The design tells a story

Nancy Golden is an interior designer who doesn't rely solely on design.

Golden, who spent 10 years hosting decorating shows on HGTV and DIY, believes that story is just as important as look when putting together a room. In her Minnetonka home, she proudly displays souvenirs from her travels, gifts from her children and favorite finds such as a faux antler chair. Her heart-first design sensibilities have had a major impact on one of America's most famous go-to-guys for decor: Nate Berkus.

That's because she's his mother.

Golden, who designs jewelry under the Goldenwear label, and Marshall, her husband of 37 years, currently split their time between Minnetonka and Las Vegas.

On one of her trips to Minnesota, we talked with Golden about her approach to design, her favorite things and why she loves doing laundry.

Decor philosophy: Everything has a story. Nothing is there [in my house] because it was good design, but it's because of good feelings. It has always been my M.O. to find something on a trip and it becomes a memory. I don't go to TJ Maxx and buy accessories for accessories' sake. If you live your life safely with design, then it never shows your inner spirit.

The look in her Minnesota home: It's colorful and wonderful. I haven't done much to it in 20 years. Once I started doing the Vegas house, my energy and focus was on that. However, I've recently developed a whole love of natural stones, so I reworked the bookcases to be more rough and more organic.

Prized possession: A book of poems my husband and I write to each other on Valentine's Day. Even when we're mad at each other. That's irreplaceable.

Favorite hand-me-down: The ottoman from my mom. She loved to needlepoint. She never liked to watch TV without something in her hands. I did one of the panels [on the ottoman] and got bored.

How she came to design jewelry: I bought my first necklace from [fashion designer] Marni, made of resin and plastic and leather. I loved wearing that big, oversized piece. I dreamt what my first necklace would be like and made it.

Morning routine: I make a Slim-Fast shake, with coffee flavoring and bananas. I watch TV. I always put on the "Today" show at 8 a.m. and then Nate's show. I like lazy mornings. I don't hit the ground running. I love to read, but I do that more later in the day and at night. I'm online for an hour and a half every day, shopping or e-mailing.

Best websites: I'm an eBay junkie. And [sale website] Gilt Group. The key is to click on it and put it in your cart right away and then decide.

Always in the fridge: I have a chunk of Swiss cheese, Slim-Fast cappuccino, Bubbies Pickles, coffee ice cream and Lean Cuisine. Truly, I've never been a good cook, but I love to set a great table.

Favorite household chore: I love doing laundry. There's something about sorting the clothes and putting them on different cycles. Maybe because I love clothing. I don't iron, but I have steamers in both of my homes.

Collections: I collect vintage things that say "golden," anything dogs and geodes.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177