Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
SUBSCRIBE
Design

Valentine’s Finds Worth Hinting At

Valentine’s Finds Worth Hinting At ?

Valentine’s Day has always felt like one of those holidays that’s more about the feeling than the date itself. A little romantic, a little playful, a little excuse to lean into things that feel special (even if nothing on your calendar is particularly formal).

This year, I wanted to put together a gift guide that reflects that mood. Not overly themed. Not cheesy. Just elevated pieces that feel thoughtful, pretty, and genuinely enjoyable to live with. 

Vintage convertible car decorated with cascading pink and blush floral arrangements, parked outdoors in soft afternoon light, creating a romantic Galentine’s Day party aesthetic.
Photo: Pinterest

Most of these are small luxuries or everyday pieces that feel just a touch more special than usual. Think jewelry you’ll actually wear, cozy layers that don’t feel throwaway, home pieces that make ordinary moments feel a little more intentional. Festive, yes, but not so tied to Valentine’s Day that they feel dated by February 15th.

So, consider this a fun, flirty little roundup of what’s been catching my eye lately. Save it, share it, forward it to someone who needs the hint … or just enjoy scrolling and dreaming a bit. That’s kind of the point anyway. Click here to shop this post directly on our LTK!

Valentine’s Day gift guide collage featuring cozy slippers, pink reading glasses, gold earrings, red mascara, skincare masks, silk scarf, plaid beanie, leather cardholder, Chanel perfume, knit sweater, tennis necklace, floral plate, decorative candle, red quilted handbag, heart print pajamas, pink mug, personalized toiletry bag, ballet flats, and patterned accent pillow on a blush background.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20

Cozy Little Luxuries

Slippers
The kind of gift you don’t overthink but end up using every single day. Soft, cozy, and instantly make mornings and nights at home feel a little more intentional. Can never go wrong with a fresh pair of slippers!

Heart Pajama Set
A classic pajama set with a playful Valentine’s twist. The long-sleeve and shorts combo feels cozy enough for cooler nights, but still breathable and comfortable thanks to the 100% cotton fabric. These are the kind of pajamas you reach for year-round, not just in February, which is what makes them such a good gift.


Pretty Things for the Home (That Still Get Used)

Photo: Pinterest

Dior Plates
Yes, they’re beautiful!! But also meant to be used. These feel like the kind of plates that elevate a space even when they’re not in use. Beautiful stacked in a glass cabinet, styled on open shelving, or mixed into a tablescape for everyday meals that feel intentional.

Ginori Mug
Everyone always shares the plates, but the mug deserves just as much love. Romanticizing your mornings starts with what you drink your coffee or tea from, and this one feels like a small everyday luxury. Total splurge, but it would make my morning coffee that much sweeter!

Decorative Pillow
Not everyone needs a pillow, but for the home-lover, this is such a thoughtful gift. It adds warmth and personality without feeling kitschy. It’s the kind of piece that layers right in.

Candle
A classic for a reason. I always reach for candles as gifts because they instantly set a mood and feel personal — without being too specific.


Everyday Accessories (But Better)

Photo: Pitnerest

Everyday Earrings
I’ve been seeing this style everywhere lately, and it feels chic and designer without going overboard. An elevated pair you can wear daily. These are currently sitting in my cart. Such a good deal!

Tennis Necklace
A little more of a splurge than everyday studs, but such a timeless, sentimental piece … and you’ll reach for constantly once you have it. Dorsey has the most special pieces and a great way to get a beautiful look with lab grown diamonds!!

Silk Scarf
These are trending for a reason. Tie it around your head, a bag handle, or even as a belt (which is my personal fave look that I’ve seen so far). I love how versatile they are, and they instantly add a polished, chic touch.

Plaid Hat
Beanies are always a safe gift, especially this time of year. Easy, cozy, and still perfect as we move into that in-between winter-to-spring phase.

Readers
Wearing readers out as an accessory is having a moment, and I’m here for it. I need my glasses on me at all times, and love this pair — the pink frames, tortoise sides, and subtle stirrup detail feel so fun!


Beauty Favorites I Actually Use

Photo: Pinterest

Mascara – “Eye Want You”
The name alone sold me, but it’s also just a really good mascara. A no-fail beauty gift that feels fun and flirty without being complicated.

Face Mask
I genuinely love and use this all the time. It dissolves right into the skin and leaves your face feeling instantly better. It’s one of those products you’ll always want to keep stocked. Highly recommend sleeping it it!

Red Light Therapy Mask

Everyone seems to be using these lately, and I’ll be honest — I used to get this treatment at my aesthetician’s office and did notice a difference. It helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Might need to gift this to myself!


Thoughtful, Wearable Gifts

Photo: Pinterest

Sweater
I’m loving patterned knits right now. With denim or trousers, it feels effortless but still special, and I think we’re going to see many great knit styles as we head into spring. This sweater is under $100!

Ballet Flats
Timeless, feminine, and always in rotation. A great gift if you know someone’s style — or a classic to add to your own wardrobe.


Chic Little Extras

Cardholder
I don’t love a clunky wallet anymore — just want something to hold a few cards, my ID, and maybe cash (easy to toss in a bag or even a pocket). Practical, but still a really nice gift.

Chanel Perfume
I’ll admit it … I picked this because it’s pink. But gifting a scent is always a good idea, and this one feels classic, romantic, and smells delish. I’m hinting to Derrick now 🙂

Chanel Bag
This style is everything and has never seemed to go out of style. The pop of color makes it feel fun and special. Definitely a statement gift, but one that feels timeless.

Personalized Waffle Toiletry Bag
A thoughtful gift that feels custom without being over-the-top. Perfect for travel, everyday use, or just keeping things organized in a beautiful way.

***

At the end of the day, Valentine’s is really just an excuse to romanticize the little things. To be honest, this year what I really want is our fireplace to be finished so we can enjoy some bubbles by the fire! ?

Shop everything linked here on our LTK, and follow us on Instagram for more everyday finds we’re loving (and sharing in real time).

Photo: Pinterest
Join the Conversation

get inspired
#clouzhouz
follow along
@clouz_houz
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!