David Bromstad walks into rooms wearing rainbow faux fur coats, covered in colorful tattoos, turning ordinary spaces into stunning showcases. The HGTV star has built a fortune worth $4 million by combining his artistic talents with television charisma. His journey from small-town Minnesota to becoming one of cable TV’s most recognized interior designers shows how passion and personality can create real financial success.
Who Is David Bromstad?
David Bromstad hosts “My Lottery Dream Home” on HGTV, where he helps lottery winners find their perfect houses. He’s known for his vibrant personality, bold design choices, and genuine excitement about helping people realize their dreams. Beyond hosting, he’s an accomplished interior designer who won the first season of “HGTV Design Star” back in 2006. That victory launched his television career and changed his financial standing forever.
His design work stands out because he’s not afraid of color. While many designers stick to neutral palettes, David brings energy and life into every project. This signature style has made him a household name among home improvement fans and earned him a loyal following across the country.
David Bromstad Early Life and Background
Born on August 17, 1973, in Cokato, Minnesota, David grew up as the youngest of four children. His heritage includes Norwegian, Swedish, and German ancestry. The small-town environment didn’t stop his big artistic dreams from taking shape early on.
Even as a kid, David loved drawing and creating. His family supported his creative interests, which helped him build confidence in his abilities. At Wayzata High School, he focused on art classes and dreamed about working for Disney someday. That childhood dream would actually come true, though not in the way he originally imagined.
From Disney Dreams to Design Reality
David attended Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, studying illustration. After graduation, he landed his dream job working as an illustrator for Disney. He created artwork and designs for the entertainment giant, living the life he’d always wanted.
Then Disney laid him off. What seemed like a devastating setback became the push he needed to start his own business. David launched Bromstad Studio in Miami Beach, focusing on creating fantasy-themed bedrooms for kids. Parents loved his imaginative designs that turned ordinary rooms into magical spaces. This entrepreneurial move taught him how to run a business and connect with clients directly.
The HGTV Design Star Breakthrough
In 2006, David auditioned for the first season of “HGTV Design Star.” The competition show searched for new hosting talent, and David’s personality shined through immediately. He won the entire season, beating out other talented designers.
The prize changed everything. David won a car and, more importantly, his own show on HGTV. This opportunity opened doors that independent design work never could. His annual salary jumped dramatically, and his career trajectory shifted from local designer to national television personality.
David Bromstad Television Career
“Color Splash” premiered in 2007 as David’s first HGTV show. He brought his bold approach to home design, encouraging homeowners to take risks with vibrant colors and unexpected combinations. The show ran successfully for years, establishing him as a reliable host.
He didn’t stop there. David appeared on “Beach Flip” and competed on “Rock the Block,” showing his versatility across different formats. Each new show added to his resume and increased his value to the network. Then came “My Lottery Dream Home” in 2015, which became his biggest hit. The show’s simple premise—helping lottery winners find dream homes—connected with audiences who enjoyed living vicariously through the winners. David’s genuine enthusiasm makes every episode fun to watch.
David Bromstad Net Worth
David Bromstad’s net worth sits at approximately $4 million as of 2024-2025. Some sources claim figures between $2 million and $5 million, but most credible estimates land around $4 million. This accumulated wealth comes from years of consistent television work combined with smart business decisions.
His financial standing places him comfortably among HGTV personalities, though not at the very top. For comparison, the Property Brothers each have net worths exceeding $100 million due to their extensive business empire. David’s wealth reflects steady television hosting income rather than large-scale business expansion.
What makes his net worth impressive is how he built it from scratch. He didn’t come from money or inherit wealth. Every dollar came from his own work, starting with his Disney job and growing through each career move. His financial success proves that television hosting combined with entrepreneurial thinking creates lasting wealth.
How David Bromstad Makes His Money
David’s annual salary from HGTV reaches approximately $500,000 per year. This base income covers his hosting duties across different shows. He earns this through long-term contracts that keep him working steadily throughout each year.
But television hosting isn’t his only revenue source. David’s income streams include design consultations, product sales, art exhibitions, and brand partnerships. This diversification protects him from relying too heavily on any single source. If one area slows down, others keep generating income.
Bromstad Studio and Design Services
Even with his TV success, David maintains his original design business. Bromstad Studio still takes on select residential and commercial projects. These custom design consultations command premium fees because clients get personalized attention from a celebrity designer.
His client base includes people who’ve watched his shows and want their own spaces transformed with his distinctive style. The design work lets David stay connected to his roots while supplementing his television earnings. It’s also creatively fulfilling in ways that TV hosting sometimes isn’t.
Product Lines and Brand Partnerships
David has partnered with several major brands to create product collections. His furniture and decor line with Grandin Road became particularly successful. Shoppers can buy David Bromstad-designed pieces for their own homes without hiring him personally. He earns royalties from each sale.
He’s also worked with Murals Your Way on wallpaper designs, Kipling on luggage, and both Naturalizer and Sobel Westex on other products. Each partnership adds another income stream while expanding his brand reach. These collaborations work because David’s design aesthetic translates well to mass-market products.
Art Sales and Creative Work
Under his BROMSTAD brand, David sells fine art through galleries and exhibitions. His artwork ranges from paintings to custom murals, often featuring the same bold colors that define his interior design work. Art collectors pay significant prices for original pieces.
This creative outlet lets David express himself beyond the constraints of television and client work. The art sales contribute meaningfully to his overall earnings while keeping him engaged with the fine art community. It’s a perfect blend of passion and profit.
David Bromstad Real Estate Investments
Real estate has played a key role in building David’s wealth. In 2016, he sold his Miami condo for $650,000, showing smart property appreciation. He then purchased a Tudor-style home in Orlando in 2021. The five-bedroom, four-bathroom property gave him more space and moved him closer to family.
His Orlando house even appeared on “My Lottery Dream Home: David’s Dream Home,” giving viewers a look at his personal taste. Real estate investments provide both a place to live and long-term wealth building through property value increases.
David Bromstad Lifestyle and Personal Spending
David’s lifestyle reflects his colorful personality. He owns luxury cars, including reportedly a Lamborghini and Ferrari, though he keeps specific details private. His fashion choices lean toward designer pieces and statement items like his famous rainbow faux fur coat that costs $429.
He’s covered in tattoos, each one telling a story or representing something meaningful. The tattoo collection alone represents significant personal spending over the years. David enjoys his wealth but doesn’t seem reckless with money. He balances enjoying life now with smart financial planning for the future.
David Bromstad Personal Life
David lives openly as a gay man and advocates for LGBTQ+ representation in the design world. He dated Jeffrey Glasko from 2004 through the early 2010s, but the relationship ended. Since then, he’s kept his romantic life more private, though he remains close with family and friends.
At 51 years old, standing 6 feet 1 inch tall, David maintains the same energetic presence he’s had throughout his career. He lives in Orlando near his three siblings and enjoys the Florida lifestyle. His personal life stays relatively drama-free, letting his professional work take center stage.
Career Milestones and Recognition
Winning “Design Star” in 2006 remains David’s biggest career milestone. That victory launched everything that followed. Hosting multiple shows over nearly two decades demonstrates his staying power in a competitive industry. He’s influenced interior design trends by making bold colors acceptable again after years of beige dominance.
His visibility as an openly gay designer has meant something to LGBTQ+ viewers who rarely saw themselves represented in home improvement media. David hasn’t sought recognition specifically for this, but his presence matters nonetheless.
David Bromstad Net Worth Compared to Other HGTV Stars
Among HGTV personalities, David sits in the middle tier financially. The Property Brothers lead the pack with their extensive business operations. Other long-running hosts like Chip and Joanna Gaines have built massive wealth through their Magnolia brand empire.
David’s $4 million net worth reflects a different approach. He’s focused on television hosting and selective business partnerships rather than building a massive company. This keeps his life less complicated while still providing financial security. Not every television personality needs to become a business mogul to achieve success.
The Future of David Bromstad’s Wealth
David’s net worth will likely continue growing steadily. “My Lottery Dream Home” remains popular, ensuring continued television income. His product lines generate ongoing royalties, and his design business stays active. The combination creates multiple paths for wealth accumulation.
He’s positioned himself well for long-term career sustainability. Even if television slows down eventually, his design credentials and brand recognition open other opportunities. Real estate investments provide passive income growth. His financial future looks secure as long as he maintains the work ethic that got him here.
David Bromstad built his $4 million fortune through talent, hard work, and smart diversification. From Disney artist to HGTV star, his journey shows how creative professionals can achieve substantial financial success. His story continues to unfold, and his accumulated wealth reflects years of connecting with audiences through design and personality.
