Like many friends and neighbors I have visited with, I was initially delighted to see the restoration of the Country Inn back to its natural cedar shakes and green and white trim, only to be disappointed watching it painted a charcoal gray. Color trends come and go – natural cedar shakes are timeless! And properly maintained, it will last for decades.

In about five or six months, when we are in our cloudy rainy season, the Inn will likely blend right in and will not look very warm and inviting to guests. Also, as our climate crisis continues, the dark color will absorb the heat durin...