"Cincinnatians have begun to express their city pride through place-centric products like artwork and apparel," says Drozdz. "Cincinnatians are a practical bunch and prefer functionality over decoration. Successful products seamlessly combine form and function."

Interior designer Amy Schuermann first looked back to Cincinnati's rich design history. "One spectacular and distinctly Cincinnati design is our world famous Rookwood Pottery Company," she says.

Founded in 1880, Rookwood Pottery originally produced Victorian and Oriental style products, but later became best known for its art nouveau, art deco and Arts and Crafts vases and tile. They are highly coveted around the world today and can be seen throughout many Cincinnati homes.

"Fortunate Cincinnatians have the luxury of experiencing Rookwood tiles in hundreds of old homes in the area," says Schuermann. "Known for its organic and graphic elements, Rookwood tiles became a standard in most homes of its era. A beautiful Rookwood vase was even used as a gift to Rodger Federer, the Western and Southern Open winner in Cincinnati this past summer!"

This mix of old and new often results in a fresh transitional style. "I have many clients that come to me wanting a simpler, more sophisticated look with updated colors such as burnt orange, lavender, oxblood and deep green, and of course neutrals are always a classic," Schuermann says.

"I think one of the biggest design misconceptions about Cincinnati is that it is a conservative Midwest town when it comes to interiors," says Debbie Basnett, of Vintage Scout Interiors. "We even hear it from our vendors, that Cincinnati is one of the most conservative cities, more so than Lexington to its south or Indianapolis to its north."