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

16 Ranch Homes with Gorgeous Exteriors

From sprawling one-story layouts to the timeless charm of open floor plans, ranch homes offer versatility, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, making them a beloved style for many homeowners. Read on for some of our favorite examples of ranch home exteriors that we’ve designed. Whether it’s choosing the perfect design style or refining the smallest details ...

Ipe Siding: Why We Love It and How We Use It

Ipe siding is one of the most popular on-trend wood cladding options, and our designers love it. Because Ipe is a natural material, it is durable and long-lasting. As an added bonus, the type of wood used to make Ipe is a sustainable choice. Sourced from Brazilian rainforests, Ipe is known as one of the ...

10 Sunroom Ideas: Windows, Decor, and More

Sunrooms — also known as solariums — are rooms that use windows and glass doors to allow abundant sunlight in. They are ideal for taking in views of outdoor landscapes while being sheltered from the elements. Though screened-in porches offer something similar, screens allow the air to flow through and the windows of a sunroom ...

10 Covered Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

Whether you’re looking to keep the heat down in your indoor kitchen or you simply want to spend more time outside, outdoor kitchens are the way to go. Deck out your outdoor cooking space with a grill (we often recommend BBQ Guys), counters, a refrigerator — and more! Our designers have plenty of covered outdoor ...

10 Gutter Colors We Love

Gutters are essential to homes. During heavy rainfall, gutters channel the water flow from the roof. The water travels through the downspouts, ultimately ending up at an appropriate area for maximum drainage. While decidedly functional, gutters can also act as an attractive design element. Homeowners can choose from several gutter colors to enhance the overall ...

Our Review of Polo Blue by Benjamin Moore

When it comes to exterior paint colors, navy blue is one of our favorites. It’s on-trend and timeless, plus it’s bold, perfect for making a statement. If a deep navy is the manifestation of your exterior design dreams, Benjamin Moore’s Polo Blue should be on your radar. It’s a rich, moody hue that transcends style. ...

12 Multi-Level Deck Ideas

There are so many different ways to dream up a unique deck design, whether you only have a small spot to work with or you want to explore something more grandiose — like a multi-level deck. A multi-level deck provides all sorts of great options for flexible outdoor living. For example, you can create a ...

10 Black Front Door Ideas to Update Your Entry

Curb appeal might only call out the curb by name, but there are so many design elements it encompasses. Think of your exterior as a face. The front door is the eyes. It’s a simple piece, but a vital one to your home’s aesthetic. Black front doors are timeless — they work whether you go ...

Types of Exterior House Stone Cladding We Love

Between the wide variety of architectural stone veneers and natural stones, there are many types of exterior house stone that can be used to elevate any style of home. From subtle touches to stone cladding that functions as the star of the show, our designers know how to elevate a design using stone. Here are ...