Designed To Thrive with Colleen Tobey

Your bedroom is doing more work than you think.
In this episode of Designed to Thrive, Colleen shares why she believes the bedroom is the most important room in your entire home—and why it deserves far more intention than it’s often given. More than a place to sleep, your bedroom quietly shapes your nervous system, your mindset, your relationships, and your ability to truly rest and restore.
Drawing from her experience as an interior designer, Colleen explores how so many bedrooms become “leftover spaces” while the most visible rooms get the attention—and why that imbalance can leave us feeling depleted, overstimulated, and disconnected from rest.
This conversation isn’t about perfection, trends, or Instagram-worthy design. It’s about creating a bedroom that supports your real life, your body, and your need to soften at the beginning and end of every day.
In this episode, Colleen covers:

• Why your bedroom acts as a nervous system regulator
• How the first and last moments of your day are shaped by your environment
• The importance of treating the bedroom as a transition space—not a productivity zone
• Why your bed (mattress, pillows, sheets) is one of the most important investments in your home
• How clutter, electronics, and work habits impact rest and sleep quality
• Designing a bedroom that supports both physical and mental rest
• Using beauty as a form of self-respect and emotional support
• Creating space for rituals like journaling, reading, or meditation
• Navigating kids, boundaries, and partnership in the bedroom with intention
• Small, meaningful design changes that make a big difference—without a full renovation

This episode is a reminder that:
Rest is not a luxury.
Comfort is not optional.
And beauty is not frivolous—it’s regulating.
If you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or someone rebuilding your relationship with rest, this conversation invites you to start where it matters most. One pillow. One lamp. One cleared surface. One act of care.
Your bedroom is more than a room—it’s a statement about how you value yourself.
Thank you for listening to the Designed to Thrive Podcast. If this episode resonated, Colleen invites you to share your thoughts or take one small step today toward creating a bedroom that truly holds you. Connect with Colleen on Instagram @the_homecraftdesign or her website https://www.homecraftdesign.com/

What happens when your entire home is under construction—and there’s no “safe room” to retreat to?
In this episode of Designed to Thrive, Colleen shares candidly from the middle of a full-home remodel and explores what this season is teaching her about design, creativity, community, and nervous system support. Rather than reflecting from the other side, this conversation is rooted in the now—the unfinished, the temporary, and the deeply human experience of living inside change.
This episode reframes home not just as beauty or aesthetics, but as a regulating force—a partner to your nervous system—and offers permission to approach transitional seasons with more grace, simplicity, and self-trust.
Whether you’re in a remodel, a move, or any life chapter that feels unsettled, this episode is an invitation to soften your expectations and care for yourself while things are still becoming.
In this episode, Colleen explores:

• Why a whole-home remodel impacts your nervous system differently than smaller projects
• How unfinished spaces create ongoing stimulation in the body—especially for sensitive systems
• What “nervous system design” actually looks like in real life
• The difference between being aligned with a decision and feeling regulated during the process
• How creativity shifts from control to adaptation in seasons of change
• Letting go of perfection and choosing support over aesthetics
• Seeing transition through the lens of community and shared meaning
• Why not every season of life requires aesthetic excellence
• Holding excitement and overwhelm at the same time—without judgment

This episode is a reminder that:
Your home can be supportive and unfinished.
Your creativity can be quiet and adaptive.
And you don’t need to rush yourself through the in-between.
If something in this episode resonates with you, Colleen invites you to share your experience or reflect on what season you’re currently living inside. You’re not alone—and you don’t need to have it all figured out yet. Connect with Colleen on Instagram @the_homecraftdesign or her website https://www.homecraftdesign.com/

What if being “new” doesn’t mean starting from scratch — but starting from experience?

In this episode of Designed to Thrive, Colleen Tobey speaks to the quiet, tender season of being experienced and capable… yet still feeling exposed because you’re showing up in a new way. This is a conversation for anyone who has built something before, held expertise, or worn a clear identity — and now finds themselves evolving beyond it.

Colleen explores what it means to redefine the word beginner, navigate an in-between identity without rushing to label it, and trust the wisdom that doesn’t disappear just because the medium or expression has changed.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, honor the foundation you’ve already built, and give yourself permission to expand — without urgency or self-abandonment.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why being “new” doesn’t mean starting from zero
• Redefining what it means to be a beginner
• The discomfort and freedom of the in-between identity
• Grieving what no longer fits while honoring what still does
• Why community is the word guiding Colleen into 2026
• Creating from rest instead of urgency
• Letting ideas and offerings unfold without pressure
• Giving yourself permission to be both experienced and evolving

Reflection Questions:

• Where in your life do you feel capable — yet newly exposed?
• What identity are you loosening your grip on?
• How might you allow yourself to evolve without needing a new label right away?

If this episode resonated, consider sharing it with someone who’s navigating a similar in-between season. And if you find yourself questioning whether you’re “allowed” to change how you work, create, or live — let this be your reminder:

You don’t lose your expertise when you evolve.

You carry it with you — and let it expand.

Connect:

If something in this episode resonated with you, feel free to share it in the comments or connect with Colleen on Instagram @the_homecraftdesign or her website.

What if the dream you can’t stop thinking about isn’t random — but an invitation?

In this episode of Designed to Thrive, Colleen Tobey shares the story behind starting this podcast and what it taught her about listening to intuition, trusting a full-body yes, and moving forward even when fear is present.

If you’ve ever felt pulled toward something new — a creative idea, a project, a shift — but found yourself overanalyzing, minimizing, or waiting until you felt “ready,” this conversation is for you.

Colleen explores what it actually means to follow a dream, why fear often shows up when something is aligned, and how to tell the difference between intuition and anxiety. She also reflects on the quiet whispers that guide us, the myth of readiness, and the permission to do scary things safely.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen inward, and honor the ideas that keep returning — even when they feel uncomfortable.

In this episode, we explore:

• How to recognize the difference between a passing idea and a true dream
• Why dreams tend to whisper instead of shout
• What fear really means when you’re on the edge of growth
• How intuition and fear can exist at the same time
• Letting go of the myth of “being ready”
• What following a dream actually requires (and what it doesn’t)
• Reframing fear as a compass instead of a block
• A powerful moment on the mountain that reframes bravery and safety

Reflection Questions:

• What’s the idea or dream that keeps tapping you on the shoulder?
• Where might fear be pointing you toward expansion rather than danger?
• What would it look like to take one small, honest step — without needing the full plan?

If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who’s standing at the edge of something new. And if you’re feeling the pull to start the thing, follow the nudge, or trust what your body already knows — let this be your reminder:

Fear doesn’t always mean you’re doing it wrong.
Sometimes, it means you’re finally doing it right.

Connect:

If something in this episode resonated with you, feel free to share it in the comments or connect with Colleen on Instagram @the_homecraftdesign or her website https://www.homecraftdesign.com/

Resources:

In this episode, Colleen references the children's book: What Do You Do With An Idea by Kobi Yamada. It is highly recommended that you read it at any age!

Have you ever looked around your home and thought, “It’s fine for now”—but still felt subtly drained, restless, or unsettled?

In this episode of Designed to Thrive, interior designer Colleen Tobey explores how “good enough” design quietly impacts your energy, your nervous system, and your sense of ease—especially if you’re a busy professional, a parent, or someone carrying a heavy mental load.

This isn’t about perfection, trends, or expensive upgrades. It’s about intention—and how half-finished spaces, visual clutter, and unresolved design decisions act like open tabs in your brain, asking more of you than you realize.

Colleen invites you to see your home through a new lens: not as a project to complete, but as a living environment meant to support you, regulate you, and help you exhale.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why unfinished spaces create low-level stress and decision fatigue
• How visual clutter affects your nervous system—even when your home is “clean”
• The difference between reactive “good enough” design and intentional design
• Where investing your time and money actually matters (and where it doesn’t)
• How resolving one space can create real relief and momentum

Key Themes & Takeaways

• Unfinished doesn’t mean messy. It means unresolved—and your brain keeps track of that.
• Visual clutter = nervous system clutter. Calm spaces help regulate you.
• Intentional design isn’t about more—it’s about choosing on purpose.
• Empty with intention is better than filled with regret.
• Spend where your body rests. Simplify where your eyes roam.

What’s Worth Investing In

• Your bed and bedding
• Main seating you use daily
• Layered lighting (ambient, task, accent)
• Storage that supports real life, not Pinterest life

What’s Not

• Trend-driven decor
• Filler furniture bought just to “finish” a room
• Fast furniture that won’t last
• Accessories without intention or hierarchy

Reflection Prompts

Before you move on with your day, take a slow walk through your home and ask yourself:

• What feels heavy or unresolved?
• What space do I avoid without realizing it?
• What one area—if finished—would bring the most relief?

You don’t need a perfect home.

You need a home that works with you—not against you.

Join the Conversation

If this episode resonated with you, Colleen would love to hear your thoughts. Share your reflections in the comments or with someone who might need this reminder today. Connect with Colleen on Instagram or visit her website https://www.homecraftdesign.com/

In this first episode of Season One, Part Two, Colleen welcomes listeners into a fresh chapter of the Designed to Thrive Podcast and into the new year. January invites reflection, clarity, and intention — and this episode is all about returning to the basics.

Today’s conversation is Design 101: the foundational principles that make a home feel grounded, intentional, and supportive. Colleen breaks down the core elements of interior design and highlights the most common mistakes she sees — not with judgment, but with the belief that once you understand the foundation, everything shifts.

This episode is both practical and empowering, helping you trust your eye, simplify your space, and design with confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The 7 Core Elements of Design

Colleen walks through the essential building blocks of good design:

• Space (positive vs. negative space)
• Line (horizontal, vertical, and dynamic)
• Form (geometric vs. organic)
• Light (why layering matters)
• Color (and how it affects emotion)
• Texture (visual and tactile)
• Pattern (and the importance of restraint)

When these elements are aligned, a room feels effortless. When they’re not, something feels “off” — even if you can’t explain why.

The 2:3 Design Rule (Rule of Thirds)

Learn how this simple principle from art and architecture can transform your home:

• Why perfectly centered spaces often feel flat
• How dividing a room visually into thirds creates flow
• Practical examples using sofas, beds, kitchens, shelves, and decor
• Why offset compositions feel more relaxed, lived-in, and designed

Once you see your space in thirds instead of halves, design becomes easier and more intuitive.

Common Design Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)

Colleen shares the most frequent issues she sees — and how to correct them:

• Rugs that are too small
• Curtains hung too low or too narrow
• Empty or ignored corners
• Furniture that’s out of scale or proportion
• Too many small decor items
• Poor lighting and lack of layers
• Not enough texture to warm up a space
• Visual weight concentrated on one side of the room

These aren’t aesthetic failures — they’re foundational issues that can be gently adjusted.

How to Make Your Home Feel High-End (Without Spending More)

High-end design isn’t about price — it’s about cohesion. Colleen shares her favorite high-impact upgrades:

• Choosing larger rugs
• Layering lighting instead of relying on overheads
• Matching drapery for visual calm
• Editing surfaces instead of filling them
• Swapping out basic hardware
• Letting one strong art piece anchor a room

The through-line? Fewer, better, more intentional choices.

The Big Takeaway

Design isn’t about perfection, trends, or magazine-worthy spaces.

It’s about alignment.

When your home feels cohesive, calm, and intentional, it quietly supports your life — through busy mornings, tired evenings, and everything in between. Small, thoughtful changes can completely shift how a space feels to live in.

Colleen invites you to approach your home with curiosity rather than judgment and to ask:

What’s working?

What feels heavy?

What could be simplified?

Because good design doesn’t impress — it supports.

Connect with Colleen on Instagram and on her website https://www.homecraftdesign.com/

Welcome to the final episode of Designed to Thrive Season One, Part One! In this beautifully honest closing episode, Colleen opens her heart and shares a story many listeners will see themselves in—her journey into motherhood, despite once believing she’d never have children.
This episode isn’t just about parenting; it’s about identity, intuition, partnership, self-discovery, and the way love evolves over time. Whether you’re a mother, don’t want to be, hope to be, or feel unsure—this conversation invites reflection on how we choose our partners, how we navigate who we’re becoming, and how the roles we step into reshape us.
Colleen walks us through choosing the partner who changed everything, the unexpected transformation motherhood brought, and the ways Human Design supports her as a Projector raising two Generator children. She reflects on the truth of partnership-first parenting, the magic of watching her children grow, and the deep, cracking-open love that only motherhood brings.
This episode is a soft landing place—full of tenderness, honesty, and the kind of storytelling that stays with you.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

• The Surprise of Becoming a Mother
• Why Colleen never envisioned herself having children
• The moment her inner narrative shifted
• How intuition (and her mom’s wisdom) guided her into the role she now treasures

The Story of Meeting Lavie:

• A five-day free trial on Match.com that changed everything
• The undeniable intuitive pull to reach out
• What happened when he disappeared to the Netherlands—and then called back
• How honesty about not wanting kids led to a deeper truth

Partnership as the Foundation:

• The advice that changed her view: the partnership comes first
• Why seeing Lavie as a father expanded her love
• Modeling healthy love, connection, and teamwork for their kids
• Building a strong partnership so you can be strong parents

Motherhood as a Portal to Becoming More You:

• How motherhood cracked Colleen open—softening and strengthening her
• Why she became more herself after having children
• Navigating identity shifts and new versions of self with each stage

Human Design & Parenting:

• Raising two Generator children as a Projector
• Learning thresholds, alone time, and energy management
• Understanding how her husband (a Manifesting Generator) recharges
• How honoring energy types improved communication and harmony at home

The Small Moments That Make Motherhood Magic:

• The curiosity, questions, and heart-melting moments
• Watching sibling bonds form
• Sharing motherhood with her sister
• Seeing her parents become grandparents
• The joy, heartbreak, and infinite love held within the role

Key Takeaways:

• Motherhood may not be part of your original story—and that’s okay. Narratives can shift.
• The partner you choose is one of the most defining decisions of your life.
• Strong parenting stems from a strong partnership.
• You don’t lose yourself in motherhood—you evolve into new layers of yourself.
• Every parenting season requires a new version of you.
• Your home, your energy, and your relationships weave together into the experience of motherhood.

A Reflection for You
What narratives about identity, partnership, or motherhood are shifting for you right now—and what would happen if you allowed those shifts to be true?
Thank You for an Amazing Season One (Part One!)
Designed to Thrive will return on January 22—Colleen’s daughter’s birthday—and weekly Monday episodes after that.
If this episode resonated with you, share your thoughts in the comments. Your stories, reflections, and presence mean so much.
Until next time, take care and be gentle with yourself in whatever season you’re in

In this episode of Designed to Thrive, Colleen shares the behind-the-scenes story of her very first community challenge — the 21-Day Home Glow Up Challenge — and how it came to life through the guidance of her Splenic Authority (hello, Human Design Projectors!).

Fresh off the inspiration of Living Brave Live in Denver with Shoshanna Raven and other guest speakers, Colleen listened to the unmistakable nudge to create an accessible, high-impact challenge that anyone could use to bring more intention, beauty, and joy into their home. 

She walks through the creation process, what it was like to run the challenge for the first time, the magic of the WhatsApp community, and the powerful transformations participants experienced from simple, 10-minute daily prompts.

This episode is for anyone craving a reset, a burst of inspiration, or proof that small shifts at home can create big energetic changes within.
Inside the 21-Day Home Glow Up Challenge

Week 1: Ditch & Dazzle
A week of clearing clutter, refreshing energy, and creating intentional space. Think: surface detoxes, simplified counters, and immediate energetic shifts.

Week 2: Elevate & Embody
Aligning your home with your “next-level self.” Tiny elevations with big impact — styling, reorganizing, uplifting the vibe.

Week 3: Glow & Flow
Integrating movement, beauty, and flow into your daily environment. Letting your space support how you want to feel.

What We Talk About in This Episode

• Listening to Splenic Authority and the intuitive nudge to create something new
• The power of live events and being immersed in entrepreneurial energy
• Creating a challenge from scratch as a Projector — and why it flowed so naturally
• Launching with vulnerability, excitement, and a whole lot of trust
• The beauty of a small but mighty community (9 sign-ups!)
• Why simple daily prompts can spark massive shifts at home and in life
• The joy of witnessing participants transform their space — and themselves

Participant Wins & Takeaways
This challenge revealed just how impactful small, intentional actions can be. Participants shared that:

• Joy returned to their home — chores felt fun again
• Simple resets (like clearing one surface!) shifted the entire energy of a room
• Their homes felt lighter, more aligned, and full of possibility
• Spouses and kids joined in unexpectedly — and enjoyed it
• Spending just 10 minutes a day created momentum and ease
• Tiny tasks they’d been putting off (like replacing lightbulbs) made a huge difference
• There was no pressure, no overwhelm, just space to move, breathe, and create

The biggest realization?
Your home can drain you — and it can pour energy right back into you.

Colleen’s Reflections
Leading this challenge reminded Colleen why she loves doing this work: Our homes are portals. They influence how we feel, show up, love, rest, and dream.
Being invited into the intimate corners of people’s homes — even through photos and WhatsApp messages — was an honor and a joy. And this challenge confirmed that when we approach our homes with curiosity instead of pressure, transformation becomes effortless.

A Question for You

Where in your home could one small shift bring you a big feeling of relief, joy, or energy?

Connect with Colleen
If today’s episode resonated with you, Colleen would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments or send a message on Instagram! 

Join the next 21-Day Home Glow Up Challenge

The next challenge is set for February 10th - March 2nd, 2026. You can join now at https://www.homecraftdesign.com/the-home-glow-up-challenge

Resources

To learn more about Shoshanna Raven and Living Brave Live visit https://shoshannaraven.com/

In this heartfelt episode of Designed to Thrive, host Colleen Tobey reflects on the profound role mentorship has played in her life — from early teachers who made her feel seen, to business coach Jacki Carr, whose guidance helped Colleen embrace visibility and self-trust.

Colleen explores what mentorship truly means beyond the definition: connection with purpose. She shares how powerful it can be when someone sees your potential before you do, and how that same energy can ripple outward as you begin to mentor others in your own way.

This episode is a reminder that mentorship doesn’t always follow a formal path — it can show up as a teacher, a friend, a colleague, or even a quiet moment of encouragement. Every time you hold space for another person to grow, you’re part of the beautiful lineage of mentorship.

What You’ll Learn

• How mentorship shaped Colleen’s personal and professional evolution
• The ripple effect of being seen and supported
• Why true mentorship is less about advice and more about holding space
• How to identify and honor the mentors who’ve guided you
• Ways you may already be mentoring others without even realizing it

Key Takeaways

• Mentorship is connection with purpose. It’s about seeing someone’s spark and helping it grow.
• Being seen isn’t about ego — it’s about alignment. When you show up authentically, you invite others to do the same.
• Guidance comes in many forms. Teachers, friends, colleagues, and even fleeting interactions can leave lifelong impressions.
• You’re likely a mentor, too. Every time you encourage, listen, or hold space, you’re helping someone remember who they are.

Reflection Prompts & Resources

• Take a moment today to think about a mentor who has shaped your journey.
• What did their presence teach you?
• And who might you be mentoring right now — even in small, quiet ways?

Connect with Colleen & Friends

If this episode resonated with you, Colleen would love to hear from you. Share your reflections or tag @the_homecraftdesign on social — and don’t forget to thank a mentor in your life today.

To learn more about my former coach, Jacki Carr, follow her on Instagram @jackicarr or check out her website https://jackicarr.com/

Learn more about the Boulder Chamber of Commerce here.

In this inspiring episode of Designed to Thrive, Colleen explores the powerful connection between Human Design and Interior Design — two creative worlds that, when combined, can help you shape a home that truly supports your energy.

You’ll learn how your Human Design type influences the way you experience your space — from the colors that empower you to the layouts that restore your flow. Whether you’re a Manifestor who needs autonomy, a Projector who craves rest, or a Reflector who thrives in clarity, this episode will help you see your home as an energetic extension of who you are.

Colleen also shares one small, actionable shift you can make for each energy type to bring more harmony and ease into your environment.

What You’ll Learn

• What Human Design is — and how your energetic blueprint shapes how you use and restore energy
• The connection between your home and your Human Design type
• How to design your living space to feel more aligned, supportive, and alive
• Simple, practical shifts for each of the five Human Design types

Key Takeaways by Type

• Manifestors (Starts at 04:50): Claim a space that feels fully yours and off-limits to others — even a desk, shelf, or closet corner. Manifestors need sovereignty, so your home should reflect that autonomy. You can add bold colors to a space. 
• Generators (Starts at 06:10): Light up your space with things you genuinely love — art, plants, music. When Generators surround themselves with items that bring joy, it fuels their sacral energy and keeps them glowing. 
• Manifesting Generators (Starts at 07:40): Add flexibility to your setup — Design flexible, modular spaces you can rearrange or repurpose when your energy shifts. MGs thrive when they can pivot quickly and follow their energy, so your home should support that spontaneity. 
• Projectors (Starts at 08:53): Create a designated restful corner — a chair by a window, a chaise, or a cozy nook — where you can sit, observe, and recharge. Your environment should invite rest and perspective, not constant doing. Neutral colors preferred. 
• Reflectors (Starts at 10:33): Keep one area of your home simple and open — minimal clutter, natural light, maybe a connection to the outdoors. Reflectors need spaciousness to sample and release energies.

Reflect & Apply

Ask yourself:

“Does my home support me — or drain me?”

“What one small shift could help my space feel more aligned with who I am?”

Remember: your home is your anchor. When it reflects your true energy, everything else flows.

Resources & Links

• Listen to Episode 1 for an introduction to Human Design
• Use an online chart generator (like Human Design with Jenna Zoe https://www.myhumandesign.com) to discover your own Human Design type
• Save this episode’s “One Small Shift for Each Type” guide for easy reference
• Check out Colleen's Blog Post "The Difference Between Interior Designers and Interior Decorators"

Connect with Colleen

If today’s episode resonated, share your reflections in the comments or tag @the_homecraftdesign on Instagram — Colleen would love to hear how you’re designing your home to align with your energy.