Not as well known yet as Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, another district in the city of Naples is getting ready for its closeup. The city recently contracted with an acclaimed urban planner in an effort to reach a consensus for a common vision to make the Naples Design District all that it can be.
Originally named 41-10 for the area between U.S. 41 North and 10th Street in the city, the Design District extends east from U.S. 41 to Goodlette-Frank Road and south from Seventh Avenue North to a portion of Fifth Avenue South on U.S. 41 East. To create a blueprint for reimagining this area, Miami-based DPZ CoDesign and the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency spearheaded a series of charette sessions last fall with residents, retailers, restaurateurs, property owners and other stakeholders. DPZ promises to present a draft master plan this spring to CRA, proposing transformative development or redevelopment ideas stemming from that week long series of community meetings that brainstormed future possibilities for the Naples Design District.

Republic of Decor

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.