Kristen is gifted in her ability to recognize how even the smallest details can transform a space from simply tolerable to purely enjoyable. Our kitchen was a place that I dreaded to spend time in. Kristen showed me that it held more potential than I could have imagined, and now cooking and clean up is remarkably smooth, and dare I say pleasurable. Within two short hours, she brought functionality and aesthetic flow into the heart of our home. Kristen repurposed furniture and utilized elements of organization and accessibility in ways that bring joy back into the kitchen. Though it can be challenging to trust someone to turn around the intimate spaces of the home, Kristen held space for the changes to be easy and natural. Her balance of a “no-nonsense” type of logic with a keen intuitive sense assured me that she was keeping my family’s wants and needs at the center of the process the entire time, and the process was just as meaningful as the outcome. On to the next room!
-Sarah

I called for Kristen’s help with a room in my house that felt to me like a dark black hole. Its the living room in our 1920’s craftsman in downtown Santa Fe. So imagine, lots of dark wood, built in cabinets around the fireplace and an original picture beam. I felt hopeless yet after our first 10 minutes of meeting together, she flipped the switch. She saw potential that I couldn’t see and got right to work! Watching her move through the space was truly magical. She has an incredible talent that’s intuitive and refined. The space is now one that I want to spend time in and feel it is now a more integrated part of home.
-Katie

Just having Kristen in our home felt good. She cared about our style, our family, and how we use each room. What I didn’t expect was how effortlessly she made each area of our home feel more beautiful, functional, and cozy at the same time. I’ve been staring at these same rooms for years and didn’t see what Kristen saw in about five minutes. We are so grateful.
-Marianne

I have used the undeniably expert professionalism of Kristen Johnston of KJ Agave Designs. I am currently renting a home in Albuquerque so, like any lifelong renter, you work with what you’ve got and do your best to make it your home. Struggling with doing just that, I was stuck and frustrated. Kristen sat with me and asked questions about my personal style, my vision for my home, my budget, and without skipping a beat she got to work. From picture and art placement on the wall to arrangement of furniture, Kristen accomplished with such proficiency and expertise what would have taken me months to do. Can’t sing Kristen’s praises enough! Her skills as an interior decorator are invaluable. She will turn your house into a home while working within your budget, which for me was most important!
-Melissa

I’m so very grateful for Kristen’s kindness, patience, and great talent! I had been despondent about my Great Room, I knew it had so much potential but I just didn’t know how to design or furnish it. Kristen came in and performed magic! She literally put me into happy tears over all that she accomplished. And she was able to use many of the items I already had. She was wonderful to work with, both kind and understanding. I definitely recommend her, and will be asking for her help in my other rooms, too!
-Kathleen