I'm happy to share. The owners wanted a "black" house, white trim. A hint of brown would be better suited to the redwood setting. The color and detailing was strongly influenced by coastal houses I studied south of Boston.

The darkest stain found at the time was Benjamin Moore Cordovan Brown, solid body exterior stain. I don't recall if it was water or oil based. It was applied by heavy brush and spray to season- weathered new cedar shingles. The brush work was essential to cut in areas around trim that masking could not protect 100%. On fall, overcast days, it takes on a bit of gray and full sunshine shows the texture of the radial cut shingles.

This photo was taken in 2005, after 6 years of weathering, believe it or not. The surrounding shading has helped protect the pigment. One should expect fading over time, of course, with re-staining dependent on weather exposure. California restricts oil base stains, and I would recommend an oil based stain (I'm old fashioned) if available in your area.

Good luck!

TBH, Architect