Technically, the historic commission will consider any paint color that a constituent proposes. But their pre-approved palette consists of just 11 shades: one gray, one soft pink, a russet, an ochre, a pale yellow, two deep greens, a dark teal, a sage, a dusty blue, and a blue gray. Most houses on the island are clad in unpainted cedar shingles, so the approved shades are often used on shutters, front doors, and trim on the house (read: it’s not much color at all!).

The island, full of understated homes and rambling nature, is utterly charming.