How Does the Decorating Den Interiors Franchise Work?

Evidence: 2026 U.S. FDD, cover; Item 1, pp. 1–4; Item 11, pp. 25–33; Item 12, pp. 33–35; Item 20, pp. 45–52.

A DDI Franchise sells “Franchised Products and Services” for interior decoration of homes and businesses. The authorized range includes custom window treatments, furniture, lighting, accessories, bedding, fabrics, wall and floor coverings, customized closets and storage systems, interior decorating services, installation services and related labor. The franchisee does not have to offer the entire authorized line, but may not offer products or services outside DDSI’s standards or beyond the operator’s skill and knowledge.

The operating model is appointment-led rather than inventory-led. Item 1 says franchisees, employees or third-party contractors generally make retail sales at the customer’s location using samples, catalogs and brochures; no inventory investment or sewing workroom is required by the current offer. DDSI’s LIVV Home Collection shows the principal furnishing categories, while the official consumer process starts with a phone contact and an in-home or in-office meeting.

Evidence: 2026 U.S. FDD, Item 1, pp. 2–4; Item 16, p. 39; Decorating Den Interiors “How We Work”.

The FDD, Franchise Agreement and Exhibit G describe a project business in which lead handling, consultation, product selection, ordering, receipt, installation and close-out are connected. The exact project can vary by product category, but the verified operating sequence below reflects the system’s disclosed forms, workflow topics and customer-facing process.

Evidence: 2026 U.S. FDD, Items 1, 6, 8 and 11; Franchise Agreement §§5.2, 5.8, 7.1–7.3; Exhibit G, Business Operations workflow, pp. G-6–G-8; official customer journey.

Not under the general Item 15 rule. DDSI says it does not require the franchisee to be directly and personally involved in, or directly supervise, the franchised business, except when the franchisee or veteran spouse receives the VetFran reduced initial franchise fee. At the same time, DDSI states that it relies on the owner’s active and substantial participation in ownership and operation.

If the owner cannot be directly active, the franchisee must identify the person primarily responsible for operations. DDSI expects to conduct business, training and supervision with that person as though the person were the franchisee, and the responsible operator must complete the required initial training. The FDD does not prescribe a unit employee count, staffing ratio or shift model; employees, independently contracted decorators and installers appear as role options rather than a mandated headcount.

Where the franchisee is an entity with multiple owners, the Franchise Agreement requires one shareholder, member, partner or individual to hold more than 50% or a majority interest and to be the decision-making designee. Employees, partners and independent contractors who render services may be required to complete training that DDSI specifies for their functions.

Evidence: 2026 U.S. FDD, Item 15, pp. 38–39; Franchise Agreement §§5.1 and 5.10; official support overview.

Item 8 does not impose a closed supplier list for furnishings. DDI Franchisees may order Franchised Products and Services from Preferred Suppliers or other sources, provided non-Preferred products and services meet DDSI quality and use standards. The Preferred Supplier Program is encouraged through negotiated supplier benefits, and DDSI can change Preferred status.

Item 8’s narrow mandatory-source exception is vehicle branding. A Business Vehicle is required, but DDSI does not specify make or model and decals are optional; if the franchisee applies DDSI’s Marks, the decals must come from approved supplier Designer Decal. A permitted non-retail office/warehouse remains subject to the Franchise Agreement’s location and use restrictions.

Franchisees must maintain compatible computer hardware, internet access and specified software, obtain B.O.S.S. access, log in every business day and submit Gross Sales reports through the platform. DDSI controls B.O.S.S. content and functionality, may require future software or designated third-party maintenance, and can technically access communications posted inside B.O.S.S.; the FDD separately says DDSI has no independent access to the franchisee’s own computer system.

Evidence: 2026 U.S. FDD, Item 8, pp. 15–20; Item 11, pp. 31–33; Franchise Agreement §§5.6, 5.11 and 5.16; Technology License and Support Agreement §§1–4; official franchise operating resources.

The current unit franchise does not receive an exclusive territory. From the Designated Location, the franchisee receives non-exclusive promotional and developmental rights in the United States, but must respect legacy “Restricted Territory” or “Existing Promotional and Developmental Rights” held under older agreements. DDSI does not limit the customers to whom the franchisee may sell: a franchisee may sell to a customer who contacts it, even when the franchisee cannot actively market into that protected legacy area.

Internet and alternative distribution are more restricted. DDSI and its affiliates reserve the right to use Internet, catalog, telemarketing and other alternative channels, while the franchisee may not use alternative distribution channels to sell Franchised Products and Services. DDSI owns inquiries placed through its website and forwards eligible leads under the Policy and Procedure Manual’s rotation rules; a lead can be reassigned if the franchisee does not respond within the required time.

DDSI controls the unit’s web presence. The franchisee receives a page or sub-domain on the DDSI website, may not establish another operating website, and needs authorization for other digital marketing or use of the Marks online. Item 11 does not require local advertising, but unapproved materials require DDSI approval before use.

Evidence: 2026 U.S. FDD, Item 12, pp. 33–35; Franchise Agreement §§1.1–1.4, 5.4, 5.6 and 5.17; official franchise page.

DDSI provides ongoing operating assistance, manual updates, training and communications, advertising support, B.O.S.S. and the unit web presence, with regional support personnel involved in some regions. It also controls brand, technology, reporting and customer policies. The franchisee executes projects and makes local choices inside those rules; third parties manufacture, receive, deliver and install much of what is sold.

Evidence: 2026 U.S. FDD, Items 8, 11, 12, 15 and 16; Franchise Agreement §§5.2–5.17 and 7.1–7.3; official business-concept page.

Item 20 reports a fully franchised U.S. outlet base for each of the last three disclosed year-ends. The year-end franchised count moved from 222 in 2023 to 211 in 2024 and 202 in 2025, while company-owned outlets remained at zero throughout those periods. These counts describe system structure and outlet change, not unit-level sales or owner earnings.