Author Karen Allen was born in Salem, Oregon, and graduated from the Bassist Institute (now Art Institute of Portland) located in Portland, Oregon, in interior design. She worked at Henry Meyer Interiors and House of Design and managed the interior design studio at Meier and Frank before owning her own company, Design Etc. located in Corvallis, Oregon, for 30 years and counting.

She loves designing home interiors, photography, gardening, painting, flower arranging, reading from her library of 3,000 books, being with her grandchildren, shopping, cooking and traveling, and all things French.

Karen has been an interior designer since 1976 and owns a residential and commercial interior design company and a private travel company. Karen is also an accomplished photographer and tour guide. She is a lover and collector of all things French; tea, chocolate, cheese, wine, champagne, china, table linens, flowers, books, fabrics, art, antiques, and more! Her collections and inspirations are great resources for her table designs, and home entertaining.

Karen’s beautiful coffee table book, Ooh La La! French Inspirations for Entertaining and Travel is filled with all things French. Her love for the country is the driving force behind this book. Filled with where to go, stay, and eat in France, delicious recipes, and entertaining tips to make big events or small family dinners easy.

www.oohlala-frenchinspirations.com

Buy the book, Ooh La La! French Inspirations HERE!

Awards