Sarah Allen, founder and principal designer of Sarah Allen Design in Napa Valley, has built her business around a simple yet profound philosophy: creating interiors that feel like home the moment you step inside. Her approach emphasizes layered, lived-in spaces that are deeply personal, blending what she calls "soulful refinement with California ease." Allen's work focuses on crafting environments that support clients' lifestyles while telling the story of who they're becoming.

The designer's favorite aspect of her work comes in those transformative moments when clients first walk into their completed homes. "Design can restore people – it can bring ease, peace, and belonging," Allen explains. "That transformation never stops inspiring me." Her clients typically experience an instant softening when they see their finished spaces, a reaction that drives her passion for the field.

Allen's journey into design began early, rooted in childhood ambitions to be both an artist and a leader. "Even as a kid, I wanted to create, inspire and do things differently. I've always had a clear vision and a deep drive to bring ideas to life in a way that felt uniquely my own," she recalls. This vision has evolved into something more significant – helping people see possibilities in themselves they might not yet recognize, whether for their next-chapter home, vacation property, or multi-generational estate.

Her first professional experience came at Fabrics and Furnishings in Conyers, Georgia, where she helped customers select materials for DIY projects. A pivotal moment occurred when she offered to bring her sewing machine and installer to create custom curtains on-site for a client. "That experience lit the spark for me. I realized I loved design, people, and the process of making ideas come to life. The entrepreneur in me was born that day – and 'Why not me?' has been my mantra ever since."

After years working for top design firms, Allen decided to establish her own studio grounded in intuition and emotional connection. Her process is collaborative and layered, rooted in storytelling and a strong sense of place. She takes particular pride in making renovation and construction feel effortless for her clients, many of whom travel extensively or run demanding businesses. "My team leads the decisions, streamlines the options, and handles the details so clients can stay focused on what matters most. We set them up for quick, clear decisions and handle the rest."

The design industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly following the pandemic's impact on how people live and work. "People are spending more time at home, and design now has to hold more emotion – function, family and flow," Allen observes. This shift has also affected sourcing, leading her team to become more intentional and local, working with Napa artisans and makers who share their commitment to quality.

Looking toward the future, Allen hopes to accomplish several ambitious goals she hasn't yet achieved. She dreams of designing a boutique retreat property and becoming the go-to designer for destination homes worldwide. "I want to continue designing spaces that bring families together in places they'll make memories for generations to come. Beauty, ease and connection – that's the legacy I hope to build."

Allen advocates for positive changes both in her industry and local community. For Napa specifically, she suggests creating more collaboration opportunities among the creative community – designers, artisans, builders and boutique brands. "Napa's beauty is built on its makers," she emphasizes. Within the design industry, she would like to see less focus on fast design trends and more emphasis on intentionality, believing that true design should evolve with the people who live in it rather than with trends that expire seasonally.

Currently, Allen is collaborating on three projects with Dave and April Kennedy of Kennedy Construction, whom she describes as "equal parts get it done and big, big heart." She praises their teamwork approach, noting how they work together to make the process easy for clients while achieving superior results. This partnership exemplifies her belief in the power of collaboration within Napa's creative community.

For Allen, design has always been her way of creating comfort when life didn't offer it freely. She started her business to provide something she craved growing up – spaces that serve as refuge. "Not just beautiful, but emotionally aligned. Restorative. True to who you are becoming," she explains. This personal motivation continues to drive her work as she helps clients create legacy spaces through thoughtful, intentional design.