The brick&batten Blog
Articles by: Tessa
2021 Exterior Paint Favorites from Benjamin Moore
By: TessaPainting a home’s exterior is a big undertaking, but it’s one that is worth it. Our exterior designers often argue that changing a home’s color can make one of the biggest impacts on curb appeal. So it should come as no surprise that choosing a good color and quality paint brand is key, and there ...
What is a Colonial House? Definition and Inspiration
By: TessaThere’s something timelessly classic about a colonial home. As you can probably guess by the name, colonial architecture rose in popularity thanks to some of America’s first settlers. The fusion of European styles in The States led to colonial homes that vary in architecture. That’s why today, we have Spanish, French, Dutch, and British colonials ...
10 Ways to Get Free or Affordable Blueprints for Your New Home
By: TessaWith the right mindset and budgeting skills, planning a new home can be exciting. Contrary to what others may tell you, it doesn’t need to be costly or stressful. Thanks to online resources, you can even get cost-effective blueprints for a home, which could save you thousands of dollars. We’ve curated this list of 10 ...
Transitional-Style Home Exteriors Inspired by Studio McGee
By: TessaWe have a serious design crush on Studio McGee. Judging by the fact that the company now has its very own Target line and a Netflix series, it’s evident that a cult following is forming around the business. Maybe it’s their perfect blend of old-meets-new or straight lines and organic curved lines. Perhaps it’s how ...
The Definitive Guide to Painting Your Home’s Exterior
By: TessaDepending on the size of your home, an exterior paint project can be an ambitious, yet manageable project. Whether you are wanting help with choosing the right paint colors so you can delegate the task to a contractor, or you need guidance on the entire painting process from swatches to brush, we’ve created this definitive ...
What to Know Before Painting Your Home in the Fall
By: TessaWe’ve been long time proponents of starting exterior paint projects in the fall. Of course, you can successfully paint a house during many times of the year, but fall weather and exterior paint go together really well. If you’re ready to make a big change and pick up a brush, here’s what to know before ...
10 Ideas to Liven Up Your Landscaping this Fall
By: TessaContrary to popular belief, early fall is actually a great time to dig into some landscaping work. The summer sun finally starts to back off, but it’s still warm enough for perennials to establish a root system before the first winter frost. In fact, some landscapers argue that flowers, shrubs, and trees planted in the ...
12 Delightful Window Box Ideas for Every Season
By: TessaOnce you add window boxes to your home, it’s common for it to look like something is missing if you decide to tuck them away for the traditional off-seasons. However, every season has something to offer when it comes to window boxes. Luckily, the internet and even neighborhoods around town are rich with delightful window ...
7 Shutter Styles That Work on (Almost) Any Home
By: TessaShutters are a pretty hot topic around here at brick&batten. Just to sum it up, we are big fans of shutters when they are done right. But in all honesty, some homes look better without shutters, and a poor shutter choice can make a home look like an eye sore. While getting personalized design advice ...