtful and personal. It’s practical and keeps them feeling organized and in check — plus maybe a little “extra.”

12. Whiskey Barrel 

Any guy would be excited to receive one of these! Perfect for their man cave and to show off to their friends. Love the tabletop design.

We look to the dads in our lives for guidance and wisdom; they’ve been our rocks, our mentors, and our biggest supporters. This Father’s Day, let’s show them just how much they mean to us with thoughtful gifts that make them feel loved and appreciated. Whether big or small, no gift goes unnoticed by dads. It’s the gesture and the sentiment behind it that counts the most. Here’s to celebrating all the amazing dads out there — thank you for everything you do!

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Seems crazy for me to say this because I love summer... but I think I’m starting to crave fall.🤎

The sweaters, a fire going, slower mornings, being a little more cocooned at home. Maybe that’s what has me thinking about how much the smallest things in a home can change the way a day feels.

Not the big renovation decisions. The mug you always reach for. A lamp that makes the room feel extra ozy at night. The old chair in the corner that somehow gets better every time someone sits in it..

None of it has to be important (or expensive) to make everyday life feel a little more special. I think you just have to notice what does.

Videography: @bozemanmediadesign 

But before I get ahead of myself... are we ready for fall yet?
I can usually tell within the first few minutes of meeting someone what kind of client they’re going to be. Not because of their style. Not because of the size of their house. It’s in the way they talk about their home. Sometimes they’ll apologize for it before we even walk in. “I know it’s kind of all over the place,” or, “We’ve lived with this for years.” And almost every time, I find myself thinking the same thing:
Your home isn’t the problem. It’s just waiting for someone to make a few confident decisions.

I think people assume interior design is about having better taste than everyone else. It isn’t. It’s pattern recognition. After twenty years of walking through homes, I don’t see a room the same way most people do anymore. I’m noticing what your eye keeps getting stuck on. Where the proportions feel off. Why one side of the room feels heavier than the other. Which thing is quietly throwing everything else out of balance.

Those aren’t things most homeowners should have to know. That’s what we’re here for. And honestly, that’s one of my favorite parts of this job. If you’ve ever hesitated to reach out or don’t know where to start with your project... message me, I’d love to chat!
There you have it... the den, for now.

I always say the best rooms aren’t the ones that feel perfect-they’re the ones that make you want to stay awhile.

This room has become exactly that. Morning coffee, evening happy hour, football games, reading, hanging with family... it’s already getting lived in the way we hoped it would.

Those are always my favorite projects.

Tell me your favorite part of this room!
Comment ‘EDIT’ and we’ll send it straight to your inbox when it goes live this evening.

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the difference between something that’s simply trending... and something that actually changes the way a home feels.
This month I keep coming back to vintage textiles over oversized artwork.

Bathrooms that feel more like living rooms than bathrooms. Why I think plug-in sconces are one of the most underrated design tricks. Cherry red (in the smallest doses❤️). And why I’ll almost always tell a client to invest in a beautiful faucet before a trendy finish somewhere else.

These are the conversations we’ve been having in the studio. The screenshots I’ve been saving. The products sitting in my cart. The little ideas that slowly find their way into client projects and eventually into our own home.

I’ll dive much deeper into all of it in today’s edition of Between the Layers, along with my favorite sources, products, and the “why” behind each one.

I hope you’ll join me!