How Lizzy Mathis Created a Beautiful, Clutter-Free Family Home in California

After years of adapting her growing family’s needs to their previous home, Mathis and her husband decided to take the plunge and upgrade to a more spacious house—a classic 1940s California ranch in Los Angeles with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. “It was time for a change,” she says.

The home’s structure provided the perfect canvas for a redesign that would incorporate personal touches, plenty of storage, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. "I loved that the kitchen was the heart of the home," Mathis says. She immediately set about creating an open-concept kitchen tailored to her needs as a dedicated cook, adding fluted cabinetry, ample drawers, and open shelving. Her design choices kept the countertops free from clutter, creating a space that was organized yet still felt inviting.

Mathis loves her kitchen’s pot filler above the stove and the marble waterfall island, where her kids do homework, and guests gather to watch her cook. The warm neutral tones, combined with the room’s natural light from skylights, set a calm, cozy vibe that flows throughout the entire home. “I want anyone who walks in to feel welcome,” she explains. “Our home feels lived-in but uncluttered, peaceful but warm.”

In the primary bathroom, Mathis transformed the space into a sanctuary, adding a tub, a walk-in shower with glass doors, a double vanity, and a tucked-away toilet. The subtle layout change brought a new level of tranquility and functionality, a decision she says makes a big difference.

When she isn’t cooking or relaxing, Mathis finds herself in the office and movie-night bonus room, created from the former garage. To keep things light and airy, she added skylights, and an outdoor shed compensates for lost storage.

Despite being an influencer, Mathis isn’t big on collecting items. “With a house full of kids, things accumulate quickly,” she says. She keeps only the essentials, regularly decluttering to ensure the home remains open and calm. “Declutter, declutter, declutter,” she emphasizes as her mantra.

Decorations are minimal but meaningful. Above her bed, Mathis has a painting of a mysterious woman and a horse that exudes strength and power. “It gives me hope and courage every morning,” she shares. Her nightstand is equally intentional, with a rose quartz crystal and an inspirational book for a bit of nighttime reading.

Living in California means outdoor space is essential, and Mathis has already made the most of it. With a pergola over the outdoor dining area and a cozy fire pit, she’s ready for family time al fresco. Currently, she’s zhuzhing up the landscaping to add even more outdoor gathering spaces for her family to enjoy.

Mathis has created a perfect blend of style and functionality in her home, making it a space that reflects her family’s needs and personality. "I don’t think this is our forever home, but it’s just right for us now."