What better time than now to finally put those dream kitchen or bath plans into action? Springtime is the best time for a refresh or a complete remodel. Why stick to just spring cleaning? Be bold!
Our area is rich with professional resources for these types of projects. One is GLS Supply, which has locations in Cullman, Huntsville and Birmingham. It’s also family owned, a big plus in my book.
Said Showroom Director Michelle Jackson, “GLS Supply was established in Birmingham in 2001. We are a family business with several generations of family working together across Alabama.”
Jackson said the Cullman location, which is the newest, opened its doors in 2019 and recently updated its showroom to bring in even more products.
“The ladies in Cullman both have years of plumbing showroom experience,” she told me. “Dawn Calvert and Tami Galloway have both been in the plumbing industry since 1990.”
So, you have big ideas for what you want your upgraded kitchen or bath to look like. To help you get there, Jackson recommends visiting your chosen store before you get started. You can browse modern sinks, faucets, bathtubs, shower systems, toilets and other home decor and design products to get a real idea of what they will look like in your space.
“We love when homeowners visit the showroom before starting their projects to get ideas, and do homework before trying to make selections,” she explained. “It helps for them to come in and ask questions, so that when they are ready to make selections, it isn't as overwhelming for them. In a remodel, we need measurements and drain locations so that we can feel comfortable helping the customer make the right selections. Pictures always help! For new construction, plans and ‘wish pictures’ help us bring their wants and needs to life.”
Calvert agreed, saying, “I have always been an advocate for homeowner preparation before selecting fixtures, lighting and other building-related materials. I love when homeowners visit beforehand to get ideas and pick up brochures to do their ‘homework’ before selecting fixtures. It tends to make their selection process more thought out and not as confusing for them. Also, it’s a great help when they bring their plans so we can see the space, their paint and counter samples so we can see if a finish or color will be complimentary, and bring their budget and/or list of the plumbing fixture specifications.”
Trends in kitchen and bath design change over times, and Jackson talked about what’s hot right now.
“Hot trends we are seeing in both kitchen and bath right now are mixing bright, rich colors; mixing wood and metal; classic paint colors; and retro wallpaper designs,” she said. “Also, dark and moody vibes, with natural finishes like uncoated brass that will patina over time.”
And as you might imagine, Calvert has worked on some cool projects over her time in the industry.
“The most interesting project I've ever worked on was for a major league baseball player in Florida. We did an outdoor bathroom on the second floor of his house in Santa Rosa Beach,” she said. “I've also worked with country music stars on their vacation homes. It’s always exciting to help someone famous, but they are just regular people and need plumbing fixtures the same as anyone else.”
The local GLS Supply showroom is located at 153 Fourth St. SW in Cullman, where you can view modern sinks, faucets, bathtubs, shower systems, toilets and other home decor and design products to get a real idea of what they will look like in your space. View photos online at www.glssupply.com or www.instagram.com/gls_supply.