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 Modern Pergola Ideas for Outdoor Living

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There are so many unique design elements to consider for outdoor living spaces. From breeze block walls to balconies to pools, there are tons of ways to make your yard beautiful and functional. One of our favorite features to use in our exterior designs is a modern pergola. Not only do pergolas help enhance the ...

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16 Backyard Pool Ideas Visualized

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Pools are multi-purpose: they’re fun, they provide a space to exercise, and they offer relaxation. It’s no wonder so many of our homeowner clients envision including a pool in the design of their backyard. And backyard pool ideas aren’t one-size-fits all. There are plenty of ways to put a unique spin on your own personal ...

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The Best Greige Paint Colors for Exteriors

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50 shades of gray is an understatement. The popular hue encompasses a broad spectrum and even spawned greige — one of our favorite neutral paint color families. These gray-meets-beige tones are more dynamic than a standard gray or tan. Complex undertones can make them read differently depending on factors like sunlight and color pairings. Because ...

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10 Balcony Railing Design Ideas

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A well-designed balcony can elevate curb appeal. Whether your balcony is big enough to turn into an outdoor living space or it’s just a small spot to step outside and enjoy the breeze, every detail matters — down to the balcony railing design. Depending on your personal style and that of your home, there are ...

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Craftsman House Colors: Palettes That Work

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A Craftsman house is a timeless design style that first emerged at the turn of the 20th century. The architectural style was inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement of the mid-19th century. These homes are typically small-to-medium and have a slew of prominent features including: Low-pitched roofs and overhanging eaves, often with exposed rafters ...

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White Trim & Exterior Color Palettes That Work

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Dark trim is wildly popular, especially if a modern look is the goal. But what about white trim? Lighter trim can provide gorgeous contrast and make architectural details pop. We know how to give white its moment on the right exterior, whether the field color is dark or light. Take a look at some of ...

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10 Metal Roof Colors We Love

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Metal roofs aren’t just an attractive design element — there are a slew of benefits to opting for steel over shingles. Metal roofs can last up to 50 years, they can increase the value of your home, and they’re extremely durable. If you go with a steel roof for your home, you will be more ...

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12 Front Porch Addition Ideas with Before and After Photos

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Porches not only serve as entryway amplifiers, they can also provide the optimal spot to relax outside. There are plenty of different approaches to these spaces, whether you want a wide open place to unwind or a screened-in porch is more your speed. Check out some of our favorite front porch addition ideas below. If ...

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10 Screened-In Porch Ideas

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Screened-in porches create spaces to hang out and relax while enjoying the breeze and sunshine — yet with protection from some of the elements of the outdoors we want to avoid. (Depending on your climate and the time of year: mosquitoes, biting flies, bees, wasps…) Open air porches and decks are great, too, and breeze ...

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