THE PAPER CHASE Textural wallpaper can take space and transform it. And this stunning ivory paper from Ellis, handmade in France and dimensional with red contrast stitching, is available at Republic of Decor. Don't you wish you had more walls?
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REPUBLICOFDECOR.COM Republic of Decor ss an award winning store and design studio located in the Naples Design District. The shop features the best, most stylish, on-trend home furnishings and gifts. I selected some of my favorite statement pieces which have a handmade or heirloom quality to them. I am always drawn to merchandise that 1s unique and believe ha you should fill your home with special pieces that provide great energy. - David Fruscione
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Taking a chance on yourself is alwaysan admirable bet. But when you have thebackground of David Fruscione, the ownerof Republic of Decor, you've got to like theodds. The 42-year-old entrepreneur workedfor close to two decades in retail architecturedesigning stores for Banana Republic(both domestically and internationally) as well as Chico's and its various incarnations.When Chico's had its big layoff, Mr.Fruscione decided the time was right togamble on himself. That's when he openedhis 1,500-square-foot store in the heart ofthe Naples Design District."I'm really excited to be a part of thismovement happening in the Design District,"he says. "I saw a lot of potential inthis area. But that's not to say there haven't been challenges."His store's location, right next to thenew restaurants Timeless-An MHK Eateryand La Colmar Bakery and Bistro,meant he had to deal with a constructionzone right outside for months after heopened two years ago (on Black Friday).Now, with the restaurants open and constructiondisruptions a thing of the past,customers can get back to shopping forthe curated decor the store has becomeknown for."I work really hard to find products that are from up-and-coming lines thatdon't have representation in Naples," Mr.Fruscione says about his inventory. "I findartists on Instagram that don't sell here.I'm selective and I curate the products sothere is a pull to it, an energy to it. Peopleare coming to me for those unique, fresh,statement pieces that are focal points."From hand-blown glass to hand-thrownpots (where Mr. Fruscione works directly with the artists to select shape and color)to gorgeous pillows, lamps, vases, pictureframes, wallpapers, furnishings, and much, much more, Republic of Decor hasbecome a destination unto itself. It evenhas a little gourmet food section (a microwavable fondue is flying off the shelvesthese days)."Sometimes I feel like people come inhere and do their grocery shopping,"
