Brief Introduction of David Bromstad
David Bromstad is a highly recognizable American interior designer, artist, and television personality, celebrated for his vibrant energy and distinctive use of color in design. He rose to prominence as the inaugural winner of HGTV’s reality competition, Design Star, in 2006. Since his breakthrough, Bromstad has become a staple on HGTV, captivating audiences as the host of popular shows such as Color Splash, Beach Flip, and most notably, My Lottery Dream Home. Known for his charismatic personality and bold design aesthetic that often blends realism and fantasy, Bromstad has cultivated a loyal fanbase and made a significant impact on the home design sphere.
David Bromstad Overview
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Reed Bromstad |
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1973 |
| Age (as of August 2025) | 52 years old |
| Birthplace | Cokato, Minnesota, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Swedish, German (maternal), Norwegian (paternal) |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Profession | Interior Designer, Television Personality, Artist |
| Parents | Richard Harold David Bromstad (father), Diane Marlys Bromstad (née Krueger) (mother) |
| Siblings | Dean Richard Bromstad, Dynelle Renee Bromstad, Dyonne Rachael Bromstad (three older siblings) |
| Marital Status | Single (as of 2025), not married |
| Children | None known |
| Sexuality | Gay |
| Residence | Orlando, Florida, United States |
| Net Worth (as of 2025) | Estimated $4 million to $5 million |
Early Life and Education of David Bromstad
David Reed Bromstad was born on August 17, 1973, in Cokato, Minnesota, as the youngest of four children to Richard Harold David Bromstad and Diane Marlys Bromstad (née Krueger). His family boasts a rich cultural heritage, with his mother being of Swedish and German descent, and his father of Norwegian ancestry. Growing up alongside his older siblings, Dean Richard, Dynelle Renee, and Dyonne Rachael, David developed a fervent interest in art and design from a very young age.
During his time at Wayzata High School in Plymouth, Minnesota, Bromstad made the pivotal decision to pursue a career as a Disney animator, a dream inspired by his childhood obsession with Disney. To achieve this goal, he enrolled in the prestigious Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, a renowned institution often considered a stepping stone for aspiring artists aiming to work with Disney. After graduating, Bromstad successfully realized his childhood ambition, securing a position as a Disney illustrator, creating artwork for Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
David Bromstad’s Career
David Bromstad’s career journey began with his dream job as a Disney illustrator, a role he held after graduating from the Ringling College of Art and Design. However, after being placed on leave from Disney, a challenging period that he candidly described as financially difficult, Bromstad embarked on a new venture. He channeled his creative energy into establishing his own company, Bromstad Studio, where he specialized in designing imaginative and fantasy-themed bedrooms for children, a service that allowed him to blend his artistic background with interior design.
His career took a dramatic turn when, at the encouragement of a friend, he moved to Miami Beach and auditioned for HGTV’s new reality show competition, Design Star, in 2006. Bromstad’s vibrant personality, innovative ideas, and bold use of color quickly made him a standout contestant. He ultimately emerged as the winner of the debut season, securing a grand prize that included a car and the coveted opportunity to host his own show on HGTV.
This victory launched his extensive career on HGTV. From 2007 to 2012, he hosted Color Splash, a show that perfectly showcased his signature style of transforming spaces with bright, unconventional color palettes. His dynamic presence and design expertise led to appearances and hosting roles in several other HGTV programs, including Beach Flip, Design Star All-Stars, and as a mentor on later seasons of Design Star. In 2015, Bromstad began hosting My Lottery Dream Home, a hugely popular series where he guides recent lottery winners in their search for luxurious new residences, further cementing his status as one of HGTV’s most beloved personalities. He has also been a competitor on shows like Rock the Block, demonstrating his adaptability and continued passion for design challenges.
Bromstad’s design philosophy is characterized by his ability to “blend styles that incorporate realism and fantasy,” creating unique and vibrant spaces. Beyond television, he has expanded his brand through business ventures, including a home furniture and decor line with Grandin Road and a travel collection with Kipling North America.
David Bromstad Personal Life & Family
David Bromstad is openly gay and has been a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, using his public platform to foster acceptance and visibility. He has often shared his close bond with his family, including his parents, Richard Harold David Bromstad and Diane Marlys Bromstad, and his three older siblings: Dean Richard, Dynelle Renee, and Dyonne Rachael. His family’s encouragement has played a significant role in his artistic journey.
Bromstad maintains a low-key personal life but has been transparent about his past relationships. He was in a long-term relationship with Jeffrey Glasko, which lasted over a decade from 2004 until their separation in 2015. Following their breakup, Glasko filed a civil lawsuit against Bromstad in 2015, alleging breach of a cohabitation contract and making “salacious claims” about drug use and prostitutes. Bromstad vehemently denied all allegations, and the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed in his favor, with sanctions levied against Glasko. As of 2025, Bromstad is not married and has no known children.
He is also known for his “tattoo addiction,” with numerous intricate designs covering his body. These tattoos often reflect his deep affection for his family, his gay pride, his love for color, and his enduring passion for Disney. In 2021, Bromstad purchased a Tudor-style home in Orlando, Florida, a residence that was featured on My Lottery Dream Home: David’s Dream Home and perfectly encapsulates his vibrant, joyful, and creative personal style.
Awards and Achievements of David Bromstad
David Bromstad’s talent and contributions to design and media have earned him several notable accolades throughout his career:
- HGTV Design Star Winner (2006): Bromstad gained national recognition by winning the debut season of HGTV’s Design Star, which launched his television career.
- HRC Visibility Award (2011): He was honored with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Visibility Award for living an “out and proud” lifestyle in the public eye, acknowledging his efforts in LGBTQ+ representation.
- Miami Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year Award (2012): This award recognized his success and influence as a business figure within the LGBTQ+ community.
- Out magazine’s Out100 list: In 2015, David Bromstad became the first HGTV personality to be named to Out magazine’s prestigious Out100 list, which highlights influential LGBTQ+ figures.
His continuous presence on popular HGTV shows like My Lottery Dream Home and his unique design aesthetic are further testaments to his enduring success and influence in the industry.
David Bromstad Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, David Bromstad’s net worth is estimated to be between $4 million and $5 million. This substantial wealth has been accumulated through a diverse portfolio of income streams, stemming from his successful career in television, interior design, and various entrepreneurial ventures.
A primary source of his income is his role as a prominent HGTV host, where he reportedly earns an estimated annual salary of $500,000 for his work on shows like My Lottery Dream Home. In addition to hosting fees, Bromstad profits from his private design projects, offering his expertise for home makeovers and custom artwork to select clients. His unique, vibrant aesthetic makes him a sought-after designer, commanding premium prices for commissioned work.
Bromstad has also expanded his brand into product lines, including a home furniture and decor collection with Grandin Road and a vintage-inspired travel collection with Kipling North America, contributing significantly to his earnings. Furthermore, he engages in various brand endorsements and collaborations, art licensing, and public appearances, all of which enhance his overall financial standing. Strategic real estate investments, including the purchase of his own Tudor-style home in Orlando, Florida, also form a part of his financial foundation.
Legacy and Influence
David Bromstad’s legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to creativity, authenticity, and a bold embrace of color in design. He has become a significant figure in the design world, inspiring both aspiring designers and homeowners to infuse their living spaces with personal expression and vibrant hues.
Beyond his aesthetic contributions, Bromstad is widely recognized for his impact as an openly gay television personality. His presence on a major network like HGTV has played a crucial role in promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and representation in mainstream media, serving as a role model for many. He actively supports organizations like Safe Schools South Florida, using his platform to advocate for safer environments for LGBTQ+ youth, stemming from his own experiences with bullying.
His energetic and warm personality, combined with his innovative design approach, has cultivated a loyal fanbase, making him one of HGTV’s most beloved and enduring stars. Bromstad’s journey from a Disney illustrator to a multi-millionaire designer underscores a narrative of passion, hard work, and the courage to remain true to oneself, leaving an indelible mark on both the design industry and broader popular culture.
Interesting Facts about David Bromstad
- Tattoo Enthusiast: David Bromstad is famously covered in numerous tattoos, which he considers a creative outlet. His ink includes a Mickey Mouse tattoo (his favorite), Cinderella’s castle, the word “Fantasy” beneath it, “Artist” across his hand, “Limited Edition” on his chest, a rainbow “Family” on his abdomen to celebrate his LGBTQ+ community, his birth year “1973”, a dabbing unicorn, and even a “Poppin’ Good” scratch-n-sniff sticker from his childhood.
- Disney Roots: Before his HGTV fame, Bromstad worked as an illustrator for Disney, a childhood dream he realized after attending Ringling College of Art and Design. He remains a huge fan of Disney.
- Self-Described “Care Bear”: Bromstad refers to himself as a “Care Bear,” reflecting his positive and warm personality.
- Prefers Flying to Driving: Having endured many 24-hour drives from Sarasota to his hometown in Minnesota during college, Bromstad now prefers flying for any trip over four hours.
- Love for the Unconventional: He enjoys “weird” antiques and new items that make people ask, “What the heck is that?”
- Halloween Fan: Bromstad enjoys Halloween and has showcased elaborate, self-made costumes, once dressing as a “bone collector.”
- Visited Stephen King’s House: In June 2022, Bromstad visited Stephen King’s home in Bangor, Maine, describing it as “Grand and mysterious but very casual.”
Controversies
Throughout his rise to fame, David Bromstad has encountered a few public challenges. One notable controversy involved a civil lawsuit filed by his former long-term partner, Jeffrey Glasko, following their separation in 2015. Glasko alleged breach of a cohabitation contract and, in an amended filing, made claims that Bromstad had used shared funds for “illicit drugs and prostitutes.” Bromstad vehemently denied these accusations, and his lawyer clarified that these “salacious claims” were made by “a desperate person” and were ultimately dismissed by the Miami-Dade circuit court judge with sanctions against Glasko.
Another instance of public scrutiny occurred in 2013 when Bromstad agreed to host “The Red Shield ReDesign Bash” for the Salvation Army. This decision drew criticism from some fans and members of the LGBTQ+ community, who were upset due to the Salvation Army’s historical stance against LGBTQ+ rights. Bromstad, an outspoken advocate for gay rights, faced backlash, with some feeling his participation was a contradiction. However, some supporters defended his involvement as an attempt to bridge gaps and foster understanding.
Bromstad has also faced occasional online criticism regarding his flamboyant personal style, including his bold outfits and extensive tattoo collection. Despite this, he openly embraces his unique aesthetic, noting that HGTV has always been supportive of his authentic self. His personal history also includes experiencing bullying during childhood, particularly after moving cities, where he was subjected to cruel slurs and felt tormented at school. Coming out as gay in the 1980s was also a difficult experience for him, recalling instances of ridicule from peers and even a school principal. These challenging experiences, however, have motivated him to support anti-bullying initiatives for LGBTQ+ youth.
Social Media Presence
David Bromstad maintains a strong and engaging presence across various social media platforms, particularly Instagram. He frequently shares updates on his personal life, behind-the-scenes glimpses of his HGTV shows, design inspirations, and showcases his extensive tattoo collection. His Instagram often features colorful posts, shirtless selfies, and reflections of his positive outlook. While specific, up-to-the-minute follower counts fluctuate, his consistent online activity and interaction with fans demonstrate a robust and popular online presence, further connecting him with his audience beyond television.
Final Words about David Bromstad
David Bromstad stands as a testament to the power of passion, authenticity, and relentless hard work. From his early aspirations as a Disney animator to becoming a household name on HGTV, his journey is a vibrant tapestry of artistic talent and personal resilience. As of 2025, he remains a highly active and cherished figure on television, particularly through his enduring role on My Lottery Dream Home, where he continues to bring joy and design expertise to new lottery winners.
Bromstad’s legacy is not just in the colorful, imaginative spaces he creates, but also in his courage to live authentically and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. He inspires millions to embrace their true selves and infuse their lives with color and creativity. With his unwavering positive attitude and commitment to his craft, David Bromstad continues to evolve, leaving an inspiring and indelible mark on the world of design and entertainment, promising an exciting future for his ongoing career.