120 Rethinking Time Blocking: How Interior Designers Can Plan with Flexibility

After a little time away (hello, school holidays and a much-needed breather), we're back and really looking forward to this next season of Design Dialogues. The break gave me time to reflect on how I run my own business—what’s working, what needs adjusting, and how I want to structure my weeks moving forward. In this solo episode, I’m sharing a more realistic and creative-friendly approach to time blocking—one that actually works for interior designers. If you’ve tried traditional time blocking and found it too rigid or overwhelming, you’re not alone. This method lets you zoom out, align your work with your energy, and make space for what really matters—without losing the flexibility you need to thrive as a designer. Whether you’re juggling projects, marketing, clients, and still trying to find time to actually design, this episode will help you create more structure, less stress, and a better rhythm in your studio. Hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx Episode Highlights • Why most time blocking advice fails for creative business owners • A gentler, month-based approach that allows for creative energy and real life • Three building blocks of a sustainable time-blocking system • Sample weekly structures tailored for design studios • Why flexibility is essential (and how to plan for it) • Creating recurring “CEO hours” to stay focused on your big picture • Anchoring your calendar with your priorities, not your to-do list Key Takeaways • Time blocking doesn’t need to feel like punishment—it should feel supportive • Planning in phases or themes lets you stay focused without boxing you in • Anchors like CEO hours and content days create a steady rhythm for your week • The best system is one that works with your energy, not against it • Let go of the pressure to “do it all” every day—give your business breathing space Practical Insights • Use monthly and weekly planning rhythms that evolve with your business • Blend digital and analogue tools to stay organised in a way that suits you • How to design a realistic week—even when you wear every hat in your business • Time-blocking tips for solo designers and those building a team Perfect For: • Interior designers juggling client work, studio admin, and creative direction • Studio owners who want to stop reacting and start planning with intention • Creatives who’ve tried and failed with traditional productivity systems • Anyone who wants more time to design (and maybe even a Friday off!) Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes. I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.