While many homes aren’t designed with the Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing community in mind, that oversight can make daily tasks more difficult — and sometimes even unsafe. As a DeafBlind interior designer, I’ve experienced firsthand how thoughtful design can make a huge difference in everyday life, not just for myself but for others in the Deaf, DeafBlind, and HOH communities.

This blog isn’t just about smart homes — although I’ll be sharing a great real-life example — it’s about practical, effective ways to make any home more accessible, from lighting choices to furniture layout.

I’m also excited to share insights from two of my good friends, Mei Nishimoto and Bob Hawbaker, a deaf couple who transformed their home using smart technology and creative design solutions to better support their unique needs. You’ll hear more from them later in this post — including a video that shows one of their automations in action.

But first, let’s talk about the foundational elements of designing with accessibility in mind.

This living room, designed by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co., features a modern mountain lodge aesthetic with Deaf-friendly elements like symmetrical seating for visual communication and clear sightlines. This project was featured in *Architectural Digest*.

Lighting

Lighting is one of the most overlooked, yet critical, aspects of designing a home for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals. It’s not just about brightness — it’s about visibility, safety, and control.

For those with low vision or who rely heavily on visual cues, poor lighting can create daily frustrations and hazards. Shadows, backlighting, and poorly placed fixtures can disrupt communication, especially for those who use sign language or lipreading. Meanwhile, DeafBlind individuals benefit from consistent, glare-free lighting and tactile controls.

As a designer, I recommend focusing on three things: even lighting, smart lighting control, and placement.

Here are some lighting tips to consider:

Layer your lighting. Use a mix of overhead, task, and ambient lighting to minimize shadows and make visual cues easier to see.

Avoid glare. Choose matte finishes on walls and floors, and install fixtures that reduce harsh reflections.
Install smart lighting systems. Smart switches or motion-activated lights make it easier to navigate the home — no need to fumble for a switch in the dark.
Use dimmers. For low-vision individuals, adjustable brightness can reduce eye strain and make different tasks easier to manage.
Think about communication zones. Lighting should support face-to-face interaction — avoid backlighting where it makes it harder to see facial expressions or signs.

A Real-Life Solution: Mei & Bob’s Lighting Setup

In their smart home, Mei and Bob added extra recessed light cans with low-glare features in key areas like the kitchen, lanai, and bathroom. All of their lights are on smart dimmer switches, giving them control from their iPhone without needing to search for physical switches.

“Light is an issue for my low vision, as majority homes are built with limited or no lights,” Bob shared. By rethinking their lighting plan, they made their home easier to navigate, safer, and more visually accessible.

They even adapted their exterior lighting to meet local Dark Sky standards while keeping the space well-lit for safety — a perfect example of combining accessibility with aesthetics.

A round dining table with ten upholstered chairs provides a welcoming, inclusive layout for accessible conversations. Dark walls and white draperies create a balanced, calming backdrop ideal for visual communication.
**(This image was AI-generated for illustrative purposes.)**

Social Setup

In homes where Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing individuals live, the layout of social spaces plays a vital role in communication. Thoughtful furniture arrangements and spatial planning can create an environment that fosters connection, inclusion, and ease.

Key design considerations for a communication-friendly setup:

Maintain clear sightlines. Avoid placing tall furniture, shelves, or partial walls that block views. Open sightlines allow for uninterrupted sign language conversations, lipreading, and facial expression recognition — all essential forms of communication.
Choose rounded or circular seating arrangements. Whether in a living room or shared space, curved layouts help everyone see one another easily, making conversations feel more natural and inclusive.
Dining room setup matters. Rectangular dining tables often make it difficult to see everyone, especially in larger groups. Instead, opt for a round or oval dining table, which allows everyone to engage with others at the table. A square table can also work — just ensure one person sits on each side for optimal visibility.
Open concept kitchens are ideal. An open kitchen with a central island provides a perfect space for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals to gather, interact, and socialize while preparing food or enjoying casual meals. The island becomes a hub for connection without the barriers of walls or isolated corners.
Mind the lighting. Poorly placed lighting, especially overhead lights directly behind people, can cause glare or shadows that make signing or reading expressions difficult. Try to position lighting above or in front of conversation areas instead.
Consider strategic mirrors. Placing mirrors on key walls can help people become aware of who is approaching from behind — offering greater situational awareness, especially for DeafBlind individuals.

As someone who designs and lives with DeafBlindness, I know that these small shifts in layout can dramatically improve how we engage in shared spaces. A well-designed home doesn’t just support communication — it invites it.

This AI-generated living room design features dark green walls, a curved sectional sofa, round coffee table, and a pair of swivel chairs — a layout that promotes face-to-face interaction and accessibility. Patterned rug, large black and white artwork, and gold wall sconces add personality and balance.

Wall Colors

Wall color isn’t just a stylistic choice — it plays a practical role in accessibility for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals. The right colors can enhance visibility, reduce eye strain, and improve contrast for easier navigation and communication.

Tips for choosing wall colors with accessibility in mind:

Use soft, neutral backgrounds. Pale, matte-finish walls (like warm whites, taupes, or muted grays) provide a clean backdrop that makes hand movements, facial expressions, and signing easier to see. Avoid overly saturated or busy colors that can visually compete with communication.
Create contrast where it matters. High contrast between walls and furniture, doorframes, or switch plates can help those with low vision identify important features more easily. For example, a dark-colored switch plate on a light wall is easier to locate.
Avoid high-gloss finishes. Glossy paint can create glare, especially in well-lit areas, making it harder for people to read facial cues or move safely. Opt for flat, eggshell, or matte finishes to reduce harsh reflections.
Don’t feel limited to one “default” color. As an interior designer, I’ve noticed that some nonprofit organizations and homes with Deaf residents tend to use a single dark blue or navy accent wall — often with the good intention of helping sign language be more visible. While that can be effective, it’s important to know there are many beautiful alternatives. Charcoal, black, dark green, plum, dark gray, or even a rich brown can offer the same visual benefit while allowing more style and personality to come through.
Wallpaper works too — if done thoughtfully. It’s okay to use wallpaper as long as the pattern isn’t too busy. Opt for darker tones with subtle or tone-on-tone patterns to add depth without creating visual noise.
Consider visual fatigue. For those with low vision or light sensitivity, soft earth tones and natural hues are often more comfortable over long periods than stark whites or intense brights.

In short, wall color can do more than set a mood — it can support communication, orientation, and comfort. It’s a subtle but essential part of accessible home design that offers room for both function and creativity.

Open Concept

An open concept layout can significantly enhance accessibility for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals — not just from a style perspective, but from a communication and safety standpoint as well.

When designed thoughtfully, open layouts support better sightlines, easier navigation, and a stronger sense of connection throughout the home.

Why open concept matters for accessibility:

Uninterrupted visual communication. Walls and tight corners can break up sightlines, making it harder for Deaf or HOH individuals to stay visually connected in conversations. Open floor plans make it easier to maintain awareness and sign with others across the room.
Improved spatial awareness. For DeafBlind individuals or those with low vision, open layouts reduce obstacles and make navigation simpler, especially when paired with clear lighting and consistent flooring.
Shared cues across rooms. In a well-designed open space, someone in the kitchen can still catch a visual cue from someone in the living room — whether it’s a gesture, a light flashing, or someone signing from across the space.
Multi-purpose zones work well. Combining kitchen, dining, and living areas into one cohesive space creates more flexibility and comfort for socializing and daily routines.

One especially helpful layout is the open-concept kitchen with an island. It creates a natural gathering space where Deaf, DeafBlind, and HOH individuals can comfortably socialize while cooking or sharing a casual meal. The island serves as a communication-friendly hub with open views to other parts of the home.

But it’s not the only option.

While open concept layouts are often the top choice among many Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals, that doesn't mean it's the right fit for everyone. Some people in these communities prefer traditional floor plans or split-level homes for personal comfort, privacy, or safety reasons. Accessibility should always be tailored to individual needs and lifestyles.

I actually wrote more about this topic in a previous blog:
The Great Debate: Open Concept vs. Traditional Floor Plans

This luxe Modern Organic living room was designed by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co. The room features dark walls with soft white draperies, a curved sectional sofa, green swivel chairs, and a round wooden coffee table — balancing style, comfort, and visual accessibility. The 3D rendering created by Stuccco.

Furniture Arrangement

Furniture placement plays a crucial role in making a home accessible for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals. It’s not just about comfort or style — it's about enhancing communication, safety, and ease of movement.

Key principles for accessible furniture layout:

Keep sightlines open. Arrange furniture to support face-to-face interaction. Avoid tall or bulky pieces that block visibility across rooms or between seating areas. Clear lines of sight are especially important for people who rely on signing or lipreading.
Allow wide, clutter-free walkways. Make sure there’s enough space to move around furniture comfortably — especially important for those with low vision, mobility aids, or when responding to visual alerts like flashing lights.
Avoid trip hazards with smart rug choices. Many DeafBlind individuals or people with low vision tend to avoid rugs altogether because high-pile or lightweight rugs can bunch up and create serious tripping hazards. If rugs are used, choose low-pile, heavy rugs that stay flat. Adding a rug pad underneath can help reduce bumps and prevent the edges from curling.
Rethink the coffee table. Some DeafBlind individuals avoid using coffee tables due to the risk of hitting or tripping over them while navigating the space. A great alternative is a large ottoman, which is softer and lower risk. To make it functional as a coffee table, simply add a sturdy tray on top for drinks, remotes, or décor.
Use rounded or soft-edged furniture. Choose pieces with curved corners, especially for tables and ottomans, to reduce the risk of injury if someone bumps into them.
Consider layout for group conversation. Instead of the typical L-shaped sectional, try two sofas facing each other or a curved sectional. Arranging chairs and sofas around a central point — like an ottoman or rug — allows everyone to see one another clearly. Swivel chairs are a favorite among many Deaf individuals because they offer the flexibility to turn toward whoever is signing or speaking.
Anchor furniture with contrast. Selecting furniture in contrasting colors or textures from the floor and walls helps those with low vision better perceive edges and boundaries, reducing the likelihood of falls.

As always, accessibility and style don’t have to compete. Thoughtful furniture arrangement can make a space feel more connected, safe, and welcoming — for everyone.

AI-generated image of a left hand holding an iPhone against a warm gray background, symbolizing how smart home alerts can be received visually via mobile devices. — This AI-generated image illustrates how smart home systems can send visual alerts directly to a smartphone — a valuable feature in deaf-friendly and accessible home design.

A Real-Life Accessible Home: Insights from Mei & Bob

To show how accessible design can look and function in real life, I interviewed two of my good friends, Mei Nishimoto and Bob Hawbaker, a deaf couple who thoughtfully redesigned their home to better support their daily lives. Through smart planning and intentional design choices, they created a space that offers both safety and independence — with features tailored to their specific needs.

Common Challenges They Faced

For Mei and Bob, like many deaf individuals, everyday situations that rely on sound posed real safety concerns. They mentioned challenges such as:

Not hearing the doorbell or knowing when someone was outside
Missing alert sounds from appliances or faucets
Not knowing if the fire alarm had gone off
Navigating dimly lit areas with low vision

Design Solutions They Implemented

To address these issues, Mei and Bob took a layered approach using both physical design and technology-based cues to create a safer, more accessible home:

They added more recessed lighting than typical — including in the kitchen, lanai, and even the shower area — using low-glare, dimmable lights controlled by their phones.
Their lighting is automated and intuitive, reducing the need to search for switches in the dark.
They installed smart smoke and CO alarms that send alerts to their phones.
A video doorbell and exterior cameras help them monitor who’s at the door or approaching the house — all via visual notifications.
Smart outlets and automations help prevent accidents, such as automatically turning off appliances left on too long.

One particularly clever feature is how their lighting system communicates important events through flashing light patterns. For example, if the refrigerator door is left open too long, the lights begin to flash — letting Bob know to return and shut the door.

🎥 Here’s a short video that shows this alert system in action:

“These visual alerts give us peace of mind. We don’t have to guess what’s happening — the house tells us.”

Thoughtful Lighting and Layout Choices

Beyond smart devices, their home layout was designed with visibility and ease of movement in mind:

Wall-mounted Pico remotes provide switch access on both sides of a room — without needing complicated wiring.
A smart thermostat replaces small, hard-to-read displays with phone-based controls, making it easier for Bob to adjust settings.
Their furniture layout keeps pathways clear, and their lighting design supports visibility throughout the home — all tailored to their specific routines.

“It’s not just about gadgets — it’s about how the home works for us every day.”

Mei and Bob’s home is a great example of how design can empower deaf individuals to live more safely, comfortably, and independently — all while maintaining a warm and personalized space.

AI-generated image showing a round, modern smart smoke detector mounted on a ceiling with a red flashing light, designed to visually alert residents during emergencies. — This AI-generated image illustrates a realistic smart smoke detector with a red flashing alert light — an essential safety feature for deaf-friendly and accessible home design.

Safety Considerations

One of the most critical — and often overlooked — aspects of accessible home design for deaf individuals is alert and alarm visibility. While most homes have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, their placement and functionality often fall short of being truly accessible.

In many homes, alarms are installed in hallways or placed out of sight, making it hard for someone who can’t hear them to know when they’ve gone off. I’ve seen cases where detectors are located far from where people actually spend their time — and even further from the sources most likely to trigger an alert, like the kitchen or laundry area.

I understand that many homeowners don’t love how these devices look. They’re often considered an eyesore and placed in low-visibility areas to hide them — but this design choice can put people at risk, especially those who rely on visual or tactile alerts instead of sound.

Design Tips for Safer, More Accessible Alerts:

Choose smoke and CO detectors with built-in strobe lights. These visual alerts are essential in notifying deaf individuals when an alarm is triggered.
Install alarms in key areas throughout the home. Don’t just place them in hallways — add them to living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms where people spend time and may need to be alerted quickly.
Avoid placing detectors too far from potential sources. For example, a smoke detector located too far from the kitchen won’t respond in time to prevent danger.
Use interconnected alarms when possible. If one alarm goes off, the others throughout the home will alert as well — this provides better coverage and faster warning.
Consider smart alarms with phone alerts or light-based automation. These can be linked to visual cues like flashing overhead lights for more layered notifications.

I once visited a home where visual alarm flashers were installed in every room — from the main living space to each bedroom and bathroom. It was one of the most accessible setups I’ve seen, and it made a huge difference in ensuring safety across the entire home.

Whether you're designing for yourself or for clients, placing safety at the center of your design choices can quite literally save lives. Accessibility isn’t just about comfort — it’s also about protection and peace of mind.

AI-generated image of a modern matte black single-handle bathroom faucet with water running into a white oval sink set in a light quartz countertop, illustrating water safety concerns in accessible design. — This AI-generated image features a modern matte black bathroom faucet with water running into an oval white sink — a reminder of how accidental water overflows can happen and why smart solutions matter in accessible home design.

Preventing Water Accidents

One of the most common and costly issues faced by many deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing individuals is accidentally leaving the water running. Without sound as a cue, it’s easy to forget that a faucet was left on — and unfortunately, I know people who’ve had their kitchens, bathrooms, or even entire homes flooded because of this.

Right now, automatic water shut-off faucets are mostly found in commercial settings — like airports or office buildings — where the water turns off automatically once your hands are removed. These faucets would be a must-have in residential settings for deaf and deafblind individuals, but unfortunately, they’re not yet widely available or designed for home use.

Until then, there are other smart solutions that can help prevent serious water damage.

A Smarter Approach to Water Monitoring

My friends Mei and Bob installed a smart water monitoring device in their home that tracks overall water usage and alerts them if something seems off — like a leak or water running too long. Their system can even shut off the water automatically to stop damage before it spreads.

“We installed a water line monitor, and we put our sink disposer on a device with a remote that turns it off after 5, 10, or 20 seconds — so we don’t forget.”

Devices like these may not replace a commercial-style motion-sensor faucet, but they do offer a meaningful layer of safety and independence. Even small solutions — like plug-in disposals with timers or smart plugs for appliances — can make a big difference in daily peace of mind.

This is one area of home tech I hope to see more innovation in soon — residential faucet systems with automatic shutoff features would be a game changer for the deaf and deafblind communities.

Mid-century modern foyer designed by Joshua Jones featuring a wooden bench with throw pillows, light-toned walls, and an open layout with natural light — a deaf-friendly entryway that emphasizes visibility and clear sightlines. — his mid-century modern foyer was designed by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co., with accessibility in mind. The open layout, natural lighting, and uncluttered design offer a welcoming, deaf-friendly entryway that supports clear visual communication from the moment you enter the home.

Making Space for Everyone

Creating an accessible home for deaf and hard of hearing individuals — including those with low vision — isn’t about flashy tech or following design trends. It’s about making thoughtful, intentional choices that support daily life, communication, and safety. From lighting and layout to smart features and safety alerts, accessibility can be integrated into every corner of a home without compromising style or comfort.

Mei and Bob’s home is a powerful example of what’s possible when accessibility is prioritized from the start. Their thoughtful design choices show how a space can truly support independence, peace of mind, and connection.

While this blog focuses on making homes accessible for deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing individuals, many of the ideas shared here — like better lighting, visual alerts, open layouts, and flexible furniture — can benefit anyone navigating unique challenges at home. Accessibility doesn’t belong to one group; it’s a universal design value that improves life for everyone.

As a Deafblind interior designer, I’ve seen how deeply these details matter — not just for myself, but for the people and communities I design for. Whether you’re planning a renovation, updating your space, or just looking for ways to make your home feel more inclusive, I hope this post offers inspiration, clarity, and encouragement to design with intention.

If you’d like support designing a more accessible space, or want to learn more, feel free to reach out — I’d love to help.

Jun 28 How to Create an Accessible Home for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing People