Some wish they could all be California girls, while others decide that if they can't get the California girls, then maybe they can at least get the California homes. For decades, California has been inspiring the nation to redecorate – California style. Here's a look at eight different California-style interior design ideas for your home.

1. Modern Lines, Modern Furniture

California's interior design style has a distinctive, modern look. Therefore, one of the first things you should do in your home, whether you own California real estate or you're stuck on the East Coast, is to get some modern furniture. Granted, not all California homes sport the clean, sharp lines of modern furniture, but even in the quaint, Northern California cottages, such as those in Placer County, modern furniture is far more common than old-world style furniture.

2. Spanish Mission Styles

California was settled by the Spanish long before it became a part of America. The Spanish mission-style heritage still looms large in California's exterior and interior design. Bold colors, exposed wood beams, and hand-painted ceramic tiles are all a part of the contemporary look for California homes.

3. Inspired by Chinatown

As a state, California is one of the most diverse places in the nation. One place this diversity is particularly apparent is in San Francisco's Chinatown. Proudly calling itself the largest Chinatown outside of Asia itself, Chinatown has influenced design ideas in California real estate for many decades. Paper lanterns, bold, red colors, delicate china, and ornate dragons are just a few of the design ideas from Chinatown that have bled over into the rest of California culture. Spanish mission style and Chinatown style are just two of the many cultures that have influenced California decor over the years.

4. Southern California Style

Los Angeles is the key to Southern California. With a deep influence coming from Hollywood, the design style of Los Angeles is always cutting edge and modern, but sometimes Angelinos go through a “retro” phase. Lately, vintage light fixtures and the mid-twentieth century Hollywood Regency style has been especially popular in L.A.

5. Northern California Style

Los Angeles might be the place to be if it's Hollywood you're after, but if it's a sense of history combined with a chic, creative, sophisticated look, you should think more about Northern California's styles, such as those seen in the Rocklin-area real estate outside Roseville, CA, or those styles that dominate the San Francisco Bay Area. In the Bay, it's the dark, stained woodwork, graphic prints, and modern furniture that dominate local interior design styles.

6. San Diego Style

For Southern California style that's not quite as bright and eclectic as Los Angeles, turn to San Diego for inspiration. San Diego has a beach culture and one of the most perfect climates on Earth. It's hip like Los Angeles, but life doesn't move at quite the same break-neck speed. The design of San Diego homes reflects this slower pace: muted colors, stone floors, and ocean-inspired ornamentation are characteristic of the San Diego look.

7. Lovers of the Outdoors

In Northern California, residents love their giant Redwood trees and their tempestuous, rocky beaches. In Central California, residents love the golden-brown colors of the open fields and the large National Parks. In Southern California, it's all about the sand, the sun, and the ocean. No matter where you go in California, people seem to love the outdoors. Therefore, it shouldn't come as a surprise that many Californians adore outdoor lounge furniture that enables them to enjoy their porch or patio well into the evening.

8. California Colors

Out West, East Coasters have a reputation for being a little on the abrasive side, and their interior design choices reflect those tough exteriors. California, on the other hand, has a reputation for being one of the mellowest places in the country, and the colors they choose for their homes demonstrate that mellow attitude. California style, especially in Southern California, is famous for its pastels, its tans, and its creams – in short, soft colors that reflect a soft temperament. In Northern California, natural wood looks are often preferred, harkening back to the history of the region. Meanwhile, in Napa Valley, you'll find some of the most sophisticated looks in the state. Dark woods in old Italian or European designs are common for furniture; ornate wall hangings and an almost baroque sensibility are common.

In sum, California-inspired design offers a broad palette of colors, furniture, and decorations to choose from. Think about what region of California you want your style to represent, then choose colors and furniture pieces to match that look. Whether you live in California or all the way on the East Coast, you can take a little bit of California home with you when you choose a California-inspired design for your house or apartment.