Decorating Den Interiors

This is a franchise of some kind with hundreds of smaller independent offices staffed by independent decorators. I was unable to ascertain the level of training they receive. I originally contacted them because I had seen a sofa I liked in one of their room remodels in an HGTV newsletter. I requested the manufacturer’s name.
Decorating Den responded with an offer to come give me a free consult on my living room. The designer arrived, European with one example of a decorating project she had done previously (a non-​English speaking magazine spread). She asked questions, took down preferences, and said she would make a return appt. to offer design suggestions. She then said she «had a confession» and told me that they had nothing to do with the HGTV spread and explained the franchise aspect of Decorating Den. A few days later I received a lengthy email with her requirements to work with me, including cutting a check for 60% deposit on a minimum $ 7K budget if I liked her direction. Whoa, there. I emailed back saying I was looking at a couple of different directions and in no case would I immediately make a decision on the spot and cut a check. I had contacted them for a manufacturer name, she offered a free consultation, and the next thing I know she’s asking for deposits. My suspicions were immediately aroused. I was willing to work with her IF I liked the ideas and direction, but I felt pressured to make a decision immediately — she even asked to be the last person whose work I would review.
Her response in a subsequent email was to apologize, and we agreed she would call to make a return appointment and show her ideas. Two days later I received another email from her saying that her regional manager had instructed her to cancel the appointment. Oh, really?
My advice: run if you ever get contacted by these strong arm decorators! They are less interested in building a trusting relationship than in separating you from your money before even establishing their ability to deliver, or demonstrating their thought process.