Nate Berkus is looking at home design through the prism of low vision and we are delighted to receive his expert advice.  He knows color contrast and he knows lighting.  He knows how progressive vision loss can make it difficult to see the details in your own living space.  He understands this because his grandmother had macular degeneration.

The celebrity interior designer and author, launched My Home In Sight to empower people living with wet AMD, in collaboration with Novartis and patient advocacy groups.  The program information is by no means limited to such a specific audience and offers benefit to a much broader scope of low vision patients.

The program highlights 5 key principles that can help create a home environment that is not just easier on the eyes, but also safer and more comfortable.  Nate reminds us how important it is to love our home, and making it more accessible for vision loss does not require sacrificing style.

“My Home In Sight kit” includes inspiring ideas for your home focused on:

• Color & Contrast – Adding contrast in furniture, accents and objects improves the utility and function of every room. When it comes to color choice — go bold!

• Safety – Using contrast to highlight the edge of steps will greatly improve visibility and safety. Contrasting door frames, dishes, mugs and drinking glasses make accidents less likely to happen.

• Lighting – Throwing more light on the subject can totally improve how well you see everything.  Changing light bulbs and adding a gooseneck, lightens the atmosphere.

• Organization – Get organized so you’ll reach for and find everything in its appropriate place.  Designate a convenient, easy access home for your keys, glasses and mobile devices, so they’ll always be exactly where you left them.

• Low Vision Tools – Make the most of the tools you have at home including magnifiers, sticky notes, bright tapes and textures.

Order the complete kit at MyHomeInSightKit.com.

It’s all about making adjustments and many of these suggestions have been offered on OE before, but even we must admit, there is something about Nate that makes these ideas irresistible!