Design Reinvention

AT ITS NEW LOCATION IN THE NAPLES ART DISTRICT, REPUBLIC OF DECOR NOW OFFERS A MORE BESPOKE APPROACH TO HOME DESIGN

Hurricane Ian flooding pushed Republic of Decor owner David Fruscione out of his Design District shop nearly three years ago, but he’s made lemonade out of lemons at his new location (at 1810 J&C Boulevard) in the popular Naples Art District.

“The new space is a marriage between a design studio and a retail showroom,” says Fruscione. “We now work a great deal with other design professionals and have dialed
up our selection of one-of-a-kind pieces.”

A design “mini market,” the new space is more intimate than its previous location, but that hasn’t stopped Fruscione from filling it with distinctive items, including pottery lines from Massachusetts, California, and Peru, blown glass from Mexico and Scandinavia, handmade baskets from South Africa, and gift accessories from all over the United States and Europe. “I source from hundreds of makers, artisans, and decor lines to curate a blend of the best in the market,” says Fruscione. “I travel to various trade-focused markets in the U.S. to find pieces throughout the year. In between trade shows and sourcing trips, I also leverage various virtual marketplaces that offer obscure and small lines. I’m always searching and hunting.”

The new location has also allowed Fruscione to expand his wallpaper services. “I love wallpaper and use it quite a lot in my design jobs because it’s such a great way to transform a space,” he says. “We offer customers the opportunity to set up an appointment to help source fabulous options for their homes. During a consult, I learn more about what they are hoping to accomplish and then present a range of options. I have access to all the lines that people know, as well as small lines that are under the radar. I even do custom wallcoverings and murals if a client wants to take it up another notch.”

Up next for spring and summer 2025? Exclusive collections of pillows, textiles, tabletop accessories, stationery, and artwork.