"Each neighborhood in Cincinnati holds a special stock of homes that defines its character and forms special communities," Duebber says. "For example, in downtown Cincinnati, the Over-the-Rhine Historic District encompasses the largest collection of Italianate buildings in the United States. Currently this district is becoming the Mecca for many young professionals and students."

Interior designer Karen Spiritoso credits the Internet with moving design forward here. "I have been in the design business in the greater Cincinnati area for eight years, and up to about two years ago I found many of my clients to be conservative toward design trends. These clients often shied away from a new design trend until it had become well established," she says. "With the recent explosion of design blogs and design websites such as Houzz, my clients now have more access and exposure to the current trends coming from both coasts as well as Europe."

"No longer is there a need to wait for their monthly decorating magazine to get inspiration. ... All of this quick exposure to new things has inspired my more conservative Midwestern Cincinnatians to take a chance on a fun trendy light fixture or bold pillow that they may have shied away from in the past," Spiritoso says. "They are embracing more modern, linear lines in design and are having fun with the light airy colors that are currently being shown all over the country."

Graphic designer Maya Drozdz is a Brooklyn transplant who has been embracing and documenting the architecture, urban planning and style of Cincinnati on her blog, VisuaLingual, since she arrived in town about six years ago. "Cincinnati has a reputation as a conservative, traditional town when, in fact, pioneering Modernism was alive and well here during the middle of the 20th century, and those ideas and aesthetics are still going strong today," she says.

See the rest of Drozdz's loft, a former beer hall in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.

"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!"

"Although steeped in tradition and often traditional design styles, urban life is booming in Cincinnati," Schuermann says. "Our downtown is developing fast, and hence, homeowners are opting for a more urban experience and, given the economy, not moving in to large homes. This means spaces that aren't huge but tasteful and more clean-lined."

"While we are not New York or Chicago, Cincinnatians are very aware of what's going on in the world. ... They take bits and pieces of what they see in the national design media and make it their own," Schuermann says.

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.

Duebber also notes that his clients are paring down and longing for simple modern lines. They're "creating spaces that make sense and that are based in large part on function and practicality," he says. "They want to simplify their lives by first simplifying the way they live. In turn, this produces a modern timeless aesthetic."

For example, in this bathroom, Duebber's clients wanted to create a modern aesthetic that reflected their personalities and tastes. They eliminated a large soaking tub, which freed up space to expand the shower and install a large window. A floating vanity and clean lines give it an open and relaxing feel.

"While white kitchens are still popular, another trend popping up is the use of various shades of the gray color palette," says Jessica Allison of Essence Design Studios. "Gray is a beautiful neutral, and when used in the right way it can have a warm or cool look."

"The trend of adding gray is taking Cincinnati by storm. All of my current clients are looking to incorporate gray into their homes," Allison says. "My favorite use of gray is using a medium gray on a ceiling and neutral colors on the wall. It really grounds the room, and adds a level of sophistication."

"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."

"Luckily we have clients who are willing to let us push the edge with design; mixing styles and creating interiors that tell a story about its owners and are always evolving," Basnett says. "This living room is a great example – the acrylic chairs were purchased at the 20th Century Cincinnati show and are paired with traditional sofas." Basnett also mixed metals and added eclectic accessories.

Amy Holt, president of Designs on Madison, notes that her clients are changing layouts and plans to suit the way they live. "Our clients like to entertain on the first floor in multiple areas, including the kitchen," she says. This large, open kitchen has an island and a separate bar area.

Holt also notes that clients are adding sophistication and functionality to sunrooms, like this one with its dramatic ceiling.

Holt agrees that more Cincinnati clients desire contemporary style these days. "Although traditional design is very popular in Cincinnati, there are many people that love contemporary design," she says. "We have had many clients of various age groups requesting a more modern and contemporary look."

Overall, Cincinnatians are embracing their traditions while forging into a more pared-down, clean-line future, resulting in unique transitional and contemporary style.