From New York’s Fast-Paced Design Scene: Insights with Mark Rosenhaus

We had the pleasure of chatting with Mark Rosenhaus, a legendary kitchen designer with an incredible 37-year career in New York. His insights into the world of kitchen design and the difference between the US and UK markets are fascinating.

Here are some key takeaways:

The Big Apple: New York is known for its rapid pace, with the phrase “in a New York minute” meaning everything happens quickly. This mindset influences kitchen design, where every decision needs to be made swiftly.
How Mark Started: After studying architecture, Mark ventured into interior architecture and unexpectedly found himself in kitchen design. He learned that kitchen design is more than just putting in units—it’s about creating a personal, interactive experience with clients.
Breaking Into the Industry: In the US, many young designers “fall into” the kitchen design world, starting at big box stores or through referrals. Some may attend specialized schools, but formal education in kitchen design is less common. Instead, many start as apprentices or through interior design routes.
The Golden Proportion: Mark’s passion lies in the golden proportion—a natural design principle found everywhere from the human body to the galaxies. He incorporates this 62% ratio into his kitchen designs, from the layout to even the handles. It creates a harmonious, balanced feel in the space.
Sculpture in the Kitchen: Unlike standard designs, Mark’s approach is all about creating unique, sculptural kitchens. By using dynamic and mirror symmetry, he turns the kitchen into a work of art, with bespoke cabinetry and materials that challenge the conventional “box” design.
Design Beyond the Ordinary: Mark’s designs push the boundaries of what’s typical, incorporating sliding doors, circular cutouts, and bespoke features that make a kitchen feel truly special. It’s about creating excitement and balance for the user.

Mark’s approach to design teaches us that kitchen design is not just about function but about making a personal, emotional connection with the space. For anyone in the UK or globally, embracing creative and artistic kitchen design can provide a competitive edge.

🌿 Are you ready to move beyond the standard design? Let Mark’s insights inspire you to think outside the box!