A Serene Bathroom is the Way to Go

TORONTO, August 26, 2013 – Looking for a calming getaway at the end of the day? A serene bathroom is the way to go.

So says leading paint brand CIL® paint, which today launched a Pinterest bathroom contest (@CILpaints) called "My Search for Serenity," to discover what décor items Canadians associate with serenity and share ideas to create a bathroom refuge. The grand prize? Paint for a bathroom makeover, a consultation and serenity gift basket, with secondary prizes of paint or gift items.


"Like it or not, everyone spends a fair amount of time in the bathroom," said Alison Goldman, brand manager for CIL paint, a brand of PPG Architectural Coatings. "It’s the perfect opportunity to be alone, recharge and emerge refreshed – and how much more so when the space is designed to maximize relaxation?"

As part of the contest, which runs until October 6, CIL will provide a range of serene colour scheme ideas and post bathroom images that build on the theme. "The goal is to help people take a step back in our fast-paced world, and identify and share images of relaxation items they’d love for their bathroom," Goldman said.

How can one create serenity in a bathroom? Goldman offers this advice for starters:

Flush away clutter: It’s easy for toiletries to pile up, especially in shared bathrooms. To create a truly calming retreat, remove all visual distractions such as countertop clutter, crowded open shelving and busy wall displays. Invest in storage units or decorative boxes to stow away health and beauty products, and help reduce stress levels. Use open shelving and cabinets for accessories like potted plants, scented candles, or fresh linens and towels. Complete the décor with one or two soft watercolour paintings featuring calming scenes.

Splash on colour: Sand and sea tones like ocean blues and earthy neutrals are good choices for a bathroom since they mimic the feel of a relaxing beach. With less wall space than other rooms, bathrooms are a perfect place to try deeper shades of colour, especially medium-tones that deliver a spa-like effect. Monochromatic tone-on-tone colour schemes also help create a cozy oasis. The look can be brightened up with colourful towels, fresh flowers and accessories. Some of CIL’s top serene colour schemes include Granite Grey (00NN 37/000) and Bamboo Shoot (25YY 81/177) sand, Sonata (30RR 30/103) mauve and English Meadows (10GY 58/105) green, Ivory Sampler (30YY 58/178) taupe and Surrey Beige (30YY 36/185) mocha brown, and Silver Trophy (30BB 53/012) medium-grey and Tulle White (50BG 72/006) light grey.

Unplug your imagination: To truly unwind, model your bathroom after your own personal ‘happy place’. Draw inspiration from a favourite travel destination, whether that be a tropical paradise, a cozy ski chalet or even your own backyard. Choose colours and accessories reminiscent of those memories. Even scents can be revived through a display of decorative soaps and lotions.

Another element that should be unplugged in the bathroom is electronics, and not just for safety reasons, Goldman emphasized. "We spend our days in a demanding environment of cell phones, emails, computers and other tech gadgets," she said. "To truly experience the tranquility a bathroom oasis can bring, it’s important to log off and take the opportunity to unwind."

More information about CIL paint and the "My Search for Serenity" Pinterest bathroom contest can be found at www.cil.ca.

About CIL® Paint
Available in Canada at The Home Depot, Walmart, Rona and other independent paint dealers, CIL paint has been a trusted brand in businesses, communities, schools and homes across the country for 85 years. With more than 1,200 colours in its palette, CIL paint has developed a colour mood system that guarantees a perfect match across a wide spectrum of colours.

PPG: BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE SURFACE.(TM)
PPG Industries' (NYSE:PPG) vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty products company. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. Founded in 1883, PPG has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in nearly 70 countries around the world. Sales in 2012 were $15.2 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.

CIL, CIL Premium and CIL Platinum are registered trademarks of the PPG group of companies.

Media Contacts:
Gail Bergman or Ashley Pergolas                        
info@gailbergmanpr.com                                     
(905) 886-1340 or (905) 886-3345                         

Media can access additional photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/100511426@N03/