I hate stain. (don't tell anyone I said that) If Cabot is a product option for you, that's a good thing. Lowe's sells sample pots - at least all the Lowe's I know of sell sample pots of Cabot's stain colors. You can mix stain colors easier than you can mix paint colors. The trick is to keep the ratios even if at all possible. Painter may have a stroke if you end up with a custom mixed stain color. That's okay, he'll survive. Just remind him that that's what those five gallon buckets are for. Buy samples. Test colors. Hopefully one straight out of the can will work for you 'cuz that would definitely be the eaiser option. If you have the option of Sherwin Williams, their WoodScapes (solid or semi-transparent) is another really good exterior stain choice IMO. Many colors to choose from, varies a lil from the BenM solid stain palette. Good luck! :D Here is a link that might be useful: Cabot Solid Stain Sample Colors

I am doing the same as DLM. Mahogany door stained on outside and inside. My interior will have white trim. Wood floors and some stained wood stair parts, and other wood accents to pull it together. Or you can paint your interior door.

I actually love the white doors but my husband thinks it's a bad idea with four little kids. We do have a ton of windows, 10 foot ceilings etc... but in our old home, we didn't have as much light and I did like the gauntlet gray doors. I don't think I can get him to agree to Dover white for doors so I need something! I'm at the paint store and I'm seeing what you are both talking about with the dovetail... I pulled Acier and that might be an option...

Do you know what kind of wood he is using? There are reactive stains that change the color of wood based on the tannins and other chemicals already present in the wood. Some are beautiful, and with the LVT you chose I think it could be really a nice combo. If he is using pine, this is Knotty Pine with a reactive stain: I think that would get you the old, aged, worn look without being too dark. https://www.weatherwoodstains.com/pining-reactive-stain.html