One of the features of the Chinese row (shop) houses is that the front verandahs join up to form a sheltered walkway (called a five-footway). The five-footway also functions as a pedestrian throughfare, charmingly framed by a series of arcades. Intricate European neo-classical and Renaissance-style stucco designs grace the facades of the shophouses. The interiors and atmosphere are a blend of Chinese and European, but biased towards Straits Chinese, with many having a large central living rooms floored with ceramic tiles (some imported from Italy) with the elaborate European motifs of old. Much of the furniture is beautifully carved in wood, and very Chinese, while wall hangings and other decors similarly recalls old China.