A Holiday Gift Guide by Amber Lewis of Amber Interiors

Los Angeles-based interior designer Amber Lewis has such a great eye. She got her start by working as an assistant at a design firm and blogging about her experiences renovating and decorating her first home. Her blog developed a cult following and helped launch her career. Now she has a full-scale interior design business, a home goods store, and is publishing a book in 2017! 

I asked Amber to curate a holiday gift guide for us this year because I love her eclectic, West Coast-inspired taste. Unsurprisingly, she gravitated towards some of the really special home items we carry like Irving Place Studio and Victoria Morris ceramics as well as handmade cashmere throws by Oyuna. For herself and her closest friends and family, she also loved the idea of gifting delicate jewelry, Italian leather accessories, and cozy knitwear. See all of her picks, and learn what she thinks makes a holiday gift truly special, below.

By the way, Amber will be taking over our Instagram today. Be sure to follow along! XXJKE

Rip & Tan: Who is on your gift-giving list this year?

Amber Lewis: My family and extended family, employees, and clients. 

Rip & Tan: What gifts from Jenni Kayne do you especially love? 

AL: I’m really trying to give unique and one-of-a-kind pieces for the holidays. Victoria Morris pottery is one of my favorites. Her pieces look amazing in a kitchen, on a coffee table, or even in bookshelves. 

Rip & Tan: What makes a really special holiday gift? 

AL: At risk of sounding cheesy, anything that comes from the heart. I love to gift my clients something they can put in their homes as a reminder of the work we did together!

Rip & Tan: Any rules or tips for gifting home items? Anything you should/shouldn’t give? 

AL: This is easy! Keep your color palette neutral when gifting items for the home. The goal is to not have the gifts tucked away in a cabinet somewhere. If you buy someone a hot pink throw, or a bright blown piece of glass chances are it will get hidden!

Rip & Tan: What will you buy for yourself this year? 

AL: My husband and I are working on perfecting our camping supply kit. We are buying an airstream in the New Year, and want to make sure we have everything we need. We are spending a little extra time and money making sure we buy quality products that will last for the next decade. 

Rip & Tan: How will you wrap your gifts this year? 

AL: Simple, simple, simple. Black craft paper tied with raffia, topped with live greenery and a hand written note.