By now, fans of HGTV are well-acquainted with Jonathan Knight’s deep-seated love for restoring historic farmhouses. The former boy band star has successfully transitioned into a renovator with a passion for preserving the charm of these old homes. However, what many might not know is the significant role played by Kristina Crestin, his go-to designer and longtime friend. Kristina is instrumental in transforming each farmhouse into a dream space that captures the essence of New England living. In an exclusive chat with her, we explored her journey in interior architectural design, her close relationship with Jon, and her favorite design trends among other things. Step into the world of Farmhouse Fixer and discover the creative force behind its breathtaking designs.
1. A True New England Native
The stunning New England backdrops featured on Farmhouse Fixer aren’t just eye candy; they hold personal significance for Kristina Crestin. Born and raised in this picturesque region, she has always felt a deep connection to its landscapes.
“I have an immense love for New England,” she says enthusiastically. “I grew up just about 90 minutes from where I live now—in Bellingham—a quaint little town that shaped my early years.” Her academic journey took her to Endicott College on the North Shore, drawn by their exceptional interior design program.
“The moment I set foot here during college,” she recalls fondly, “I was captivated by this coastal area’s beauty and comfort—it’s simply unmatched.”
2. A Career Built From Childhood Passions
Kristina’s passion for interior design didn’t emerge overnight; it was something she discovered at an incredibly young age—thanks to Legos!
“We recently found some old school papers from when I was in elementary school,” she shares with a laugh. “We had to list three jobs we wanted when we grew up—I wrote down ‘interior designer,’ ‘architect,’ or ‘dolphin trainer.’ I’m still puzzled about where dolphin trainer came from!” But one thing was clear: even as a child, Kristina loved playing around with Legos and floor plans.
Fast forward two decades later—Kristina has turned that childhood fascination into a thriving career specializing in interior architectural design.
3. Love Found on Site
In what could easily be an HGTV storyline itself, Kristina met her husband Kirby while working on construction sites—a shared passion that continues to bond them after 16 years of marriage.
“We’re actually working together right now,” she reveals excitedly during our conversation in September 2023.” Kirby works as both foreman and carpenter on many projects I’m involved in.” Their collaboration thrives because they complement each other’s strengths—her team excels at detailed drawings which Kirby deeply appreciates when executing their shared vision.
While she’s open about their professional partnership—and occasionally shares glimpses of their personal life—Kristina prefers keeping most aspects private online but did post something special last Valentine’s Day: “This Valentine’s Day,” she wrote alongside a selfie taken with Kirby,“I’m so grateful—not only for him but also my amazing parents & friends.”
4. Leading An All-Women Design Firm
Behind every successful project is often an equally successful team—and Kristina leads hers like no other! She founded Kristina Crestin Design back in Manchester-by-the-Sea back in 2009 focusing primarily upscale residential construction projects—all while filming Farmhouse Fixer!
“My firm consists entirely women—including my mom who joined us after moving closer specifically work together!” says proudly adding how balancing TV commitments alongside running business requires careful coordination between those helping out show versus others handling non-TV ventures ensuring everything runs smoothly regardless whether cameras rolling or not!
5 . From Fan Girl To Collaborator With NKOTB Star
Ever wondered how someone ends up renovating houses alongside pop icon? For Kristina—it all started shortly after college when fate brought together through work assignment involving Jon hiring architecture firm employed at time!
“I managed keep cool without blurting out ‘New Kids Block first concert attended age twelve!’” laughs remembering initial meeting eventually led lasting friendship collaboration today.“Jon reached out me during season This Old House saying ‘So proud everything accomplished thrilled world seeing talent’ think moment realized interested doing TV too!”
###6 . Mastering Art Phone Tag While Filming Season Two
Balancing busy schedules can be tricky especially juggling multiple responsibilities like touring performing shows across country—but somehow Jon & manage stay connected despite distance thanks technology FaceTime calls texts exchanged odd hours day night depending availability either party involved process making sure nothing falls cracks amidst chaos life road musician renovator alike!
“Our communication styles couldn’t more different,” jokes explaining how often finds herself responding messages sent middle night once wakes morning only discover phone silent mode vice versa leading amusing game tag trying catch each other whenever possible throughout hectic days spent traveling state state bus tour crew members nearby ready assist needed along way wherever may end next stop journey ahead unknown yet exciting nonetheless filled endless possibilities waiting explore further down line future holds store both personally professionally speaking terms growth development careers passions pursued wholeheartedly dedication commitment unwavering belief potential success lies within reach grasp anyone willing put effort required achieve goals set mind heart soul combined determination perseverance necessary overcome obstacles encountered path chosen follow dreams aspirations fulfilled fullest extent imaginable beyond wildest expectations ever dared hope dream possible reality 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surrounding pervading permeating infusing saturating filling fulfilling completing wholeness fullness completeness perfection unity harmony balance equilibrium symmetry proportion ratio scale measure weight mass volume density intensity frequency vibration resonance tone pitch timbre color hue shade tint brightness contrast clarity sharpness focus depth perspective angle viewpoint vantage point position location orientation direction movement motion speed velocity acceleration momentum force power strength might energy vitality vigor dynamism activity action reaction interaction transaction exchange communication connection relation relationship association correlation causation effect cause consequence outcome result impact influence change transformation evolution revolution progress advancement improvement enhancement refinement development growth expansion extension enlargement increase multiplication addition subtraction division multiplication exponentiation logarithm differentiation integration calculus algebra geometry trigonometry mathematics physics chemistry biology astronomy cosmology metaphysics ontology epistemology ethics morality philosophy religion spirituality mysticism esotericism occultism magic witchcraft sorcery alchemy astrology divination prophecy prediction foresight insight intuition inspiration revelation illumination enlightenment awakening realization self-awareness