Ami

Originally from Tennessee, Ami currently lives in South Carolina, which has been home since leaving the military in 2016. Interior and exterior design has always intrigued Ami, especially the styles and characteristics seen in other countries as an avid traveler and photographer. She lives for the renewal of older or historic homes that maintain their character, and regularly creates her own mood boards and virtual designs for inspiration or to help others with their spaces. Having always had a passion for design and following their work for years prior, Ami was excited to be brought onto brick&batten’s team of writers. Her writing endeavors actually started in an academic/scientific setting, then in a regulatory aspect. Writing about paint colors, emerging or current trends in exterior design, and so much more revolving around something she’s always enjoyed was a fun and welcomed change!

Blogs by Ami

Your Guide to Board and Batten Siding on Home Exteriors

Board and batten siding has remained a tried and true choice for homeowners and home builders alike for literally centuries. Its clean lines and timeless appeal make it a solid choice for style and charm. Originally used on farmhouses and barns, it’s evolved to be one of the most popular siding materials around. Not only ...

A Tiny House Deserves a Big Personality – That Starts with the Exterior

Approaching a tiny house design is no different than approaching other home’s design plan. Tiny homes may be small, but their charm and character should be anything but. Your exterior choices can transform a compact space into a relaxing escape. Whether you’re designing from the ground up or remodeling an existing home, every detail matters. ...

Using Shades of Black to Create a Modern and Sophisticated Home Exterior

Black has long symbolized elegance, depth, and timeless style. When used on a home’s exterior, this bold color creates a striking, modern aesthetic. But not all blacks are the same. Varying shades of black introduce subtle differences in tone, undertones, and overall effect. Black exterior paint may be a daring move, but if done correctly ...

Smart Homeowner Secrets for Finding and Managing a Reliable Contractor

A reliable contractor can be the single factor to preventing a catastrophe of a home renovation project. Honest and organized contractors ensure high quality work, meet deadlines, and stick to the budget. With so many options though, how do you separate the dependable experts from the unreliable ones? The answer is research, communication, and a ...

Can You Unpaint Brick? And Other Questions To Ask Before You Paint

Many homeowners wonder, can you unpaint brick if you change your mind? The answer is complicated. Painting brick is a big decision, and once you commit, there’s no undo button. While removing paint from a brick home is possible, the process is messy, expensive, and often damages the surface. Before reaching for a paintbrush, you ...

Xeriscape Landscaping for Wildfire Defense: Smart Landscaping That Works

California’s stunning landscapes, from its rugged coastlines to its deep and sunny valleys, have long inspired homeowners and designers alike. The brick&batten team loves California – not just for its beauty, but for the sense of community and their resilience. With wildfires becoming more frequent and intense, homeowners must rethink their landscapes to protect their ...

Red Brick is Classic Cool and Here to Stay

Red brick exteriors have been a symbol of timeless charm for centuries. While trends come and go, unpainted red brick remains a favorite for homeowners who appreciate its natural beauty and classic appeal. Though painting brick has become a popular technique to update brick homes, there are many other ways to modernize and enhance the ...

How To Start a Home Renovation and Other First Time Buyer Tips

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel a little scary, especially when you’re considering renovations. Going headfirst into an exterior home renovation can be extremely rewarding, but does not come without its challenges. If you’re wondering how to start a home renovation, we’ve got you covered with expert tips, ...