If you're in the process of relocating to a smaller living space, you probably have plenty of questions on effective decorating techniques for downsized home interiors. Decorating a small home involves form meeting function in ways that are aesthetically pleasing. Following are five strategies designed to to maximize the visual appeal as well as the overall livability of small home interiors. 

Don't Be Afraid of Color 

Many of those decorating small spaces fall back on the old standby of light, bright, and white to hopefully make tiny rooms look larger. While it's true that an overall light color palette is preferable to one that's dark and dreary, judicious use of color makes small spaces look and feel better. Try using contrasting paint color on trim such as windowsills and base boards -- the same applies to household fabrics such as curtains, bedspreads, and tablecloths. Color goes a long way in a small room.

Make One Wall a Mirror 

You can make any room look twice as big by making one wall into a mirror. For optimal effect, position the mirror on the opposite wall as a stunning visual feature such as a beautiful painting or fireplace. If it's not possible or practical for you to have the wall completely redone into a mirrored surface, a large, freestanding mirror against the wall will provide the same effect. 

Choose Furnishings That Do Double-Duty

You'll save lots of room and substantially reduce clutter by selecting furniture that provides more than one function. For instance, if you decide to get a butcher block table for your kitchen, choose one that offers closed cabinet storage space under the actual table. Also, choosing one with wheels allows you to move it to the side when not in use. A captain-style bed with drawers underneath the mattress area provides plenty of essential storage space, and you can also find couches and even easy chairs with the same feature. Medicine cabinets that are two feet deep can be used in place of bulky linen closets.

Maximize Your Outdoor Living Space

Even a small patio or balcony makes a small space look and feel larger. Treat your outdoor living area as if it were another room of your house -- furnish it with outdoor furniture and decorate it with plants and statuary to expand your available space. 

Perform Regular Ruthless Purging

Those living in larger homes can get away with allowing clutter to build up a bit. However, if you're living in a small space, performing purges on a regular basis keeps home interiors from becoming overwhelmed by clutter.  Reach out to an interior designer for more exciting tips and tips for making the most of your downsized living environment.