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.
