Mackenzie

brick&batten Contributor

Mackenzie has been writing for brick&batten for three years, and most of her exterior design knowledge comes from renovating her own home. She purchased a log home that was stuck in the ’90s and the previous owners were unable to keep up with exterior maintenance. From reimagining the landscaping and hardscaping to revamping the porch and logs, Mackenzie and her family approached the entire project DIY-style.

In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys cooking and spending time with her family of six on their farm, which includes cows, chickens, rabbits, dogs, and cats. She has been writing for 12 years and has explored a variety of materials from food writing to lifestyle pieces and, of course, virtual exterior design.

Blogs by Mackenzie

10 French Country House Exterior Designs We Love

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French country design style harmonizes rustic elegance with timeless charm. Distinctive elements include steeply pitched roofs and quaint accents that reflect a romantic countryside allure, like shutters and floral window boxes. Limewashed brick or natural stone exteriors add a weathered, textural quality common with the style. Symmetry and asymmetry coexist on a French country house, ...

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10 Driveway Landscape Ideas for Maximum Curb Appeal

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When it comes to curb appeal, your driveway is one of the first opportunities you have to make a statement. And landscaping is one of the most reliable ways to add to your driveway’s aesthetic. Our designers know all of the best driveway landscape ideas to elevate any home exterior. From the materials we use ...

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Transform Your Home With Vertical Siding: Ideas and Design Examples

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Transforming your exterior doesn’t have to be an all-encompassing task that leads to overhauling every aspect of your home. Sometimes, elevating your curb appeal starts with switching up the siding. Our designers know all of the best ways to tap into the potential of vertical siding. From creating illusions of added height to latching on ...

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10 Glass Front Door Ideas We Love

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A glass front door is an excellent way to allow natural light into your home while simultaneously elevating your curb appeal. Beyond being the portal to your home, glass front doors serve as statement pieces that connect style and functionality. Because of their versatility and aesthetic appeal, we love using glass front doors in our ...

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How to Select the Best Door Awning for Your Entry

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Have you ever fumbled to find the key to your front door and it suddenly started to rain? A door awning is an excellent way to shield your entrance from the elements and prevent weather-related damage to your front door. Door awnings also create a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing entrance, enhancing curb appeal. These elements ...

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10 Gorgeous Houses With Courtyards

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Courtyards give homeowners their very own outdoor oasis, while intentionally filling space in a yard. Because they’re framed by walls — either partially or fully enclosed — but have no roof, courtyards often feel like an outdoor room and offer a comfortable place to gather. Courtyards are highly versatile too. You can decorate them simply ...

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Our Review of Creamy by Sherwin Williams

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White is one of those exterior paint colors that is tried and true, and when it comes to off-white, Creamy by Sherwin Williams is one of our favorites. The hue’s soft, warm tones make it an inviting and alluring choice for exteriors. Below, we take a deep dive into Creamy’s details, including LRV, color pairings, ...

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10 Wall Cladding Combination Ideas for Your Home’s Exterior

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From vinyl siding to cultured stone, there are so many exterior wall cladding options to choose from. And the choice is not always one-note. You might want to switch up your cladding to highlight a certain section of your home. Or maybe you gravitate toward designs with a multi-dimensional approach. At brick&batten, our designers know ...

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