Never Seen Anything Like This: Westerville’s Hidden Charm Finally Revealed
It’s not every day that you stumble upon a place where local business owners wave at each other from across the street, the coffee is as warm as the welcome, and you can find a home décor gem that seems carefully chosen just for you. Uptown Westerville may look like a picturesque small town at first glance, but give it a closer look, and you’ll see a community pulsing with creativity, connection, and a little bit of magic—especially inside the charming walls of Edwin Loy Home.
The Heart of Uptown: Family, Community, Collaboration
Spend a day exploring the shops in Uptown Westerville and you’ll quickly sense a unique blend of camaraderie and collaboration that goes beyond mere business. Edwin Loy Home, owned by Amy Winter Cabilovski, stands as a living testament to this spirit. Amy is not just any local—she’s a proud graduate of the nearby Otterbein University, a nod to both her ties to the community and her creative roots.
But this shop’s story isn’t just about one passionate owner. It’s a true family affair: Amy’s sister runs Stone and Sparrow, an apparel store perched just across the street, and her husband, Tony Cabilovski, heads up Uptown Deli and Brew right next door. You get the feeling that Uptown isn’t just an address, it’s a family tree with deep, intertwined roots.
From Humble Beginnings to Eclectic Treasures
Amy’s journey began after she graduated with an art degree in 2006. She dove into the world of furniture with her aunt and uncle’s store in Delaware, gaining hands-on experience at furniture shows and learning the ins and outs of the trade. Even after that store closed its doors in 2009, Amy’s curiosity and passion for the industry remained undimmed.
Fast forward to 2012: Amy, her mother, and her sister serendipitously discovered a building for lease at 12 W. College Ave. That was the beginning of Edwin Loy Home—proof that sometimes the best finds really do happen by happy accident.
The shop’s first shelves held mostly found and vintage furniture, a haven for treasure hunters and imaginative decorators alike. Today, a visit promises even more: remnants of those early days mingle with home décor, candles, and gifts. As Amy puts it, « We’re a key location for people to come find a gift. » In other words, this isn’t the place for cookie-cutter presents. Expect surprises. Expect character. Expect to leave inspired.
The Chalk Paint Craze: A Stroke of Genius
If there’s one star that’s always in the spotlight at Edwin Loy Home, it’s Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan. Born in Oxford, England, and first concocted in 1990 by Annie Sloan herself, this magical paint has found a home in Westerville thanks to Amy. After discovering the paint in a Columbus store, she went the extra mile—attending workshops (yes, including one where Annie Sloan herself shared her wisdom in Oxford) and earning her certification to teach others the art of revitalizing furniture.
What does this mean for curious customers?
- You can pick up a can (or two) of Chalk Paint.
- Join a hands-on how-to workshop.
- Or scoop up a truly unique piece of furniture that’s already been made over in rustic-chic, chalky style.
Since Amy started carrying the paint in 2013, the enthusiasm among locals has only grown. As she says with a smile, « You might see something in a catalog that you love, but the price is just outrageous. You can take something that you have and make it beautiful and unique. » Don’t we all love a good bargain—especially if it has a dusting of personality?
A Neighborhood Experience You Can Feel
Walking into Edwin Loy Home is more than retail therapy; it’s a glimpse into a neighborhood’s collective heartbeat. Tony Cabilovski sees this connection firsthand. After Amy and Tony met in 2015, their shared entrepreneurial spirit led them to open a combined furniture-and-clothing store in Delaware. The clothing half (Stone and Sparrow) eventually migrated to Westerville—carrying a piece of their partnership with it.
As Tony likes to point out, the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in Westerville adds a festive layer to Uptown’s community spirit. During select hours, you can sip, stroll, and shop—a triple threat to boring Friday nights everywhere. « On Friday nights, if [people are] waiting for a table by me, they can just come shop here, and vice versa. It’s just part of the excursion, » Tony confirms. Convenience meets connection, and nobody’s left twiddling their thumbs.
Amy sums up the Edwin Loy Home experience as a « one-of-a-kind, eclectic blend » where every visit feels new. She insists, « We offer an experience you’re not going to get by shopping online. You come in, and it feels like a home. You’re always going to find something unique and different; it’s always changing in here. »
So, next time you’re in Westerville, pop into Edwin Loy Home—and bring a sense of curiosity (and maybe a little room in your trunk). This is one local gem where the door is always open, the stock is always changing, and the welcome is always warm.
With a discerning eye for exceptional craftsmanship and timeless beauty, Edward has dedicated his career to sourcing and curating fine antique furniture from across USA. His deep appreciation for historical design, from Georgian elegance to Art Deco sophistication, guides collectors and enthusiasts in discovering pieces that tell stories of bygone eras. Through his expertise and genuine passion, he helps preserve the artistry of master cabinetmakers while bringing distinguished character into contemporary homes.
