A psychologist analyzed our personalities by looking at photos of our desks — here's how accurate we think she was

Space Works

You may not realize it, but your desk might say a lot more about you than you'd think.

Without ever meeting me, environmental psychologist Lily Bernheimer looked at my desk and taught me a few things about myself.

Bernheimer, the cofounder and director of Space Works Consulting, a UK-based environmental-psychology consultancy, holds an M.S. in Environmental Psychology from the University of Surrey and a B.A. from Brown University.

Her job at Space Works is to make workspaces and urban environments work for the people and purpose they serve. She is currently writing a book on the psychology of everyday spaces, "The Shaping of Us," to be published in 2017.

A few weeks ago, I sent Bernheimer images of my and a few of my colleagues' desks. She analyzed the images and sent back her observations and assessments via email. All she had to work off of was the photos — she's never met or talked to any of us.

I showed my coworkers what Bernheimer had to say and asked them for reactions.

Here's what Bernheimer concluded about me and four of my coworkers — Emmie, Libby, Amanda, and Sara — along with their responses:

Emmie's desk

Bernheimer says: "This is the classic desk of a highly conscientious person: orderly, disciplined, and cautious. The books are perfectly stacked, there's no clutter, and everything is in its proper place. But beyond being extremely tidy, we also see signs of organization: to-do lists, sticky notes, and perfectly placed pen and paper, poised for planning. Besides being hard working, reliable, focused, and achievement-oriented conscientious people like to make plans and follow routines."

Emmie's response: "The assessment seems pretty accurate. I'm all about being organized and having a plan to tackle my work. I like routine and knowing exactly what I'm going to do each day. I try to make a to-do list for the next day every afternoon before I leave. I try to work hard and be a reliable team member, so I hope that comes across to my coworkers as well."

Libby's desk

Bernheimer says: "Cluttered, chaotic, colorful: this is the desk of an extrovert. Extroverts are excitement seekers and get easily bored without stimulation so they like to surround themselves with bright lights, materials, knicknacks related to their many activities, and warm, saturated colors like red.

"The phone is also placed within easy reach, whereas some of Libby's colleagues have pushed their phones out of the way or off the desk all together. But with their days so busy, extroverts often don't have enough time to tidy up! I would expect Libby to be assertive, cheerful, and above all friendly."

Libby's response: "I'm actually a textbook introvert. I just don't have anywhere else to keep my books or phone! I do recognize myself in that last sentence, though. A friendly introvert — that's me."

Amanda's desk

Bernheimer says: "This looks like the desk of an introvert. At the other end of the spectrum from extroverts, introverts are overwhelmed by too much stimulation, and draw their energy from solitary pursuits. Amanda seems to have built a fortress for herself, with books, hardware, and even hats piled high, creating a secure position of refuge. A greater need for personal space is linked to introversion and higher rates of anxiety.

"Sitting on the periphery can also be a sign that you are low in agreeableness: the tendency to be helpful, cooperative, and sympathetic. There is also a generally grey and cool color-scheme to this desk, aligning with introverted color preferences. But introverts shouldn't get a bad rap: They are often highly creative and productive types who need their own fortress to flourish."

Amanda's response: "Gosh, is she right? I thought the items on my desk said I'm an extrovert. I took it as, 'look at all these things on my desk you can ask me about!'"