It's interesting to observe how people's homes reflect their personalities, says Isabel Morton

DUE TO THE nature of my work, I am constantly in and out of various properties. Not just properties which have been preened in preparation for public viewing, but those which are about to be gutted and renovated, others which are in need of some decoration, and some which are just in need of a tweak here and there. And then, there are the homes of friends (of which I may be about to lose a few) and family.

I recently realised how I am obviously (and rather tragically), so obsessed with property that quite subconsciously I play a little game with myself every time I meet someone for the first time. I immediately imagine the home surroundings of the person to whom I have just been introduced. And, after a few short minutes chatting with them, I am convinced that I could accurately describe their homes. (Well, I did warn you that it was all rather tragic.)

Leaving aside the fact that I am obviously in need of psychiatric care, or at the very least a long holiday in a tent on an uninhabited island, it is actually quite interesting to observe how people's homes reflect their personalities.

And the really interesting thing is that, even when people hire an interior designer, within a few short weeks of them living in their newly decorated homes the owner's personalities assert themselves and become clearly obvious.

By the way, in case you think that I am exempt from this psychobabble, let me tell you from the outset that gay men "just love" my home. Now, I will leave you to figure that one out for yourselves.

Homes owned by couples are usually decorated by one of the pair. With heterosexual couples, the woman is invariably the one who takes responsibility for the interior décor, irrespective of whether or not it comes naturally to her.

On that subject, I find it unfortunate that women these days are expected to be superwomen in every area, both outside and inside the home. Of course, we are our own worst enemy in this regard and put huge pressure on ourselves to compete with our own sex on every level.

It is just not considered good enough these days to hold down a decent job or stay home to concentrate on bringing up a family. We must also look like Elle McPherson, cook like Nigella Lawson and decorate our homes like Kelly Hoppen.

On the occasions that I am employed as an interior designer, I find that men let me get on with my job without wanting to become involved, but women invariably have to be part of every little decision. I find it interesting that I "do" the interior design job for men, but apparently I only "help" women. It says it all really.

The warmest and most welcoming homes I have ever been in are invariably ones where the owners have decorated to suit themselves as opposed to trying to impress others.

Some homes are screamingly pretentious and it is immediately and abundantly clear that the owners did not grow up with the money which they now have at their disposal. Everything is bought new and it all matches perfectly. However, the rooms are devoid of personality and, despite their obvious affluence, lack true style. There is no doubt about it - money can't buy style.

Note I use the word "style" rather than "taste" as the latter is subjective. Everyone has their own particular taste. I am more at home with the classical comfortable look, but I can appreciate everyone else's individual taste, as long as it has style.

Some houses are not homes, in the true sense of the word, as they appear cold, uncomfortable, uninviting and unlived in. Others make you feel immediately warm and welcomed. And there are the odd few houses where you sense that you are invading a war zone. The owners' unhappy family lives permeate the very fabric of the house.

One of the most attractive homes I have ever been in was a tiny ex-corporation house in which a family of 11 lived. The hall door opened into the one living area where the entire family snuggled up together like puppies in a basket. The décor was warm and cosy, with a high shelf which ran around the room at picture rail height, cluttered with little items which reflected different aspects of their lives. There were sports trophies, photographs, decorations made by children and grandchildren, souvenirs from holidays abroad and cards and letters from friends and family.

If you are one of the many trying to sell your home in this depressed market, it may be worth remembering that the few purchasers who are out there at the moment are actually looking to buy a home, not an overly staged house.

Keep that thought in mind when you are preening and prepping your property for the sales market.