Nova Engle recently moved her namesake home furnishings store, Nova’s, from the Crossroads to Columbus Park.
To this solo owner, it felt risky to move locations, especially during a pandemic. She went from the tiny space she loved for three years to quadruple the square footage.
“The new location at 916 E. 5th St. is everything I hoped for and more,” she says. “The building has such charm and plenty of street parking, a bonus. With south-facing window frontage filtering beautiful natural light and original terrazzo floors, it really is the perfect place for vignettes.”
Nova’s furnishings—mostly vintage—stem from an appreciation of midcentury designs, a love of thrifting, and inspiration from travels to Hawaii. Engle favors a tropical vibe with lots of plants, rattan, and clay pottery.
“I’m not strict with any one style in the store, as I see a blend being best to accommodate many different customers,” she says. “When you never know what you’re going to find when sourcing, you learn how to put things together in new ways.”
In addition to moving stores during the pandemic, Engle and her family decided that, like a lot of others, they needed more space at home. They started the house-hunting process months ago, and have gone through an intensely competitive market. The experience has helped inform her approach to the new store.
“I’ve learned a lot about the drive for home furnishings and changing up décor,” she says.
When it comes to buying, Engle has been taking part in more online auctions to allow her to safely purchase and pick up vintage items. Currently, she’s crushing on an ivory midcentury sectional and a bohemian sideboard from American of Martinsville.
“Thrifting is my favorite hobby, and to make a career out of sourcing vintage is really a dream come true,” she says. “I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do.”