“Built into the wall of the stair to the left is the niche for hats, a half cylinder in transparent celluloid, with its shelves made of loose-knit twine nets, so the dust cannot settle. A tube along the length of the partition accommodates umbrellas dropped there freely and effortlessly. In a drum by the entry a system of runners carries hangers for umbrellas. Under the hat niche is a deep cupboard for storing extra chairs that one uses only for entertaining.”