Designer Deference - Custom Curation

From realizing the interiors of entire residences to helping source specific home accessories, David Fruscione, founder and principal designer at Republic of Decor, has been assisting Neapolitans for the past nine years. When Hurricane Ian did enough damage to shutter the doors of his store in the Naples Design District, he opened a pop-up business in Waterside Shops. When that opportunity ended, he took time to do some soul-searching—deciding if he would open another retail space or solely concentrate on providing design services.

During this self-described “blackout period,” Fruscione found a home base for his livelihood within a mostly trade-service area in North Naples (also home to the Naples Art District). While settling in, he began meeting his neighbors: tile setters, glass and marble installers, and wood workers. Realizing some of the pieces he had access to could greatly enhance the beauty of custom millwork, tile floors, and accent walls, he recognized an opportunity for collaboration. The new iteration of Republic of Decor would become both a showroom and design studio. “I could provide my design neighbors access to great pieces, those more specialized and not found everywhere else,” he says.

Where does Fruscione find these one-of-a-kind pieces? His main source is High Point Market in North Carolina, where he travels at least twice every year. He browses the permanent showrooms while there but pays particular attention to the new vendors and suppliers, keeping his eyes open for unique pieces—items he knows his clients won’t find in their neighbors’ homes. Fruscione has noticed and appreciated High Point’s uptick in selections from skilled and specialized artisans—especially those from New York—who participate in pop-up booths.

Lately, he has been attracted to handmade and earthy, organic pieces, such as pottery. “There is an energy inherent in the pieces,” he says, as opposed to mass-produced ones. Whether functional or decorative, the pieces often catch his eye. Fruscione admits he is currently obsessed with handmade baskets in assorted shapes, favoring ones from an all-female collective in South Africa. “I pick the shape and color, and they create my order for me,” he says.

He also is drawn to hand-blown glass creations and what he calls “hero statement pieces,” those taking hours to make. While encouraging the purchase of high-quality goods that will remain in one’s home for many years, he strives to offer products from broad-ranging price points.

Fruscione has been at his new location for approximately a year. When he opened his doors, he realized he was attracting a whole new group of customers—people who were discovering his business for the first time. “It was like moving to a new city,” he says. “This new space has given me the ability to dial it up and to be riskier with selections, including choosing things I love rather than guessing what the customer will want.” Fruscione likes to engage in conversation with his customers, describing the provenance of a specific item. “Their eyes light up; they really appreciate learning these facts,” he adds.

He describes his space as a mini-market of sorts. “The customer still gets a sense of instant gratification because they can leave with an item,” notes Fruscione. “It does not need to be ordered.” And what might customers or fellow artists and designers find at Republic of Decor this season? “The pendulum has shifted,” he notes. “Everything went gray for a period. Things are warming up.” He has added organic and textured items in sunnier hues to his collection. This year he will include accessories (along with paint, wall coverings, and fabric) aligning with the 2025 Pantone color of the year: Mocha Mousse, a warm, rich brown suggestive of comfort and coziness. 

Fruscione notes the increased use of wood in homes. “There is a luxe organic and sophisticated appeal to wood. I saw lots of it at market this past fall.” Although blue remains one of his favorite colors, he admits, “I’m obsessed with green right now.” For the designer who gave up curb appeal for new relationships within the design community, Fruscione is excited about where his business has landed: outside of the traditional retail box.