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

Our Review of Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams

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Where gray meets beige lives the versatile range of greige paint colors. In that realm, there are tons of shades to consider — from cooler tones that lean more gray to warm shades that appear almost tan. One of our recent favorites is Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams. We’ve been recommending it more and more ...

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Our Review of Chelsea Gray by Benjamin Moore

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When it comes to gray exterior paint colors, there are tons of options to explore, but Chelsea Gray by Benjamin Moore is one of our favorites to recommend. In fact, we love the shade so much that we included it in our round up of gray color schemes to use on modern homes. Now, we’re ...

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15 Contemporary House Designs with Before & Afters

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Contemporary design is commonly confused with modern, and although the waters between these styles are often muddied, the two aren’t one and the same. Contemporary exterior designs refer to styles that are “of the moment,” emphasizing current trends. These homes typically have an asymmetrical or otherwise irregular geometrical layout and use mixed materials on the ...

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What Is a Portico? Benefits and Design Inspiration

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Your home’s entryway is one of the most important aspects of its exterior design. It is, after all, the gateway that brings you from the outside in. As such an important part of your home’s curb appeal, there are plenty of ways to accentuate the entrance. There are simple options, like painting your front door ...

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10 Front Yard Fence Ideas

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A fence can be just as beautiful as it is functional. Whether your goal is privacy, pet containment, aesthetics, or some combination thereof, there’s a fence out there for you. Read on for some of our designers’ favorite front yard fence ideas. At brick&batten, our expert designers will suggest the best design elements to use ...

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10 Gate Ideas for Driveways, Gardens, Walkways, and More

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Gates can be an excellent source of security and privacy. Plus, they often act as a visual barrier between two spaces. Whether you’re looking to add a functional-yet-attractive design element to your driveway, walkway, or backyard, there are tons of gate ideas to take your space to the next level. Read on for some of ...

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12 Blue Exterior House Colors We Love

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Blue exterior house colors run the spectrum from the depths of nearly-black navy all the way to subdued, pale shades. Whether you’re after a daring and moody vibe or you’re going for a look that’s airy and refreshing, our designers can help you find your just-right blue tone. While we are happy to explore any ...

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White Stucco House Update in California

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Painting stucco is a simple way to completely transform an exterior. We’ve worked with plenty of clients who have requested a white stucco house during the design process. You might think of ‘white’ as a simple paint color, but between warm, off-whites and cool brighter tones, there are a slew of white paint colors to ...

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10 Retaining Wall Ideas for Your Home

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Retaining walls prevent soil erosion and provide flood control. But the functional aspects aren’t the only benefits. There are tons of retaining wall ideas that allow homeowners to bring more balance to their yards. Check out some of our favorite ways to use these walls in exterior design below. At brick&batten, our expert exterior designers ...

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