Decorating Den Franchise

Decorating Den Interiors traces its beginnings to 1969, when former fabric salesman Steve Bursten established American Drapery Consultants. According to the company history, the first franchise followed a year later. The business adopted the Decorating Den name in 1974 while adding wallcoverings and floorcoverings.

Jim and Carol Bugg bought into the company in 1984 and became its sole owners in 1986. The brand’s first Canadian franchise opened in 1989, extending the network beyond the United States. Jim Bugg Jr. became president and CEO in 1994.

That progression from drapery consulting to broader room design remains visible in the customer service model. Individually owned businesses help clients develop a design and select furnishings, then coordinate product ordering and installation.

Decorating Den’s business-startup guidance describes training in design, space planning and product knowledge, alongside marketing and back-office management. The aim is to connect decorating skills with the work of finding clients and running projects.

The franchise program describes initial and continuing education for owners with different backgrounds, including experienced designers and newcomers. Its support resources also emphasize mentoring, coaching and contact with other owners. This gives franchisees a combination of instruction and ongoing business guidance as they develop their practice.

Decorating Den may suit someone who enjoys translating a client’s preferences into a coordinated room and is equally interested in the business behind that service. The opportunity brings together consultation, product decisions and project follow-through rather than limiting the owner to one furnishing category.

For an independent designer, the franchise offers access to established business systems and support. For a career changer, its published training addresses both design knowledge and business administration. The strongest fit is an owner prepared to cultivate client relationships, manage details and market a local design practice.

For a closer look at this business, read Decorating Den Interiors Franchise: History, Design Services and Support.