My living room and adjoining dining room are abundant with the artwork by our daughters. But there’s nothing random about what I’m displaying. There’s a sense of continuity, a cohesive connection between all of the pieces. The organizing element, the theme of this curated installation is Human Beings. On view, there are sculptures, drawings, paintings, even painted textiles.

The same idea of organizing and displaying eclectic objects that are united somehow conceptually prevails throughout the apartment. Even in the succulent garden, the progression from point A to point B is accomplished by intentionally repeating a color in most of the “star” plants. It’s the continuity that brings everything together while enhancing a sense of flow and coherence.

Continuity gives vibrant energy to the space

The cover image for this post shows how continuity can be achieved on an urban scale. It’s created as a result of repeating various features, such as balconies, windows, even street furniture. Take a look at the Victorian houses of San Francisco and Brownstones of New York City, for example. Unifying curves, arched entryways, and consistent sizes as well as overall height, all contribute to a specific character unique to the place.

Whether you are organizing your favorite objects on a shelf of your home office, displaying artwork in the hallway, or designing a backyard that evokes continuity by connecting with your home, there are simple steps you can take to achieve the desired vibe. Below, please find ten possible approaches:

1. Explore similarities in two or more things that provide a connection between them

2. Repeat a detail to help the eye travel

3. Group by color

4. Celebrate your love for the ordinary

5. Ground and elevate at the same time

6. Complement

7. Emphasize through repetition

Here’s an example of how a bold accent color is inserted in every room to create continuity.

8. Help hidden layers to emerge

9. Tell a story

10. Focus on nitty-gritty

Lastly, while displaying and organizing, it’s a good idea to aim for a space reflective of personal taste

Continuity imbued with your personality is what makes it feel inviting. For more inspiration, check out my free downloadable ideaBOOK 01 called Displaying and Organizing. Write to me with any questions here.