Wheel well gap but don't want to lower

I've got a bit of a problem....

I love my car but had the wheel well gap that is created from the stock height.... I have aftermarket rims because of a road debris issue and it as cheaper for aftermarket rims/tires than buying stock Lexus rims... but I kept the size close to stock and still am stuck with a really ugly wheel well gap.

I really don't want to lower the car because of the AWD system (others who have lowered mention strange vibrations) and the fact I bought it to drive in the winter/handle snow.

I'm not looking for that "slammed" look, I personally think it looks stupid when rims are up in the wheel well, just would like a smaller uniform gap all the way around.

So I figured I'm left with a few options:
1. Bigger tires on my current rims to try and fill space
2. Bigger rims to try and fill the space

... not opposed to adding a lip kit after new rims and/or tires to keep a stock looking ground clearance (since it will sit higher with bigger rims and/or tires).


anyone else done something similar to clear up the gap?
Here is the current rims and gap - 18" rims with 225/40/18 tires'

Thanks!