The Hidden Risks of Trompe l’oeil in Dementia Friendly Design
As interior designers, we are always exploring ways to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional, but, when designing for individuals living with dementia, aesthetics must always be balanced with practicality and well-being. One artistic technique that often sparks debate in designing for care homes is trompe l’oeil – by definition, the use of optical illusions to create the appearance of three-dimensional objects on flat surfaces. While this style can add charm in many settings, it can be problematic in dementia-friendly design.
Why Trompe l’oeil Can Be Confusing and Distressing
Trompe l’oeil has been admired for centuries, bringing whimsical and unexpected elements into interior spaces. However, for individuals living with dementia, these illusions can lead to unnecessary confusion and distress. People with cognitive impairments often experience changes in depth perception and spatial awareness, making realistic painted illusions not just misleading, but potentially dangerous.
Consider these potential risks:
- False Perceptions Lead to Frustration – A painted door that doesn’t open or a faux staircase that isn’t real can cause confusion and distress, making navigation unnecessarily difficult.
- Increased Fall Risks – Trompe l’oeil effects that mimic depth, such as painted rugs or steps, may cause hesitation, fear, or even missteps that lead to falls.
- Heightened Anxiety and Discomfort – Spaces that create uncertainty about what is real and what is not can trigger stress, leading to agitation or withdrawal.
- Lack of Functional Benefit – While trompe l’oeil can add artistic flair, it does not support the core principles of dementia-friendly design, which focus on clear, intuitive, and reassuring environments.
Thoughtful Use of Murals with Real Accessories
While trompe l’oeil can create confusion, there are ways to tactfully incorporate wall murals to enhance the space. One effective approach is using shopfront murals combined with real accessories to create a sense of familiarity and purpose, for example, a mural depicting a hair salon storefront could feature a real entrance leading into an actual salon space, providing both visual interest and functional wayfinding.
This method works because it blends the familiarity of recognisable environments with tangible elements, avoiding the confusion that can arise from purely illusionary designs. By anchoring murals with real, interactive components, we create engaging spaces that evoke positive memories while maintaining clarity and usability.
Designing for Clarity and Comfort
When creating dementia friendly spaces, our priority is to reduce visual clutter and reinforce spatial awareness. Instead of using trompe l’oeil, consider these alternatives:
- Use artwork that evokes familiarity – Gentle, scenic murals depicting nature or familiar townscapes can provide comfort without causing confusion.
- Enhance depth naturally – Thoughtful lighting and contrasting colors can create dimension without optical tricks.
- Prioritise clear wayfinding – Visual cues should reinforce a space’s function, such as a bookshelf near a reading nook rather than a painted one on a wall.
- Maintain a sense of safety and predictability – Spaces should feel intuitive, ensuring that what looks like a door or step functions as one.
The Key to Thoughtful Dementia Design
The best design decisions are those that enhance well-being. While trompe l’oeil may be an impressive artistic technique, its use in dementia care settings should be reconsidered. Instead, we recommend a focus on creating spaces that are easy to navigate, reduce anxiety, and promote independence. By prioritising clarity and function over illusion, we can craft environments that truly support those who need them most.
Ultimately, good design isn’t about tricking the eye – it’s about creating a space that feels safe, comfortable, and empowering for everyone who experiences it.