What exterior colors do you recommend for my cedar home?

I replaced some, but not all, of the windows and patio doors and therefore need to treat the new cedar trim. While I'm at it I'd prefer to stain or paint the entire home, which is way past due! I'd love to lighten the color if possible because the consensus is that the current stain is too dark.

Is it possible to lighten the cedar color and stay in the stain family rather than paint? I'd love to maintain the rustic lodge style of my Michigan lakefront home as much as possible.

I think it would help to use a different color for the siding and another for the trim, but I'd love to hear your opinion and advice on this.

The color of the new aluminum clad windows is "dark chocolate" by jeld-wen. With that being said, would you recommend staining the trim a dark brown to match the windows?

How would you treat the wood garage doors?

one last question...do you recommend adding stonework to the chimney? There is some existing stonework on the sides of the house.

I appreciate any advice you may have! Thank you !!