The summer of 2025 has been a blur of loss for HGTV star Kristina Crestin, the beloved designer who teamed up with Jonathan Knight for all three seasons of “Farmhouse Fixer,” season four of “Rock the Block,” and other competitions like “100 Day Hotel Challenge.”
The summer began with the shocking cancellation of “Farmhouse Fixer” in June. In addition, Crestin has been navigating the grief of losing her 15-year-old pup, Cooper, in late July, and the death of her best friend, fellow designer Keith Musinski.
In an Instagram post on August 18, filled with joyful memories of the fun Crestin and Musinski had together, she wrote that it was clear to her “the universe thinks I can handle allot so it took my very best friend away just weeks after saying goodbye Cooper” and that her “heart is breaking at Keith leaving this earth too soon.”
Friends & HGTV Fans Support Kristina Crestin as She Wades Through Grief
Musinski, an East Coast interior designer whose work was featured on “This Old House,” died at age 56 on August 6 after a “brief but valiant battle with cancer,” according to his obituary. Crestin and her husband Kirby were mentioned in the obit as being part of a circle of friends who “were by his side in the last days of his life.”
Calling Musinski “my everything besides Kirby,” Crestin wrote in her tribute, “I am trying to appreciate all the years I DID have of the love, mutual respect, laughter, learning of useless knowledge, did I say laughter, sometimes being the recipient of some very sharp sarcasm (a love language in our circle), a shared love of V8’s and horsepower, someone who could reach a top shelf for me, someone that would tirelessly haul all my antique goodies around, someone I had to sometimes sprint and nearly knock down so I could get to a paint by number first, the best cook (OMG that pork belly!), my consummate road trip buddy, my enabler of art purchasing (though SO not as bad as his ‘problem’) and one of the most talented designers I’ve had the privilege to know.”
Fellow stars and fans have flooded Crestin with condolences, including HGTV’s Taniya Nayak, who wrote, “I am so sorry! It’s a hole left in our hearts that can never quite be filled again. Sending you love”
Former TLC star Jenn Arnold, whose home was transformed on an episode of “Farmhouse Fixer,” commented, “I’m so so sorry dear friend! You both were so lucky to have each other. Sending you a big hug and lots of love 💔”
Jonathan Knight’s husband, Harley Rodriguez, left two thoughtful emoji in the comments: “😔❤️”
Many fans also weighed in with kind words, including one who wrote, “I’m so sorry Kristina. He was obviously very special & what memories you have! Prayers for peace & comfort. He seemed like a real joy to know. What a beautiful tribute!”
Someone else commented, “So sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how heavy your heart is in this season of loss. Sending you love and abundant light. ❤️❤️”
Kristina Crestin’s Future at HGTV is Unclear After Show’s Cancellation
HGTVAs Crestin navigates her losses, including a wake for Musinski scheduled for August 24, she is also dealing with the loss of her and Knight’s series.
On June 25, Knight revealed via Instagram that HGTV opted not to renew “Farmhouse Fixer” for a fourth season. The news has stunned fans and drawn well-wishes from many of Knight’s friends at the network.
“A lot of you have been asking about the future of Farmhouse Fixer,” he wrote. “I am sad to say HGTV has decided not to move forward with another season.”
Mentioning Crestin, who helped him to restore New England homes on the show, Knight continued, “While I’m still processing the reasons that led to their decision, Kristina and I are so grateful for all your support over the past 3 seasons. Television has been so incredibly fun for us. We are so proud of what we created together and look forward to sharing what’s next for us.”
Crestin, who runs her own interior design firm in Massachussetts, hasn’t released any official statements about the show or her future at the network, but when a fan commented on one of her posts that they hoped “we have not seen the last of you on design shows,” she replied, “stay tuned — who knows!”
Comments
HGTV Star Bravely Navigates Losing Best Friend Weeks After Show’s Cancellation: ‘My Heart is Breaking’