Security Plumbing & Heating Supply in Albany, N.Y., is a full-service wholesaler specializing in residential plumbing and heating, commercial plumbing and heating, and retail and institutional products. As a locally owned company within a national organization — WinSupply — we offer the pricing and selection of a large supplier, and the local decision-making and flexibility of a small business. 

We have one of the largest Kohler Premier Showrooms in the Northeast, and offer a large variety of decorative plumbing products from many brands. We added the showroom to our more builder- and contractor-targeted sales counter about 15 years ago; it serves contractors, home builders and homeowners doing large and small projects. 

Currently, Security Plumbing & Heating Supply is undergoing an extensive remodeling project, changing the displays in about 80 percent of the floor space over the last two years. We are showcasing the trending wet-room concept and a large his-and-hers shower with digital controls. A new kitchen showcase area will have working faucets, including touchless faucets and other innovations. 

In addition, we are adding or expanding several brand offerings, including Schmidlin from Switzerland and Maidstone Supply from Pennsylvania.

Many of our products are made in the United States, including our primary cabinet brands, Woodpro and Strasser, and many countertop brands, including Onyx, Cambria and Tere-Stone. However, we also include brands sourced in Italy, Great Britain, Canada and other areas. We stock a large variety of products to fit the need for quick solutions and have sources available for projects with longer lead times.

Our showroom staff is highly trained, with three out of four having degrees in interior design and more than 50 years of combined experience in the residential building and remodeling field. Security Plumbing & Heating Supply is a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, our local builder and remodeling organizations and the Chamber of Commerce. 

We participate in ongoing product training so our staff can assist our customers fully. We work on projects from selecting a single replacement faucet to the plumbing needs for a whole-house remodeling project.

Changes in Color/Wood Tone Preferences  

In the last few years, we have seen an increase in sales of white fixtures over biscuit and other colors. Personal color choices seem to be in cabinetry (blue and green) and faucets (black and gold). In the last six months, however, we have seen an increase in warm neutrals and interest in biscuit or other soft whites for tubs, toilets, etc. 

This trend reversal may reflect the temporarily reduced availability of nonwhite fixtures during the COVID-19 pandemic-related product shortages. 

The trend toward more freestanding tubs in primary baths continues, as well as farm sinks in kitchens and laundry rooms. We see a change in the wood tones selected for cabinetry: dark maple and cherry have given way to more mid-toned and browner woods. We also see an increase in lighter, but not natural, maples and oaks. 

There is a continued interest in light-colored, marble-looking countertops, but dark colors are gaining in popularity.

Bold Elements: Textures and Patterns

Bold design elements are gaining attention in many areas. Whether it is texture on the face of cabinets or highly contrasted components, more dynamic choices and attention-grabbing details are incorporated into both kitchens and bathrooms. Lighting choices have become more exciting and sculptural, adding the lighting function and the decorative form to the room. Flooring is also trending in more dynamic design elements, and feature walls with a bold pattern or color help to define a room’s character. 

In the last few years, a trend has been to mix metals, combining chrome or brushed nickel with black, or brushed gold with black or brushed nickel. Some faucet suites even offer a two-tone finish option to provide a consistent design element throughout the room.

Being a Luxury Product Goods (LPG) buying group member has exposed us to many other plumbing specialists and new ideas. Connecting with others allows us to share best practices and helpful tips. 

One idea I picked up was to gather information about all the items in the individual vignettes on one page, with reasons to use these products. These one-pagers aren’t only for the customers we see; they are also a great way for the showroom staff to put together their talking points so they have ready information to share and expand upon. 

There is also an LPG members’ Facebook group where we can ask for input from other showroom professionals about product sourcing or identification, common practices and selling techniques. A member faced with a dilemma or unusual situation can expand their circle of professionals to get opinions or suggestions. Display ideas are showcased, and new products or updates are introduced either on the Facebook page or in emails to members. 

Sarah Conley was a kitchen and bath designer for 23 years before joining Security Plumbing & Heating Supply in 2011. She became the showroom manager in 2022. Conley is active in the National Kitchen and Bath Association, and in local builders and remodelers organizations.