Here in Mechanicsburg, PA, the land of beautifully built homes and builder-grade paint that ages like a gallon of milk in July, we recently wrapped up a project that checked all our favorite boxes: tall ceilings, tricky angles, color-consult magic, and homeowners who had no idea what to expect from hiring professional painters (but left thinking, “Why didn’t we do this sooner?”).
This project centered around a large 2-story entryway, a stairway that went up, up, and then up some more, and an expansive living room area that begged — absolutely begged — for a more durable coating than the flat, chalky, builder-grade “paint” it was born with. (Quotes intentional. You know the type. The stuff where if you look at it too hard, it scuffs.)
So when the homeowners called and asked if we could help them upgrade their walls, improve the color scheme, and — their words — “make this place feel less… beige but still somehow beige?” we knew we were in for a good one.
Step 1: Color Consult & Carpet Coordination — AKA: Lexy Saves the Day
Like all respectable painting projects in Cumberland County, this one began with a color consultation from our resident color whiz, Lexy. Now, some homes call for dramatic flair — bold colors, spicy accents, the full HGTV-after-dark package.
But sometimes, the best design solution is a strategic “less is more.”
Once the homeowners’ new carpet was installed, Lexy worked her magic, assessed the tones, undertones, overtones, and possibly the astrological signs of the materials in the room, and landed on the perfect pairing:
- Walls: Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige (because who doesn’t want to be “accessible”?)
- Accent Wall: Sherwin-Williams Debonaire (a deeper, moody blue that instantly made the room feel grounded, intentional, and at least 43% cozier)
- Ceilings & Trim: Shell White — a beautifully soft tone matched in
- Sherwin-Williams ProMar Ceiling Paint (for ceilings)
- Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane, Semi-Gloss (for trim)
Accessible Beige and Debonaire together form the painting equivalent of that perfect jeans-and-blazer combo: casual, classy, and makes the room feel like it has its life together.
The Homeowners Wanted Cleanability. We Brought Cleanability.
The homeowners’ biggest frustration: the chalky builder-grade paint. You know, the stuff that literally absorbs fingerprints like it’s collecting evidence.
To fix that, we brought in the MVP:
Sherwin-Williams Scuff Tuff.
Durable? Check. Washable? Check. Kid-proof, pet-proof, life-proof? As close as you can get without installing rubber walls.
If the old paint was a paper napkin from a gas station, Scuff Tuff is a premium kitchen towel that actually works.
Ceilings: The Add-On That Made Everyone Happier
Originally, the ceiling was an optional add-on. A “maybe we’ll do it if the price makes sense” type of situation.
But once we quoted it and explained the benefits — both aesthetic and financial — the homeowners said the magic words every painting crew loves to hear: “Let’s go ahead and include it.”
We love this for a few reasons:
- Efficiency for the crew — When one section dries, we hop to another. No standing around staring at the wall like Curtis after three coffees.
- Cost-efficiency for the homeowner — Mobilizing twice costs more than mobilizing once.
- Professional satisfaction — There is nothing quite like seeing all the surfaces come together. Walls + trim + ceilings = the painting version of a symphony.
Plus, painting tall ceilings is basically CrossFit for painters — but with prettier results.
The Challenges (Because Every Good Story Has Some)
This project didn’t come without its quirks, and we embrace quirks like family.
1. Those Ceilings:
Two-story ceilings are beautiful when you’re a homeowner…
And a temporary life choice you question when you’re a painter holding an extension pole at full extension.
We paced ourselves, stretched, hydrated, and resisted the urge to call OSHA just because our necks hurt.
2. The Asymmetrical Room Layout:
Between the entry closet bump-out, the stairwell angle, and a few friendly rounded corners, finding the perfect place to end the accent wall was a geometry puzzle that would make a middle-school math teacher proud.
Thankfully, Lexy’s vision was clear, sensible, and stylish — the trifecta.
We expanded the accent into a full accent area, giving the space depth, structure, and some well-deserved drama.
The Transformation
Once the walls were coated in crisp Accessible Beige, the accent area was covered in Debonaire, and all that tired trim was unified with fresh semi-gloss Shell White, the whole house suddenly looked newer — like it just got promoted at work and bought itself a nicer car.
The chalky walls? Gone.
The weird shading and smudges? Gone.
The room’s natural light? Now doing exactly what it was supposed to do.
The homeowners said the space felt “clean,” “fresh,” and “so much more finished.” Which is exactly what professional coatings — and professionals applying them — are supposed to do.
The Homeowners’ 5-Star Review (AKA: The Part That Makes Us Blush)
After the job was complete, the homeowners left us this glowing Google review:
“We are so pleased with the results from Just Add Paint! We did our research and found the best pricing with Just Add Paint. They were very responsive and so helpful with their recommendations. They went above and beyond with painting all the trim, the tall ceilings, and with our rounded edges. We will definitely use them for our future projects.”
We tried not to frame it and hang it in the shop. No promises were made.
Another Success Story in Mechanicsburg
From the color consult, to the paint upgrades, to the final reveal of a newly balanced, beautifully finished space, this Mechanicsburg project checked every box:
- Cleaner, more wipeable walls
- Updated neutral palette
- A bold accent to ground a large room
- Fresh ceilings and trim to make everything cohesive
- And homeowners who now know exactly what professional painting should look like
Whether your home needs a simple refresh or a full aesthetic re-engineering, we’re here — extension poles, color decks, and caffeine in hand — ready to make your home feel like new again.
Just Add Paint
Professional painting, Mechanicsburg charm, and painters who actually enjoy tall ceilings… in moderation.
Thank you for reading our blog – Thank you for reading our blog – “From Beige to Bold: A Colorful Mechanicsburg Transformation”. Please feel free to reach out to us for estimates – and also if you are a DIYer and just have some questions we can answer in an email about residential house painting. We are happy to talk shop about all things painting, even if you are planning to do a job yourself!
Like This Project Profile Blog? You May Enjoy: https://www.justaddpaint.net/bold-accent-wall-colors-sherwin-williams. Please feel free to reach out to us for estimates – and also if you are a DIYer and just have some questions we can answer in an email about residential house painting. We are happy to talk shop about all things painting, even if you are planning to do a job yourself!
