Need a better view of it from the street to the front, but maybe these two vertical looking features would be where you can make a contrast. If the entry is recessed and dark you could lighten it.

I like the current color but agree that we need a wider picture to assess.

Add some more photos of the rest of the exterior. There may be segments that will make sense to colour block. Your recessed entry may be better with a lighter colour. Consider making your window coverings more cohesive, especially on the side visitors approach.

I like the current stain, too. It would also look good with a dark gray stain. I would not paint it.

Some of the bushes could use a hard pruning.

Very interesting house. Good luck!

Depending on your preference, if you want a lighter look, I would suggest a lighter wood stain or even a darker beige color. If you want a darker look than what you currently have then maybe a dark gray would look nice or even a navy gray shade can look beautiful. The images I have seen people post here are good examples of what I'm talking about. Good luck!

I’ll add more pics of my house tomorrow for you all. Great advice so far from everyone! I wonder if a white stain would be ok

I think darker tones would work with the environment better than light.

Need strong plant material trimming and removal.

I agree with Flo. It's time to do a big trim and refresh of your landscaping. The landscaping is hiding the structure.

I was actually going to remove that entire plant and do low profile. I kept it there to hide the wood more until it’s redone lol

Here are better pics.

Try SW Peppercorn on sample board and see how it looks in your light.

I like the stain as it is now and you've already added some big swaths of charcoal with your roofing material. I would definitely pull the doors out of the dark with a bright pop of something; maybe in the orange family like sienna or ochre. What kind of lighting is under that big roof? Landscaping refresh needed, and will make a big difference. Keep it simple and sculptural, not bushy and out of control.

Flo I love that color! I have peppercorn on my front door and garage.

Only one light under the porch. Here’s a pic

I’m thinking maybe I could lighten it up more by sanding it more and doing a lighter white oak looking wash, or grey wash. Also—what should I do about trim? Any trim ideas? I’m definitely taking out some plants and doing some major trimming. I’m not crazy about the imperfections I see due to its age. It’s hard to see in the pics such as the nail heads, uneven boards and such so I want it to look fresh and new.

I would try pressure washing first...to clean and lighten the color...and agree that only stain should be used..not paint

Good idea! What shades of stain though?

Personally i would make that decision after cleaning...unless there are remaining stains or discolorations i would only use a clear stain..you must be aware of the cost of redwood and the main plus...it does not “need”any finish

Redwood in its natural state does look good with medium to pale green trims or for a more modern twist a more aqua to teal trim...but trims are the most color i would choose... even a too bright door seems inappropriate for the materials but the style of the home would justify it ...if that is your preference

You are so right! Clear coat on it is nice. I’ll just replace the bad boards with redwood because they would look off if they were of different wood types. And do better landscaping. I’ll probably do a modern glass garage and front door too. It’s funny-sometimes you just can’t see the good until someone points it out. Thank you all!!

Great minds! Looks great. You could put brighter color if you wanted to. A color that would work with stain color. Just for fun. Door color SW Full Bloom.

More bold and creatively added horizontal trims ...would bring the quality/detailed factor up a notch...

I thought you might like some examples of the redwood look with the deep grays. Also simple landscape ideas.

Wow soooo pretty! Thanks! Helps a ton cause I love love love this combo.

Be careful you aren’t going farmhouse. “Washes” might take you in that direction. Solid colors are more in keeping with the MCM style. This is door color that would pop more given your doors are recessed.

I actually like a farmhouse-modern combo. If it works that it.

Great house!

After you replace the bad boards and wash, test some lighter and some darker stains to the left of the entry.

I don't think you need to remove the bushes. Just cut them way down, maybe half with a good hand pruner. Dig deep on some cuts. Make sure the tops are smaller than the bottoms. Most will recover just fine in a few months.

I think your current color is beautiful, and would definitely not paint. Can you do a natural sealant vs stain a particular color?

Thanks! I have a few places where the previous owner replaced boards with other wood types, so clear stain would not work. I wonder if a solid stain at the punch out are-to the left of the door could be a white shade stain. Then the rest of the house in a grey stain. I could also keep some of the natural look on areas that boards are all redwood (garage, under porch, or far left area top/bottom at all the windows.

This way I could achieve a “color block” look. Utilizing natural wood look, and then a grey solid pigment stain on punch out, then perhaps a translucent stain on main area? The Main area is the most complex of ideas. I can’t figure out what stain to choose on the main sections. I like monochromatic looks, so my Im keeping mind that contrast is important against my dark metal roof areas.

I don’t quite understand what “lighter” wood means to you. I just think keep what you have, replacing bad boards with same wood species and using a translucent stain to unify color is all you need. One possible option might be to add some light stone on porch door wall? Otherwise, your house is great. Don’t mess it up. Lol

Good point Flo!

Here is look you could pull off.

Your new roof is gorgeous and complements the current stain so well. It has a real Japanese teahouse--meets-Frank Lloyd Wright-feel to it. Leave it be and make some professional tweaks to the landscaping to enhance that Asian fusion feel. Please don't paint it!

If there are other wood types ...they will need replacing as well..since they will not take any stain with a uniform color result...and be aware ..gray stain will lessen the contrast between the trims and siding..lessening the drama of the architectural statement....with all the surrounding trees ..lack of light....another pale color from nature would be less forbidding...BUT....(and this opinion does come from years of living in redwood country)...a clean natural redwood finish is what this special wood deserves....

Never white

Looking back i see you are aware that replacing other wood so disregard that part

Y’all are all awesome! Many thanks and blessings to you all. I truly appreciate the guidance and opinions ❤️😍

Depending on your interiors, give some thought to Asian inspired window shades instead of the plain white you have.

Well I already purchased all my interior shades and such. Perhaps window tinting or something of that sort can suffice. A thin window trim might help too

It's fine the way it is. I love your house and hope you keep it the way it was designed. The wood is the perfect partner to your metal roof.

No white stain, no solid gray stain. As others mentioned, replace the random wood boards with redwood. If not possible, then work with those boards to stain the to match the house.

Does the siding ’need’ to be restrained or are you doing this because you want to change the look?

Ya, so it Had to be sanded, stained again, and boards replaced.

SW Moody Blue or SW Naval

The white shades do create a conflicting color block effect...not sure you want that to be a feature?...if you decide on a contrasting trim with color ...i might spray paint the shades to match..just on the outside....

Also if you plan on new landscaping the last pic shows how variegated greens show well against the wood ..as opposed to dark green...

The lighter greens most important around the entrance