After 20 years working in fashion, filling the roles of senior interior designer for
Banana Republic and store design creative director for White House Black Market, David Fruscione has channeled his passion for retail and merchandising to the home decor industry. "A previous job brought me to Southwest Florida and I fell in love with Naples," he explains. "I was surprised there were not a lot of specialty home decor stores in the area and said to myself, 'Let's give it a shot!'" Here, he takes Luxe's questions about what's hot at home and in-store. republicofdecor.com

How is Republic of Decor different from other local showrooms?

I am always on the hunt for unique things. I source products from 100 lines and artists and masterfully mix them so the experience is very curated. The shop feels really fresh and reflects what is going on in the industry. 

Do you have any favorite items?

My latest obsession is resin, and we've got fabulous tabletop and decorative pieces that are all one of a kind. I also love wallpaper and get customers excited with our inspiration wall filled with the most gorgeous wallcoverings out there. Homes in Naples are large and need decor that is scaled appropriately, so we always carry a mix of sizable statement pieces.

What design trends do you predict for fall?

I think Naples will continue toward a more modern/transitional design aesthetic, moving away from the Tuscan influences that have dominated for quite a while. The blend of natural materials and textures mixed with pops of color inspired by the water will be strong. People move here to enjoy the sunshine and bright light, so interiors are going to reflect that.

Republic of Decor is a beautiful home furnishing store & luxury residential interior design studio. Award-winning owner & principal designer, David Fruscione is committed to making Republic of Decor the first stop for savvy, sophisticated customers who want be exposed to beautiful and unique home decor for the interior.

There's a change taking place in the heart of Naples. While the city has always lured residents and visitors with its promise of laid - back, luxury lifestyle, it also gained attention for its potential for growth, both in terms of professional opportunities and cultural cachet.  between support from local government entities and the imagination and camaraderie exemplified by area business owners and creatives, it seems Naples is poised to start a new chapter of economic prosperity.

  One such destination that captures this moment in time is the Naples Design District, which blends a relaxed, coastal vibe with the kind of upscale shopping, restaurants, and real estate typically reserved for more urban settings. In 2018, like-minded community leaders and design district business owners joining together to officially form the retail and dining destination, which spans 10 blocks between Fifth Avenue South and Seventh Avenue North, Bordered bu U.S 41 and Goodlette - Frank Road. Today the design district is fulfilling the founder's vision of serving those in search of unusual finds and an eclectic mix of art, design, style, food, and culture.

Dez Ryan Odegaard, who operates Odegaard art + design, discovered the Naples Design District shortly after moving to nearby Naples Square. Having lived in New York for more than 30 years, she could relate to the neighborhood's character and diversity, and her interior design background exposed her to some of the national brands now available in the design district." I had been to Kravet in New York City, and I was delighted to discover this beautiful, little building with the level of the product I was used to," she says of the home furnishings company that operates a location in the Naples Design District." it is just  super fabric supplier."

2nd place

Republic of Decor 

David Fruscione

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DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL DAY

I always start the day scrolling through social media and posting inspiration. Then I leave the house and typically start running around to meet with clients or visit trade showrooms to tackle design projects. Then I spend the day working out of the store to help our amazing customers with their design needs.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BUSINESS TO VISIT HERE IN NAPLES? 

I enjoy visiting the Naples Botanical Garden. I like how they collaborate with various artists on installations, and I draw a lot of inspiration from nature. The textures, colors, and scents are breathtaking.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE PRIORITIES IN LIFE RIGHT NOW?

Finding work/life balance (I love work too much), buying a house (I spend so much time creating homes for clients that I want to create something great for me!) getting my six-pack abs back.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE "OFF·THE·GRID" PLACE TO ESCAPE?

I am obsessed with finding time to decompress in a salt cave. The air is so clean and crisp, and it's the ultimate place to relax.

AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO  GROW UP TO BE? 

I was raised by parents that were teachers, so I figured I would become one as well, but when I discovered my creative gene, I knew I had to pursue that instead. 

WHAT MUSIC/SONG/ARTIST DO YOU JAM OUT TO WHEN NO ONE ELSE IS AROUND?

I really like Vanessa Daou. She is a bit under the radar but her music is sultry, a bit jazzy with a dash of electronic

IF YOU COULD SPEAK TO YOUR 21-YEAR·OLD  SELF, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE HIM?  

Don't worry about the future; enjoy the moment instead. Pat yourself on the back more often, and let yourself appreciate your accomplishments.

NAME ONE ITEM ON YOUR BUCKET LIST.

I would like to go on an ancestral trip to learn more about my heritage and family. In particular, I would like to visit a Palazzo in Salerno, Italy, that bears my last name.

WHAT WOULD BE ON YOUR PLATE FOR YOUR LAST MEAL?

My favorite dish is a good Bolognese, but I have a sweet tooth, and I make the best chocolate cake ever, so I would have to have some of that too. 

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