Maximalism is often colorful and expressive, with contrasting hues and bright, loud accents. When done right, it can be tastefully acquired without the feeling of being too busy or cluttered. Heidi Mihelich has mastered a crossbreed of both maximalism and eclectic aesthetics in her apartment on 81st and Cass streets.
Situated next to Peony Park, a bygone recreational staple of Omaha’s past, the apartment boasts two bedrooms, two baths, a kitchen, dining room, and living space. Mihelich, a self-employed graphic designer, is a collector of meaningful, eclectic objects from monogrammed “H’s” to cherished souvenirs from international travels. Over time, she has amassed an abundant collection of vintage glassware that can be found everywhere from the living room to the bathroom. With her love for vibrant, saturated colors and vintage statement pieces, her style is bold, whimsical, and fun.
Nostalgia is a prominent theme that runs throughout. Her dog’s name, Peony, even pays homage to the late amusement theme park. The rescue Rat Terrier Poodle mix definitely owns the place, leading the way as Mihelich gives a tour of her home.
Mihelich has a serendipitous connection to the area—she worked at Peony Park, the pinnacle of local family entertainment in Omaha. She fondly remembers its heyday as Omaha’s gathering place, where the Aksarben Ball, Candlelight Ball, and Omaha Press Club were formerly held, along with annual corporate summer picnics and community events.
“The people I worked with there are still close friends,” she said. “I went out to lunch one day with my landlord who was my old ride supervisor from Peony Park, and he told me he had an apartment open.”
A reminder of the popular amusement park hangs on a wall above a plush navy Tov sectional. An abstract design in splashes of pink and white once donned the historic ballroom, its frosted ceiling tiles suspended from a drop ceiling with fluorescent lighting behind it, which Mihelich bought at an auction.
“I’m drawn to bright, shiny things and always have been. I collect a lot of stuff,” she admitted.
When she first moved into the apartment, she knew that she wanted to have glass and plants. Little rainbows can be seen cascading through prisms at certain hours of the day.
“It’s blazing bright in the morning because the [sun] faces east. First thing in the morning, this thing is spectacular,” Mihelich stated. “I don’t subscribe to the theory of having one color. What color is your living room? All of them!” she exclaimed.
All of them indeed, the refracting light from her glassware echoing this sentiment. At night, her haven becomes a disco ball party with light showering in all directions.
An array of colorful, decorative art glass graces cabinets mirroring an ambient fireplace. Designs from midcentury modern sculptural glass, to Carnival glass, to a piece of Peach Blow are displayed. Amberina, another type of art glass, stands out in a gradient of amber to ruby. Not only is the glass beautiful to admire, but it also signifies a part of Mihelich’s family history, holding much sentimental value. Many of the pieces she owns were brought back by plane from her mother’s hometown in Shady Side, Ohio.
Growing up, Mihelich’s family had collected an immense amount of glass from the Imperial Glass Factory. They kept them tucked away in boxes behind a water heater. The factory, established in 1901, was known for its lines of table and colored glassware. Mihelich has been collecting glass pieces from the factory since childhood. A glass bowl on a coffee table stores pieces of cased glass she found from the Imperial parking lot.
When it comes to antiques and furniture, Mihelich has scored some vintage pieces that are in mint condition. A pair of chevron midcentury-modern TV vinyl chairs she received from her uncle were recovered during the COVID-19 pandemic. A metal-and-wicker cocktail cabinet, a Semrow Products midcentury rolling bar, circa 1950-1959, sits in the corner of the kitchen and opens up to reveal a stocked supply of liquor.
Along the corridor, treasures from her travels abroad are exhibited. Artifacts from Romania, Mexico, and Russia complete what she calls her “folk art wall.” Plates, plaques, and decorative wall hangings present a global gallery of art and culture.
In the primary bedroom, a stately, cherry wood vintage vanity from the 1940s was inherited from her grandmother. A matching bed stands out with a patchwork quilt duvet in bold hues of orange, yellow, blue, and pink.
“I like to mix color and pattern,” Mihelich enthused. On a whim, she paired the bedspread with curtains to see if they could mesh. The colors worked and even harmonized against the backdrop of kaleidoscopic paisley and patterned curtains.
Mihelich embraces maximalism and eclectic aesthetics and all that they have to offer. Artsy, whimsical, and charmingly quirky vibes all come together to reflect her charisma, personality, and mood. Her connection to Peony Park is a sentimental one, and coming back to her old stomping grounds has been a reflection that’s come full circle. She’s found a space that she can relish alongside all the things she loves to collect.
It’s a space of which Peony certainly approves.
This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of Omaha Home Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
