Design has always been a part of David Fruscione's professional life, but his path toward perfecting the interiors of some of Southwest Florida's loveliest homes is a bit more unusual than most. Luxe Living's Michael Korb chatted with the owner/designer of the Republic of Decor about his career history and what he loves about design.

Q; When did you first know you wanted to be an interior designer?

In my heart, I've always known I wanted to help people create spaces they could thrive in. But it wasn't until I graduated with a degree in marketing and fashion buying in New York City that I decided to pursue that calling and applied to design school. A person's home is incredibly personal. I wanted to use my passion and natural creative gifts to guide people through the design process. 

NETWORKING
Project Design Phase II Designer Luncheon benefitting Ronald McDonald House

Top Interior designer sponsors and vendors gathered at the Kravet Inc. showroom In Naples for the Project Design Phase II kick-off, benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Southwest Florida. With a consistently full house and a waiting list, is become imperative to add six bedrooms to the existing Ronald McDonald House Southwest Florida, thereby doubting its occupancy. Groundbreaking Is expected before the end of the month. Since its founding In 1996, Ronald McDonald House has served thousands of families from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry counties, and other states and countries. Here, families find a "home away from home" while their children are undergoing medical treatment at Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida. 

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.

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.

Republic of Decor, David Fruscione, Allied ASID, Naples, Greenville 

Category: Contemporary Design ( Under 3,000 sf) 2nd Place

Category Group: Residential 

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.

Hard hats and heels

Building Naples 

Heather Henning, Cali Clardy, Gay Thompson

Superior interiors, Eight glorious rooms

Naples Design District 

Where decor and creativity intersect