about
In August 2006, Joanne Esposito and Lizzie Hand opened their first home decor shop, abitare, on Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights. A haven for design savvy Brooklynites, abitare specializes in home accessories and gifts that are both chic and functional. A love of design and craftsmanship inspired the partners to stock the shop with modern classics including Alvar Aalto vases and Stelton vacuum jugs alongside handmade pieces from boutique companies with small productions.
abitare focuses on global and local artists who create sophisticated pieces for the home that mix seamlessly with any decor. “Our goal is to find objects that have simple design and are timeless,” explains Joanne. “Our top priorities when selecting things for the store are form and function. The pieces we choose are things that we love and have in our own homes,” adds Lizzie. abitare carries two lines that are exclusive to the store; hand loomed table, kitchen and bath linens made in Tuscany and a collection of inlaid wooden boxes made entirely by hand, also from Italy.
In addition to all of the wonderful things in the shop, Joanne & Lizzie will work with you to create custom pieces to suit your specific needs. They stock a selection of fabric swatches that can be used to order custom bedding, bath linens, table linens and more. A bridal registry is in the works!
The light and airy garden level storefront is tucked away on a tree-lined street in historic Brooklyn Heights. With white floors, whitewashed brick walls and beech wood furnishings, the atmosphere is modern and serene. The neighborhood is a landmarked area full of grand townhouses with a long artistic tradition. Truman Capote, W.H. Auden, Arthur Miller and Thomas Wolfe all lived in the Heights. abitare sits in the midst of four vibrant Brooklyn neighborhoods: Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Dumbo and Carroll Gardens. abitare is easily accessible to Manhattan dwellers as well; it is the first stop on the subway in Brooklyn, about 10 minutes from Wall Street and 25 minutes from Midtown. (directions)
Come and visit us at our Store!
