Millions of people have some type of visual impairment that makes doing simple tasks in the home more difficult than it should be. However, a good interior design can help compensate for having poor vision and make these tasks a little easier. One of the leading causes of vision impairment is age but some people are born with limited sight and in some cases, an accident or medical condition may be responsible for poor eyesight.

Being able to do things for yourself is very important for the visually impaired and the right design can help you maintain some of your independence. Designing a home for someone with limited visibility can be challenging but it’s certainly achievable and the following tips can help you get started.

When Designing a Home for the Visually Impaired Safety Is the Main Concern

Safety is the number one concern when designing a home for the visually impaired. You need room to move around without tripping or running into furniture. For this reason, most designs include large spacious kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms that make it easier to move around without bumping into things.

Here are a few more tips to make your home safer:

• Use a combination of natural and artificial lighting to brighten up the home because ample lighting is very important
• Install safety bars for the shower and toilet
• Place light switches at every doorway to avoid having to walk around in a dark room to turn on the lights
• Paint the walls and doors different colors because the contrast between the colors will help you distinguish between the two easier
• Keep furniture to a minimum by only choosing the items you really need
• Keep hallways clear and free of furniture such as end tables and any other obstacles that could pose a safety hazard
• Avoid area rugs that can cause trip and fall accidents
• Choose a flooring like carpet that is not naturally slippery

Having a safe home where you can get around without bumping into furniture or tripping over something will allow you to be more mobile and independent. A modern design that focuses on functionality, organization, simplicity and avoiding clutter is an excellent choice because that is exactly what someone with poor eyesight needs. Our experts here at J. Design Group can help you create a modern design that suits your personality and needs perfectly.

Organization Is Vital

It can be difficult for someone with good eyesight to find the things they want when your home is unorganized, so you can imagine how difficult it would be someone who cannot see very well. For this reason, organization is vital. You don’t want to spend time searching through everything for the items you want or need on a daily basis. When the home is organized, everything has its own place and that makes it easy to find.

Landscaping is also a big concern because everyone enjoys getting outside when the weather permits. The lawn should be level and well maintained to eliminate debris and other obstacles that could cause an accident. Contact us when you’re ready to begin your design project and we’ll schedule a consultation to discuss the details with you.