Farmhouse Fixer co-hosts and longtime friends Jonathan Knight and Kristina Crestin might be New Englanders through and through, but they were eager to take part in Rock the Block Season 4 to prove their home renovation know-how extends well beyond the East Coast. Where Jonathan was quick to get hands-on with demolition, Kristina was on her toes thinking about all the best design tricks to maximize their appraisal at the end of the competition.

At the beginning of the competition, Jon and Kristina, along with three other teams, were given $250,000 to renovate one of four identical $1.9 million, 5,000-square-foot homes on a cul-de-sac overlooking the Rocky Mountains in Berthoud, Colorado. Their approach? To give it a modern farmhouse aesthetic that meshes well with the landscape. “It’s supposed to be a luxury home — we’re building for an upscale buyer,” Kristina said while brainstorming. “But at the same time, Colorado feels like it’s all about adventure and nature, so we’re trying to take these two forces and pull them together.”

The first challenge of the competition was the kitchen and dining room, with the option to renovate the adjoining pantry, study, mudroom and powder room, as well. The duo vowed to spend no more than $70,000. Right away, Kristina got creative. “We’ll create a stove cove — a stove set into a wall,” she said. To make it stand out, she and Jonathan outfitted the cove with a stone backsplash and deep green cabinetry. Then, to add contrast and character, they opted for a stark black island with uniquely rounded edges. Cane counter stools offer a touch of added texture.

In the dining room, Jon and Kristina stuck to a high-contrast palette, opting for a subtle chandelier that wouldn't block the beautiful view. Then, to bring the outdoors in, they installed sliding glass doors that open onto the porch — the perfect spot for barbecuing.