Evelyn Long
(She/Her)
As seen in:
Renovated,
National Association of Realtors (US),
Industrial Safety & Hygiene News,
Facility Executive,
Modern Restaurant Management,
Construction Executive,
I+S Design,
Fleet Point,
Fleet Maintenance,
Property Brokers
Covers:
Real estate, interior design, construction, home organization, construction mental health, construction diversity, agriculture
Articles by Evelyn Long
8 Home Design Tips to Build Buyer Confidence at Open Houses
Buyers often form a first impression of a home within seconds of stepping inside. Strategic design choices can help make prospective buyers feel welcome, comfortable and confident in what the property has to offer. Here are a few ways to prepare a home for a successful showing and open house. 1. Focus on curb appeal. The home’s exterior sets the tone for buyer confidence before anyone steps inside.
OSHA's Top 5 Aerial Lift Violations: What Safety Managers Miss Most
Rushed schedules, uncomfortable harnesses and inconsistent enforcement across shifts all contribute to this violation. Operators usually understand the requirement but rarely expect anyone to enforce it. This points to a culture issue around consistent enforcement. Fall protection general requirements remain OSHA’smost frequently cited standard for FY2025. It indicates industry-wide blind spots. Between 2011 and 2014, 87 workers died operating an aerial or scissor lift.
Use Trendy Colors in Your Staging Without Alienating Buyers
As a real estate agent, you may find yourself in a tricky spot with staging: You want listings to feel current and exciting with the latest color trends, but you also don’t want to risk turning off potential buyers with bold choices. The secret, however, isn't to chase trends but to strategize how you use them so a home feels both on-trend and universally appealing. With the right approach, you can make any property stand out in a crowded market.
Why Creepy Carnivals Are This Year’s Top Halloween Decor Trend
Halloween decorating is getting a little more theatrical in 2026. Instead of choosing between a traditional fall display and a full haunted-house setup, you can create something that sits right in the middle — a creepy carnival. Think striped tents, vintage signs, glowing bulbs, game booths, clowns, fortune tellers and carnival lights with just enough eerie detail to make the whole scene feel slightly wrong.
Why Ongoing Crane Training Is Essential for Technology Advancements Onsite
Construction technology is transforming how crane operators manage complex lifts on modern jobsites. Anti-collision systems, virtual reality simulators and advanced load monitoring sensors have become industry standards. Crane training has shifted from a compliance requirement to a strategic advantage, distinguishing high-performing firms from those facing incidents and downtime.
Does That Listing Have ‘Emotional Stickiness?’ Why You Want It
A home’s price and square footage won’t always seal the deal. Home buyers often make decisions with their hearts just as much as their heads. That means creating emotional connections through strategic home staging. After all, buying a home is a deeply psychological process, not just a major financial decision.
Leveraging Real-Time Wearable Tech to Reduce Heat Stress on Construction Sites
The construction industry faces significant challenges from heat stress, particularly during scorching summer months. Workers face heightened risks of heat-related illnesses, including conditions like heat stroke and severe dehydration, which can have dire consequences. As temperatures rise, implementing effective strategies to mitigate these heat risks becomes paramount.
How to Design a Masculine Bathroom That Feels Like a Real Retreat
You probably spend more time in your bathroom than you realize, and if yours still looks exactly the way it did when you moved in, it might be time for a change. The bathroom remodeling market is booming, and a growing share of that investment is going toward spaces that feel intentional, functional and distinctly personal.
Why Professionals Are Reviving Art Deco Interior Design in 2026
Key Takeaways Art Deco interior design is a style from the 1920s and ’30s defined by bold geometry, symmetry and luxurious materials like marble, velvet and chrome. The revival stems from a cultural swing toward maximalism after years of minimalist dominance, plus a renewed desire for glamour and personal expression. Modern art deco interior design differs from classic applications by using Deco elements as curated accents rather than recreating entire period rooms.
Why Structural Engineers Say Horizontal Foundation Cracks Are More Urgent Than Vertical Ones
Many homeowners assume all cracks are equally concerning, but structural engineers often pay close attention to a crack’s direction. In many cases, horizontal foundation cracks receive greater attention because they can indicate pressure against a foundation wall. Understanding the difference can help you determine when a crack is part of normal settling and when a professional assessment may be beneficial.
Gift of Equity: A Neat Hack to Own a Home More Quickly
Having generous loved ones is an advantage when buying a property. A person in your life can assist you financially to lower or avoid putting any money down and qualify for a mortgage more quickly. Most donors give money, but some prefer to bestow equity. Discover how a gift of equity can help you afford a house and the dangers it entails. A gift of equity is a donation you can use to cover your down payment when the homeowner sells their property below the market without seeking repayment.
3 Flooring Trends Losing Ground to New Favorites
Flooring makes a big style statement in a home, influencing comfort, maintenance and design. Knowing which flooring trends are gaining momentum—and which are fading—can help homeowners make smarter remodeling choices and help real estate professionals know what features to spotlight in listings. On the Way Out: Gray Flooring Many design experts say gray flooring is on the way out, even though it has maintained prolonged popularity.
Cost of Living in Tennessee: Breaking Down Property Taxes, Utilities, and Everyday Expenses
If you’re considering a move or investment in the Volunteer State, the first thing you need to know is what the cost of living in Tennessee is. The answer is encouraging. Tennessee consistently ranks among the more affordable states in the U.S., thanks to its lack of state income tax and relatively low property tax rates. Understanding the average cost of living in Tennessee can help you make smarter financial decisions.
9 Basement Flooring Ideas That Transform Unfinished Spaces Into Livable Areas
Turning your basement into a functional living space starts from the ground up. The right flooring directly impacts comfort, durability and even indoor air quality. Basements come with unique challenges like moisture, temperature fluctuations and uneven subfloors, but modern materials and installation techniques make it easier to create a space that feels dry, warm and inviting without blowing your budget.
Are Designers Still Using the Kitchen Triangle Rule in 2026?
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide The kitchen triangle rule still shows up in modern design, but it’s no longer the rigid blueprint it once was. Designers treat it as a guideline, not a rulebook. Today’s spaces do more than merely support cooking — they host conversations, power smart appliances and adapt to how you live.
How to Use Debt as Leverage, According to the Experts
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide Debt has a reputation problem. For homeowners and renovation professionals, though, borrowing strategically can be one of the most effective ways to build value, grow a business or turn an underperforming property into a strong asset. The key isn’t avoiding debt altogether. Instead, it’s knowing exactly when, why and how much to take on.
What’s in Your Water? The Importance of Home Water Quality Testing
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide Most people assume their tap water is fine. It comes out clear, it doesn’t smell, and it passed some test somewhere at some point. But water quality can shift between the treatment plant and your glass. The only way to know what’s actually coming out of your tap is to test it yourself.
6 Home Library Ideas to Create a BookTok-Worthy Space
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide BookTok has revived interest in reading. It has also inspired people to create beautiful reading spaces at home. Shelves packed with color-coordinated novels, cozy reading nooks, warm lighting and dramatic floor-to-ceiling bookcases have become a major part of the online reading culture. Readers no longer want books hidden in storage bins or spare cabinets.
Using Security Landscaping to Fight Off Burglars With Bushes
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide Home security often focuses on alarms, locks and cameras. However, yard design plays an underrated role in deterring burglars. Inspired by the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), security landscaping uses plants, layout, lighting and visibility to make a property less attractive to criminals while still maintaining an appealing outdoor space.
What You Need to Know About the Cost of Living in Ohio Before Moving
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide If you’re thinking about relocating, Ohio often comes up as an appealing option. It offers a lower cost of living than many parts of the United States, a diverse mix of cities and small towns, and a steady job market in key industries. But like anywhere, the financial reality isn’t one-size-fits-all. Understanding the cost of living in Ohio is essential before making the move.
Easy Fixes for the Most Common Buyer Turn-Offs in Staged Homes
A successful staged showing is a full sensory experience that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in a house. But by focusing solely on price and location, you may miss seeing the smaller things that could cast doubt on interested buyers. Learn how to identify the hidden turnoffs and master low-cost fixes—so buyers feel confident in the space and will make an offer. © Tashi-Delek / Getty Images 1.
What is the Cost of a Home Addition in 2026?
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide Expanding the home is an excellent way to create extra space for all kinds of endeavors while boosting property value. That said, you need to factor in the cost of a home addition when budgeting for it. While it can be categorized as a home remodeling project, it’s certainly a bigger form of home improvement that’s in its own league.
The Best Way to Store Fruit on the Counter for Different Fruit Types and Seasons
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide The best way to store fruit on the counter is to store ethylene-producing fruits, such as apples and bananas, separately from other fruits. Store both types on the counter in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight and ensure good air circulation. Store ethylene-producing fruits away from ethylene-sensitive fruits to prevent the sensitive ones from rotting too quickly.
The Role of Ergonomics in Preventing Soft Tissue Injuries for Construction Pros Behind the Desk
The construction industry places heavy emphasis on workplace safety, especially in worksites. However, the risk of physical injuries is also prevalent in office settings. Estimators, project managers, designers and executives can still be subject to soft tissue injuries with improper work setup. Ergonomics is critical in preventing these physical problems. Here is a deep dive into how ergonomics can protect employee safety and health and enhance business productivity.
I Explored the Northeast’s Most Charming Seaside Towns. Here’s My Complete Guide
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide TLDR: The best seaside towns in the Northeast, especially across Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, include Bar Harbor, Newport, Nantucket and Kennebunkport. These towns stand out for their coastal architecture, walkable explorations, strong property appeal and consistent demand for second homes and vacation rentals.
What Are Ginnie Mae Loans? 5 Ways They Can Help You Invest This Year
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide Homeownership is more complicated than ever. Soaring prices have prevented prospective buyers from getting their feet in the door. As someone in the real estate market, you may be pessimistic about your options. However, government-backed loans are one solution to getting your dream house. Here’s a guide to Ginnie Mae loans and how they impact your journey.
How To Use Low-Maintenance Landscaping for Maximum Curb Appeal
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide Behind the image of a perfect yard are hours and hours of effortful chores such as mowing, watering and weeding. You don’t need to choose between front yard curb appeal and free time. In fact, there are low-maintenance landscaping strategies that you can easily do to enhance the beauty of the space and conserve natural resources.
17 Small Bathroom Walk-In Shower Ideas That Will Make You Want to Sing in the Shower
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide Many small, cramped bathrooms have one thing in common — a bulky, outdated, space-hogging bathroom-shower combination that dominates the room. If you have the same issue, a walk-in shower is the perfect upgrade that can redefine your limited bath space.
I Transformed My Junk Drawer Into an Organized System: Here’s How You Can Too
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide I used to treat my junk drawer like a pressure valve. If something didn’t have a home, I shoved it inside and shut it fast. The problem was that every time I needed scissors, tape or batteries, I wasted minutes digging through a chaotic pile of “maybe useful items.” Once I rebuilt it into a simple, structured system, I could find what I needed in seconds.
What Is a 1031 Exchange? Analyzing Tax Benefits and Potential Pitfalls for Property Owners
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide For many real estate investors, taxes represent the single largest expense when selling a profitable property. Capital gains tax can significantly reduce the amount of money available to reinvest. This is where the 1031 exchange becomes especially valuable. However, the rules are technical and unforgiving. A mistake can eliminate the benefit entirely.
What Are the Best Vacation Spots in the U.S.?
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide Choosing the best vacation spot in the U.S. depends on what kind of experience you want to have. You might be craving beach days and boardwalk nights, mountain air and hiking trails or world-class food in a historic city. The good news is that you don’t have to leave the country to find any of it. From alpine lakes to cobblestone streets, the variety is unmatched.
How to Clean a Bird Feeder: Addressing Mold, Mildew and Bacterial Growth Safely
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide You love watching birds gather in your yard. But if you haven’t cleaned your feeder lately, you might be offering more than seed. Mold, mildew and bacteria build up quickly, especially in humid or rainy weather. Cleaning a bird feeder protects birds, your property and health.
Divide and Conquer With Creative Bookcase Room Dividers
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide Today, living rooms have to double as offices, dining areas blend into workspaces and studios need to be multifunctional. With the rise of remote and hybrid work settings, people are increasingly embracing the practicality of a living environment that supports many purposes.
Understanding the Basics of ICF Construction
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide When building a house, you want a wall that pulls its weight. Insulated concrete form, or ICF, construction does that by pairing concrete strength with built-in insulation so your home feels quieter, steadier and easier to heat or cool. Here’s how you can tell what’s actually happening inside the walls.
7 Ways Mixed Use Development Is Reshaping the Urban Landscape
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide Cities are no longer built around a single purpose. The rigid separation of residential, commercial and industrial zones is giving way to a more integrated approach that reflects how people actually live, work and move through urban environments.
Are Open Floor Plans Still Popular?
For years, open floor plans have been the gold standard in residential real estate. Home buyers have long been drawn to the airy feel, openness and sunlight-filled spaces. Yet, in recent years, with the rise of working from home, multigenerational households and a general greater emphasis on privacy, home buyers are beginning to reconsider knocking down the walls of their home.
What is a Pocket Listing? 7 Things You Need to Know
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide If you’ve spent any time browsing real estate listings or talking to agents, you may have heard the term “pocket listing’ tossed around. It sounds informal and almost secretive, and in a way, it is. A pocket listing is a real estate listing that’s kept off the public market.
Say Goodbye to Roaches With the Best Roach Killer on the Market
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide Finding the best roach killer can make all the difference when unwanted pests start taking over your home. Roaches are resilient, fast-breeding and often hide in places you don’t notice until the problem grows. That’s why choosing the right solution matters, whether you need quick knockdown, long-term prevention or a safer option for homes with pets.
An English-Style Kitchen is the Design Trend You Don't Want to Miss Out On
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide The resurgence of the English-style kitchen design trend is a welcome return for this classic, welcoming, almost timeless aesthetic. Much-loved by anyone who wants to stamp their personality on their kitchen, this look is surprisingly easy to achieve, even if you only have a small kitchen — or a small budget. An English country kitchen evokes a comfortable, lived-in feeling.
Safe Lifting Techniques for Construction Workers
Construction work is known for being physically demanding, which is why it’s essential to keep the body in good condition. However, strength alone is not enough to handle the lifting tasks involved. The truth is that a lack of technique and proper decision-making can actually make workers more injury-prone. Lifting heavy items without proper technique can be dangerous for construction workers.
Restaurant-Goers Are Looking For Indoor-Outdoor Dining Experiences
Think of Parisian cafés, garden restaurants, rooftop bars and even beachside eateries. They all have one thing in common: their indoor-outdoor dining experience sets them apart from the rest and meet guest needs. Sixty-nine percent of adults like having the option to sit outside, according to the National Restaurant Association's 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry Report. Customers are seeking a perfectly packaged experience alongside their meals.
Is It a Buyer's or Seller's Market? Breaking Down Current Market Conditions
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make. A central part of that decision is understanding the market conditions you’re stepping into — specifically, whether it’s a buyer’s market, a seller’s market or something in between. Here’s what you need to know as 2026 starts to take shape.
What’s Your Interior Design Style? Take Our 7-Question Quiz to Determine Your Perfect Space
Evelyn is the founder and editor-in-chief of Renovated with over 5 years of experience writing about interior design, construction, and renovation. She is a passionate advocate for improving mental health and safety in the construction industry. When she's not writing, you can find her reading at coffee shops around PA.
Do I Have a Heat Pump or Furnace? Homeowner Identification
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide I still remember winter in my first home, staring at the thermostat as the temperature dropped, wondering what kind of environmental control system I actually owned and if it needed maintenance.
The Best Valentine's Day Gifts for Homebodies This Year
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean packed restaurants or over-the-top gestures. Sometimes, the most thoughtful gifts are the ones that make staying in feel extra special. If your Valentine loves cozy nights, calm spaces and comfort-first living, the best Valentine’s Day gifts this year are all about turning their home into a haven.
Mortgage-Backed Securities: Risks, Rewards and Realities
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide Investing in mortgage-backed securities (MBSs) enables you to have exposure to the housing market without owning real estate outright. The 2008 financial crisis has given these debt investments a bad name, and rightfully so. However, they’ve changed since The Big Short. MBSs are secured bonds that generate income from payments of the underlying mortgages.
Mind the Gap: Ensuring Proper Edge Fall Protection
Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. However, they are preventable when proper safety measures are implemented. Edge fall protection allows workers to make mistakes without resulting in an immediate threat to their lives or major injury. The goal of edge fall protection is to protect unguarded edges, unstable ladders, environmental hazards and more. It helps identify problems before they happen.
What Is a Tree Preservation Order? Who Makes and Takes It
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide Tree preservation orders (TPOs) are what keep the remaining vegetated areas in the United Kingdom untouched. The birthplace of the Industrial Revolution is one of the most nature-depleted places today. The state lost most of its natural environment to agriculture and development over the past centuries.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Fix a Rodent Problem?
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Table of Contents hide Rodents are both a nuisance and a health hazard that can turn your home upside down fast. If you’re dealing with rats or mice and wondering how long a landlord legally has to fix the issue, you’re in the right place. Here’s exactly what you can expect, what your rights are and how you can solve the problem quickly.
Home Staging Tips for the Silver Tsunami Era
Selling houses to baby boomers—a demographic that holds tremendous real estate wealth—can be challenging. Retirees seeking forever homes usually want to stretch their pensions in any way they can, and that means making a decision between staying put or seeking out a new location. Older adults who do wish to transition out of their current houses and downsize may take their time to explore the market until they find the property that fits their lifestyle goals and is within their price range.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Evelyn
Contact Evelyn, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack