OLYMPIC® Paints Forecasts 2011 Color Trends Inspired by Homeowners' Ever-Changing World Perspectives

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- As homeowners search for economic ways to personalize their living spaces and add value to their home, Olympic Paints introduces four new color collections for 2011. With paint starting at just $18 per gallon, more homeowners are empowered to pick up a paint brush and make a change to their living spaces.

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Olympic Paints' four new palettes reflect the current state of the world and are influenced by social and economic events, a desire for simplicity and frugality, sustainability and authenticity. Each is designed to help express personal color sense on walls, fabrics and accent pieces throughout the home.

Currently, gray is being used for walls of media rooms and home offices, and it is being widely used in home decor and fashion right now. These palettes were designed with these furnishings and fashion in mind – they all work beautifully with gray, the hottest color of the season. To add a warm, organic gray to walls, try Elephant Gray (D32-4) by Olympic Paints.

Eco-Esthetic

A continued desire for sustainable, healthy environments easily lends itself to the Eco-Esthetic palette. With tones inspired by the organic world, this palette brings a natural, easy comfort into any space. Combining calming teals with earth tones, Eco-Esthetic creates a home environment that allows homeowners to slip into their natural surroundings without leaving their living room. All 1,200 shades of Olympic Paints are available with Zero VOC colorants, making this the ultimate eco-chic palette.

Get the look: Saddle Soap (D12-4), Allspice (B15-5), Magnolia Spray (A18-2), Catalina (B61-4), MountainPine (C58-6)

Delicate Escape

With the hectic pace of modern living, many homeowners look to transform their living spaces into a peaceful retreat. Airy teal, frosted green and soft coral come together to create a gentle palette of clean pastels with the ability to calm, cleanse and renew the spirit. This palette is perfect for designing a soothing inner sanctum and resting space.

Get the look: Cape Honey Flower (B16-1), Turquoise Mist (B58-2), Frosty Pine (C67-2), Coral Cream (C26-2), Adrift (C55-2)

Culture Chic

This soulful palette of exotic and sophisticated colors creates an intriguing atmosphere to relax or entertain. Lush jewel tones set the stage for an extravagant living experience. Mayan gold and brown with pops of indigo, Portuguese-inspired wine and olive with a Russian flare bring the flavor of far off destinations closer to home.

Get the look: Russian Olive (C12-6), Dark Granite (D32-6), Mayan Treasure (B14-5), Madeira Red (B36-6), Royal Indigo (C43-6)

Pop-Luxe

The vibrant contemporary colors of this collection add energy, confidence and eclectic flare to any area. Pop-Luxe, a modern look at the color explosion of the 1960's, is not for those easily intimidated by color. Black and White combine with bursts of fuchsia, teal and spring green to create a lively space.

Get the look: Fuchsia Flock (C36-6), Yellow Lettuce (A68-5), Delicate White (D40-1), Black Magic (D58-6), Teal Zeal (B58-5)

For those wanting to "try before they buy," Olympic Paints offers several free online tools, including the Color Visualizer that allows you to virtually paint a room in these color palettes or any of Olympic Paints' more than 1,200 colors. Olympic Paints are available exclusively at Lowe's. For more information, please visit www.olympic.com

About Olympic Paints

Olympic Paints, a brand of PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc., is a category leader in the paint segment with distribution in Lowe's, the nation's second-largest home improvement retailer. Olympic Zero VOC, low-odor Premium Interior paints address consumers' desire for healthier options, keeping their families' health and well-being in mind. Olympic Paints' history of excellence and expertise in the paint category, paired with its offering of environmentally- preferred products, make it the natural choice for "green" decorating. For more information and ongoing color updates, visit www.olympic.com, become an Olympic Paints fan on Facebook.com or follow @InspiredColor on Twitter.

About PPG

PPG Industries' vision is to continue to be the world's leading coatings and specialty products company. Founded in 1883, the company serves customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, PPG operates in more than 60 countries around the globe. Sales in 2009 were $12.2 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.

Media Contacts: Misty Walker, Olympic Paints, [email protected] 412-434-3340

Naomi Salad, Ketchum, [email protected] 404-879-9129

SOURCE Olympic Paints