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 Mediterranean Style Homes with Exterior Updates

Mediterranean style homes are characterized by gorgeous coastal details, including tiled roofs and arched doorways. While this design style is often viewed as ornate and untouchable, there are plenty of ways to update old world Mediterranean exteriors without compromising the integrity of the home. From refreshing paint colors to reimagining hardscapes, here are some of ...

Brick Walkway Inspiration to Elevate Your Front Yard

When it comes to curb appeal, the walkway to your home is a significant design element that should not be overlooked. Whether you want to achieve a classic aesthetic or you’re hoping to add some character to your front yard, a brick walkway is an excellent way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. From dynamic ...

The Garage Pergola: A Trend We Love

When it comes to exterior design, there are plenty of elements that are both functional and beautiful. The garage pergola is one of these elements. Not only can it protect your garage door from harsh sunlight, but it can also make your exterior more visually interesting. Garage pergolas are versatile, and our designers know all ...

Exterior Double Doors: Before & After Entryway Transformations

Transforming your home’s entryway can have a dramatic impact on its curb appeal. We often recommend clients incorporate exterior double doors into their updated entry because of their ability to enhance the look and functionality of the space. Read on to see some entryway transformations we’ve made featuring exterior double doors, complete with before and after ...

Bump Out Exterior Design Inspiration

Bump outs are small additions, or extensions, to a home that offer great bang for your design buck. They can transform both the aesthetics and functionality of your home by adding dimension and contrast to the exterior and more space to the interior. While our designers often highlight bump outs with contrasting textures and paint ...

3-Car Garage: Exterior Design Recommendations

While a 3 car garage is aimed at providing maximized storage solutions, this common residential exterior element can also elevate curb appeal with the right design choices. From door colors and designs to positioning and accents, check out some of our go-to 3 car garage ideas below. Our exterior design services are comprehensive. Our designers ...

Our Favorite Blue Front Door Colors & Designs

Your front door is the gateway to your home. Why not have some fun with the color of your entrance? Encompassing everything from serene aquas to deep, dramatic navy shades, blue is one of those exterior paint colors that has a lot to give. Be it modern and edgy or coastal and cozy, our designers ...

The Best Ways to Use a Cupola on a Roof

Cupolas are an enchanting design element that can bring light, ventilation, and visual interest to your roof. From creating compelling architecture to implementing practical functionality, our designers know all the best ways to use a cupola on a roof. Read on for some of our favorite examples. What is a cupola? A cupola is a ...

7 Lanai Porch & Patio Designs We Love

Do you love fresh air, but aren’t necessarily fond of all that comes with it? Harsh weather, blistering sunlight, obnoxious bugs, and so on? There are ways to continue enjoying nature without sacrificing comfort, and a lanai porch or patio is one of our favorite approaches to use in bringing that luxury to our clients.  ...