a light gray stain.

I agree with flair lighting

Also a honey wood color would look nice as well!

I think a mocha

Custom built in lighting will be installed next week with rope lighting beneath the benches. I'll look at using Behr cordovan brown (mocha) on the rail spindles and bench support posts. Further, I'm torn between semi-transparent Behr redwood stain for the bench and rail to give a floating effect over Behr Wedgwood for the main surface. I'm still considering a color scheme for the stair risers, however may opt for Mariah's mocha with the treads and bottom surround stained redwood. My concern is getting too busy with color and tieing into the hateful vinyle siding.

My thoughts, go with something lighter in color for the area that is horizontal.
Whatever you choose, rest assured it is going to peel/fade and the lighter the color the less noticeable it will be. (having spent considerable time/energy staining my deck - researching etc.).

Very good point. The experts with whom I've spoken all tell me to leave it natural...well, not all. Basically, I'm assured of the fading/peeling routine in about 2 years.

Maybe a Montauk or a garapa gray .. Or this look is nice too.