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Exotic Homes & Gardens Brings Cool Home Furnishings to Bed-Stuy
By The Changeling | October 19, 2007
The newly opened Exotic Homes & Gardens is situated on a stretch of Atlantic Avenue (near Nostrand) that I hadn’t visited until recently (even though it’s only a block from the A/C train station). I stopped by to chat with the husband and wife team who owns and operates this beautiful shop specializing in exotic home furnishings.
Teacups in a cabinetÂ
When I visited the owners, Patrick and Serena, were at the store. They were both very cool and they didn’t mind my browsing for hours and chatting with them about some of their items for sale. It turns out that Serena is originally from Bed-Stuy, and although she spent some of her life outside of the neighborhood, she and her husband are currently Bed-Stuy residents.  Exotic Homes & Gardens has joined the lineup of the 29th Annual House Tour that takes place tomorrow, so you’ll be able to stop by and see all of their cool stuff tomorrow.
One of the many masks that adorn the walls
Although I didn’t get a chance to get a pic, take a look at their outdoor space when you visit the shop. They’ve got serious green thumbs and they have several plants in their backyard available for purchase. Since I don’t have a green thumb, I spent a good amount of time talking to Serena about which plants would thrive in my garden. I’m definitely going back to pick up a few plants so that my backyard space won’t look so terrible in the cold season.Â
One of my favorite pieces in the whole shop was this chess set. I’ve never had a chess set catch my eye, so I tried to figure out why I liked it so much. I think it might have had something to do with the way it was displayed–casually set atop a beautiful antique table.
Many of the fine art pieces in the shop are unusual. Take this African statue, for instance. It would make a beautiful addition to someone’s home.
One of the things I really liked about Exotic Homes & Gardens is that it is chock-FULL of unique items.  I like going through the different parts of the store slowly and methodically and looking at every single thing. I spent a long time shopping here and I still don’t think I laid eyes on everything in the store. There was just so much to see.
Exotic Homes & Gardens reminds me of a cooler, less commercial version of Pier 1 Imports. Unlike purchases from Pier 1, if you purchase something from Exotic you know that you’ve got something that everyone on your block doesn’t have. Nice.
Don’t forget to stop by and visit Exotic Homes & Gardens on the House Tour tomorrow.  You’ll be glad you did. Â
Exotic Homes & Gardens
1213A Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11216
Tel. 718.230.1536
Fax. 718.230.1539
http://www.exotichandg.com/index.html
Email: exotichomesandgardens@verizon.net
October 19th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
I will definitely stop by now that you have brought it to my attention.I live in Clinton Hill and it has been awhile since I travelled that way.I like the things I see and the fact that they are unique.
October 19th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Glad you made it there, they deserve the press, and Patrick did a great job on that postage stamp.
October 19th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Their shop is so gorgeous, I was delighted to find it in the neighborhood. They have magnificent pieces, and at really reasonable prices- can compete with any soho store, hands down!
November 13th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
This place will make your space your “OWN” they have great art, furnishing and decorative pieces and plants to add to your home decor, they 2 great lines of beauty products that you have to try, as a matter of fact I need some of that almond nut butter so I will be in their soon! This is one of many of Bedstuys Great Stores ! you have got to shop here you will find something to buy! Great unique Holiday and Birthday gifts!
March 1st, 2008 at 3:44 pm
I got a chance to visit this rare finecalled Exptic Homes and Gardens. The owners Serena and Patrick were very knowledgeable and gracious with their facts on the origin of their many unique pieces. I was looking for a precious afternoon tea set for Women’s Day at my church. I was able to share this beautiful set with my church sisters. This is one shop you don’t want to miss. May God bless them.
March 2nd, 2008 at 12:45 am
What an exciting and tasteful line of merchandise. My first visit I picked up three plants, two vases and one lamp. The second visit found me with candles and pillows. The third visit I picked up 2 wedding gift certificates. I plan to return to freshen up my bedroom for spring. I loved the multi-color Indian print curtains and pillows. Keep up the good work Serena and Patrick. Can you accommodate me with a store party for my girlfriends?
March 2nd, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Visiting this store reminds me of being in Soho.The variety of merchandise is wonderful. I spent about an hour talking about the many selections of masks. Of which,I now own two.
March 2nd, 2008 at 11:35 pm
I am always amazed at the amount of real antiques they manage to display in their store. Unlike other artifact stores you can tell that they are original pieces & well worth every penny. I pick up something each time I visit. The personal care given by the owners are second to none & makes you feel the need to have just one more piece.
Great Layout & web site, keep it up!!