Sherlock may not be willing to offer up many details about himself, but the brownstone on CBS’s Elementary reveals a great deal about the detective.

The eyes are the window to the soul. However, Sherlock does not believe in souls, nor do his eyes give much away except maybe that he is poorly lacking sleep and that he is constantly annoyed at humans not living up to their potential. That is something to go on, but there is one more place we can reference to get a better idea of the man behind scowl– his apartment.

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Sherlock Holmes is not a man of material excess, he is not going to be the first in line for an Apple Watch. He is also not going to throw an old VCR away. The recesses of his closets are filled to the brim with catalogued parts, spare machines, anything that could possibly be used to solve a crime from any decade, or century for that matter. Much like his mind, even the most seemingly useless tidbit can prove to be the most helpful down the road.

Related: Elementary season 3, episode 16 recap: The man you know

Let’s take a look at how his home reflects the man who inhabits it.

Locking up spare time

Whether he is cataloguing them by manufacturing date, size, combination, or pickability, Sherlock’s lock wall speaks to his need to dismiss idle time. Even when working on a case, Sherlock visits the wall, hopeful that his dexterity will open up his mind to some new clue or angle. An idle mind is a dangerous one and this area provides Sherlock with a way to fill that nervous void should he find himself in a bind.

Rest is for the weak

Sherlock prefers to only sleep when absolutely necessary. Unless he is unable to physically stand, Sherlock will keep moving, occupying himself with research, casework files, or physical exercise. This renders need for a bed obsolete. And in Sherlock’s bedroom proper, you will not find one. In its place sits an old leather couch that serves as a bed when he is not asleep at a table or on the floor. The only utility that Sherlock may deem a bed worthy of is for his er, extracurricular research. But there is a spare bedroom for those nights.

On the next page: What the study, media room, and some buzzing say about Sherlock Holmes

Taken piece by piece, the brownstone that is home to the man of mysteries is fascinating. It tells a story. But as a whole it can seem disjointed, clunky, hard to get used to, which is pretty much any person’s take away from first meeting Holmes.

Placing Sherlock Holmes in its midst, the space comes alive. The unreliable pieces fit together as he reaches for the out of place stool, the book on the floor, or the spatula in the bedroom. Neither the audience, nor Watson, is privy to all the information lurking within. But through watching Sherlock run about putting the pieces to use, much like the cases, it larger picture begins to come together.

The living room/study

Books, books, armchairs, and more books. That is what you will find in the workspace where Holmes and Watson spend a majority of their time. It is not unlike looking at Sherlock’s brain from a wider angle. The closer you look, the more detailed certain parts of the man become. For instance, the room is at times covered wall to wall, ceiling to floor, with case materials. That is all you are going to get out of Sherlock when he throws himself entirely into work.

Other times, you can catch a glimpse of important staples, such as his Phrenology bust, a quirky lamp, even another person (Watson) that speaks to his fascination with things that interest him. The arm chairs, collection of tables, and other assorted furniture, are not there to make the place cozy or homey. They are there strictly to be used in whatever capacity that they are needed for at any given moment.

Not enough going on

The media room set up is the first introduction we are given to Sherlock Holmes in Elementary. Sherlock’s need to have more than one option at all times speaks to his need to cover ground quickly and efficiently. Sherlock is well aware of the overbearing amount of stimuli calling for his attention every day. Compartmentalizing it to certain areas helps to hone his focus on everything and something specific all at once.

Apiary oasis

Why the bees? Sherlock Holmes’ fascination with bees is one thing that Elementary built on from a brief mention to the hobby Holmes picked up in retirement from Doyle’s work, “His Last Bow.” This may be the most important section of Sherlock’s home. It is the one activity that is his alone to enjoy. His sanctuary on the roof where he is not teaching anyone a lesson. He is going to be alone. Here is where Sherlock hides Irene’s letters. The apiary is where a large part of his heart resides.

Watch Elementary season 3, episode 17, “T-Bone and the Iceman,” Thursday, March 12 at 10:00 p.m. ET on CBS.