Think Inside the Box: Lighting Up Cabinetry

In May, the NKBA Manhattan-NYC Chapter gathered at the Hafele showroom in Flatiron for the CEU-accredited “Think Inside the Box: Lighting Up Cabinetry” presentation by lighting expert Kelly Inglis. Attendees gained valuable insights on how to plan and integrate innovative millwork lighting solutions for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of the home. Pictured above is guest speaker from Vancouver, Kelly Inglis, who says Think Inside the Box, at the NKBA at Hafele Showroom. Below are a few soundbites and highlights from members who attended the event:

Nathalie J. Siegel, Assoc. AIA, ASID Associate, LEED AP BD+C

Kelly Inglis actively carried the high energy and lively interaction of people, conversations, and refreshments into a nicely seated event. Inglis shared technical and design views on interplaying lighting in cabinetry spaces. She also inspired us to ask well-organized questions as we design with lighting elements. 

Sabrina Petrillo, The Sherwin-Williams Company

Working in the paint industry you see how much light can affect the colors. Seeing the difference in each area of the Showroom helps me identify what colors may or may not work for clients before we start the process. 

One piece of advice Kelly shared that I will continue to implement is utilizing samples in all different areas of your spaces so you can narrow down what you like and don't like when pairing your lighting options to your colors. This includes making sure, if you have a piece of furniture or anything else you are certain will be in the space you're redoing- look at the paint next to that with the different lighting styles as the light can reflect off your items and then alter your perception of the color.

Pictured above: Kelly Inglis and Hafele’s Rod Jean

One product from the Hafele showroom that I saw and loved was the wine cabinet that was first displayed when you walked in. It was a wood look with multiple shelves and had a wine glass rack on one side. My family has their own small wine collection so items like that always catch my eye. There are so many unique wine storage options but this one specifically wasn't too bulky and had a nice modern but classic look which can fit into any style home.

Ahmed Ahmed, A2A Design, Waterworks

One of the standout moments for me was discovering the Folding Concepta 25 mechanism. Its sleek, space-saving design and smooth functionality immediately caught my attention. I’m currently working on a compact living project, and this mechanism aligns perfectly with the aesthetic and functional goals of the space. I’m excited to integrate it into my design and explore its full potential.

Additionally, Kelly Inglis’s presentation was both insightful and energizing. Her approach to lighting design—especially the emphasis on integrating lighting within cabinetry and millwork—offered valuable strategies that I plan to incorporate into future projects. The session truly highlighted how lighting can elevate not just the look, but the experience of a space.

Thank you again to Häfele and NKBA for hosting such a well-curated and engaging event. I look forward to future gatherings and continued inspiration.

See snaps from the event below, and the full gallery of images captured by Jeff Siegel linked here.

Host John Risch, Bsn & Showroom Manager and Kelly Inglis flank one of the three lucky raffle winners who each received a copy of Master Designs by Ellen Cheever She was a very special friend of Häfele’s and NKBA | KBIS honors her memory with the Ellen Cheever Award.

Dana Matassa -Miele, Fred Albano-Albano Appliances, Frederick Frank-SKS, and Charlé-John- NKBA Chapter-NYC President

Waterworks attendees included Edward Wilson, left and Ahmed Ahmed, who helped review the event for this story.

Ellen Lopez co-events chair and who introduced the event, brought along her son, Jeremy, a talented tenor, before he heads off to work with Central City Opera this summer.

Sherwin Williams was well represented with Cindy Ramnarine, Morgan Miller and Sabrina Petrillo, right, who noted what she found especially informative about the talk and her showroom find there!