Decorating Den Interiors combines interior decorating with furnishings selection and project coordination. The opportunity involves both creative work and the practical responsibilities of running a local design business. Our Decorating Den franchise profile provides a related introduction.
From drapery consulting to room design
The company’s history dates its origins to 1969, when former fabric salesman Steve Bursten established American Drapery Consultants. Its first franchise was purchased the following year. In 1974, the business adopted the Decorating Den name and added wallcoverings and floorcoverings.
Jim and Carol Bugg bought into the company in 1984 and became sole owners in 1986. The first Canadian franchise opened in 1989. In 1995, the name became Decorating Den Interiors to reflect a broader offering that included furniture, accessories and lighting.
The customer model follows that progression: individually operated businesses help clients select a design and furnishings, then coordinate ordering and installation. The appeal is a connected service relationship from planning through completion.
Training for the design and the business
The company’s business-startup guidance describes education in design, space planning and product knowledge, alongside marketing and back-office management. It also describes mentoring, continuing corporate training and online learning resources.
Its supplier resources include the LIVV Home Collection and direct relationships with furnishings suppliers. Owners need to understand product ordering, pricing, delivery and client communication as well as the visual decisions in a room. Current supplier terms and required purchases should be checked in the applicable disclosures.
The official support presentation uses the “DecorBoss” identity and emphasizes mentoring, coaching and connections with other owners. It addresses both experienced decorators and people developing their design-business skills. Advertised support should be matched to the specific training schedule and obligations offered to a new owner.
What local ownership involves
An interest in interiors is a useful starting point, but a design business also requires selling, managing details and maintaining client relationships. Consider how you would generate inquiries, discuss budgets, prepare selections, coordinate orders and handle delays or changes.
Ask current owners how they divide time between consultations, administration and project follow-through. Examine the local customer base and competition rather than assuming a national industry trend will translate into demand for your business.
Evaluating costs and fit
Obtain the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to review fees, startup needs, territory provisions, support obligations and any financial performance representation. Neither the brand’s history nor its supplier access establishes a particular return on investment.
Veteran applicants can also use our general guide to evaluating franchise opportunities as a veteran. Eligibility for any brand-specific discount or financing needs separate confirmation.
Decorating Den may suit someone who enjoys helping clients shape their surroundings and wants structured business resources alongside that creative work. Compare those resources with the costs and responsibilities of the proposed operation before deciding whether the franchise fits your plans.
Sources: Decorating Den Interiors’ official history, business-startup guidance and support pages, reviewed October 15, 2026. A current applicable FDD was not available for this review; website descriptions are not treated as verified contract terms.