People love to say the midwest is lacking when it comes to design, and Iowa especially. As a proud Iowan, born and raised, I'm here to totes disagree. Des Moines might not be the most bustling city on the map, but there are spots here I've genuinely fallen in love with over the years. I rounded up a few of my faves.

Austin takes two things very seriously: good food and good taste. And the local business owners here are pouring into the details — the packaging, the signage, the fonts, the feeling of a space — in the best way possible.

From storefronts to shelves to menus with actual personality, Austin is full of spots that get good design.

Kansas City has quietly become that girl when it comes to design. From packaging you want to keep forever to storefronts that stop you mid-walk, local businesses here are clearly paying attention to the details — and we love to see it. We rounded up some of our favorite KC spots creating (or curating) really good design. Think shelves, walls, menus, mugs, and everything in between.