I currently love the way the stock suspension system feels (probably because it out-handled my previous car) but what bothers me is the gap in the wheel wells.

I want to drop the car maybe .5"....at the most 1" but have it as close to the stock feel as I can. I'm not into the performance aspect as much as just losing some of that gap.

What is a good setup out there that will allow me to do this? Will lowering springs be sufficient or will I need other parts as well to make a lowered car "done right"?

All you need is a set of Tein H-Tech springs-close to stock spring rate and lowering about an inch. Works with the stock shocks.