David Bromstad is an American designer, artist, and television personality best known as the winner of the inaugural season of HGTV’s Design Star in 2006. After beginning his creative career as an illustrator for Disney, Bromstad emerged as one of HGTV’s most recognizable stars, hosting hit series such as Color Splash and My Lottery Dream Home.
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings in Minnesota
David Richard Bromstad was born on August 17, 1973, in Cokato, Minnesota, a small Midwestern town west of Minneapolis. He was born to Diane Mather and Richard Harold Bromstad, growing up as the youngest of four children alongside his older brother Dean and sisters Dionne and Dyanne. Bromstad’s heritage includes Norwegian ancestry on his father’s side and Swedish and German roots on his mother’s side, a rich background that fostered a grounded family upbringing.
From an early age, Bromstad displayed a passion for art and visual creativity. While many children explored various extracurricular activities, Bromstad focused on drawing, painting, and visual expression. His interest was not merely a casual hobby; he recognized early in life that visual media was his primary mode of communication and personal expression.
During his teenage years at Wayzata High School in Plymouth, Minnesota, Bromstad began systematically cultivating his artistic talents. He immersed himself in art classes, refining his technical skills in rendering, color theory, and composition. Inspired by classic animation, figurative art, and bold design traditions, he set his sights on pursuing animation and illustration professionally, aiming specifically for a career with The Walt Disney Company.
Education and the Disney Era: Refining the Craft
Following high school graduation, Bromstad relocated to Sarasota, Florida, to attend the Ringling College of Art and Design. Known as one of the premier private institutions for computer animation, illustration, and fine arts, Ringling provided Bromstad with formal training in drawing, proportion, narrative artwork, and medium experimentation.
His time at Ringling proved pivotal. The rigorous curriculum challenged him to combine technical precision with imaginative storytelling. Bromstad graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration, equipped to enter the competitive world of commercial art and entertainment design.
The Disney Experience
Immediately after completing his degree, Bromstad fulfilled a lifelong childhood dream by accepting a position as an illustrator and animator for Disney Design Communications in Orlando, Florida. Working for Disney offered an intensive masterclass in brand aesthetics, theme architecture, visual immersion, and large-scale artistic execution.
At Disney, Bromstad was responsible for creating murals, prop designs, and specialized character illustrations utilized throughout Disney theme parks and resort properties. The experience shaped his understanding of how physical space interacts with visual themes—a principle that would later define his approach to interior decoration.
The Transition to Independent Design
Following corporate restructuring at Disney that led to his lay-off, Bromstad was forced to navigate an unexpected career transition. Rather than departing the creative sector, he launched his own business venture, Bromstad Design Studio.
The initial focus of Bromstad Design Studio was creating customized bedroom installations, murals, and sculpted furniture for children’s rooms. Working with private clients allowed him to expand beyond two-dimensional illustration into spatial layout, carpentry integration, lighting, and custom fabrication. This hands-on, multi-disciplinary work laid the practical groundwork for his future career in interior design.
The HGTV Breakthrough: Design Star Season 1
By 2006, Bromstad’s career took a dramatic turn when a friend urged him to audition for a new reality competition show hosted by HGTV titled HGTV Design Star (later known simply as Design Star). The show pitted aspiring interior designers, decorators, and artists against one another in high-pressure spatial transformation challenges evaluated by industry judges.
At the time of his audition, Bromstad had limited formal training in classic interior architecture compared to traditional interior designers. However, his strong fine-arts background, unique mastery of custom mural creation, speed, and vibrant personality set him apart from fellow contestants.
Key Milestones of Bromstad's Breakthrough:
- 2006 Audition: Selected as one of 10 contestants for HGTV Design Star Season 1.
- Competition Execution: Won multiple room challenges featuring custom murals and handmade art pieces.
- Finale Victory: Named the winner of Season 1, earning a grand prize that included a new car and his own HGTV design series.
Bromstad’s victory on HGTV Design Star transformed him overnight from a local Florida artisan into a national television figure. His charismatic, encouraging demeanor resonated strongly with viewers, establishing a blueprint for how art-driven home renovation programming could engage audiences.
Major Television Career and Flagship Shows
Following his win on Design Star, Bromstad became a central fixture of HGTV's programming lineup. Over two decades, he hosted multiple series, served as a mentor and judge on competitive design shows, and appeared in network holiday specials.
David Bromstad's Career Timeline:
- 1995–2000: Disney Design Communications (Illustrator & Visual Artist)
- 2000–2005: Founded Bromstad Design Studio (Custom Kids' Rooms & Murals)
- 2006: Won HGTV Design Star (Season 1 Champion)
- 2007–2013: Hosted "Color Splash" & "Color Splash Miami/San Francisco"
- 2015–Pres.: Hosts "My Lottery Dream Home" on HGTV
- 2020–Pres.: Guest Judge & Mentor on "Rock the Block" and "Design Star"
Color Splash (2007–2013)
Bromstad’s initial solo series, Color Splash, premiered on HGTV in 2007. The show focused on teaching homeowners how to embrace vibrant color schemes without overwhelming their living spaces. Each episode featured Bromstad and his design team selecting a specific color palette, re-imagining a room’s layout, and creating a bespoke piece of fine art or a mural designed by Bromstad himself.
The show underwent several evolutions during its run:
- Color Splash (Original): Filmed primarily in the Miami area, focusing on coastal, tropical, and modern residential aesthetics.
- Color Splash Miami: Expanded the focus to grander architectural transformations, highlighting Art Deco influences and South Florida luxury living.
- Color Splash San Francisco: Relocated the series to Northern California, adapting the design philosophy to historic Victorian homes, urban lofts, and classic West Coast styles.
Over its six-year run, Color Splash completed over 100 episodes, establishing Bromstad as HGTV's primary authority on chromatic design and expressive residential interiors.
My Lottery Dream Home (2015–Present)
In 2015, HGTV launched My Lottery Dream Home, featuring David Bromstad as the host. The premise of the show follows recent lottery winners—ranging from scratch-off winners claiming tens of thousands of dollars to mega-jackpot winners—as they search for their ideal residential property.
Unlike traditional home renovation shows that center on demolition and construction, My Lottery Dream Home centers on real estate selection, lifestyle fit, and emotional storytelling. Bromstad’s warmth, empathetic hosting style, and lack of pretension proved to be a major ratings success for HGTV. The show expanded into multiple seasons and spin-offs, maintaining a long-standing presence on the network.
Additional Network Appearances
Throughout his career, Bromstad has frequently appeared across the broader HGTV franchise universe:
- Design Star (Mentor & Judge): Returned to the show that launched his career, serving as a mentor to new contestants and joining the judging panel for later seasons, including Design Star All-Stars.
- Rock the Block: Appeared as a guest judge and specialized design consultant on HGTV’s high-stakes residential renovation competition series.
- HGTV Urban Oasis & Smart Home: Hosted specials and promotional reveals for annual house giveaway sweepstakes.
- Holiday Specials: Led seasonal decor specials for HGTV, showcasing over-the-top holiday installations, tree designs, and party venues.
Artistic Style, Philosophy, and Interior Design Legacy
David Bromstad’s approach to interior decorating distinctively reflects his background in fine arts and illustration. Rather than prioritizing traditional architectural minimalism or strictly neutral palettes, Bromstad's work emphasizes creative expression, color saturation, and custom artwork.
Core Principles of David Bromstad's Design Style
| Principle | Execution & Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Color Primacy | Uses saturated hues, high contrast accents, and dynamic palettes. |
| Fine Art Integration | Every room features custom canvas art, murals, or graphics. |
| High-Low Furnishing | Blends custom furniture items with accessible retail pieces. |
| Playful Maximalism | Incorporates bold patterns, custom textures, and whimsical elements. |
1. Color Primacy
Bromstad advocates that color is the most cost-effective and emotionally impactful tool in interior design. He frequently uses accent walls, bold cabinetry finishes, vibrant upholstery, and high-contrast paint pairings to define distinct living zones within open floor plans.
2. Fine Art Integration
A signature element of Bromstad’s renovations is the inclusion of custom canvas paintings, hand-painted murals, or graphic focal points created specifically for the homeowner. By creating unique artworks tailored to a room's specific color scheme, he bridges the gap between static decor and custom artistic expression.
3. High-Low Furnishing Strategy
In both his television projects and personal homes, Bromstad favors mixing high-end architectural fixtures with budget-friendly retail furniture, vintage finds, and DIY refurbishments. This practical philosophy demonstrates to homeowners that luxury aesthetic appeal does not require an exorbitant budget.
Personal Life, Public Image, and Philanthropy
Outside of his television and artistic projects, David Bromstad is known for his open personal persona, distinctive personal style, and involvement in philanthropic causes.
Self-Expression and Body Art
Bromstad is widely recognized for his extensive collection of tattoos, which cover much of his body. His body art serves as a visual autobiography, featuring depictions of Disney characters, classic art symbols, family references, nostalgic pop culture icons, and intricate geometric designs. He has frequently highlighted his tattoo journey on social media, treating his body as an evolving canvas that reflects his artistic evolution.
LGBTQ+ Visibility and Advocacy
As an openly gay media personality in mainstream television, Bromstad has been an active voice for LGBTQ+ representation in home design and entertainment. Over the years, he has participated in community events, supported LGBTQ+ youth charities, and partnered with organizations advocating for equality and creative arts education.
Residence and Personal Projects
After spending many years residing in Miami, Florida, during the filming of Color Splash, Bromstad later returned to the Orlando area. In 2021, he purchased a home in Winter Park, Florida, which became the focus of a special HGTV project detailing his personal home renovation journey. The project showcased his private taste: a mix of maximalist decor, mid-century modern furniture, colorful artwork, and lush outdoor landscaping.
Career Summary and Television Highlights
The table below outlines key historical details, professional milestones, and primary achievements across David Bromstad’s career.
| Category | Career Detail / Milestone |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Richard Bromstad |
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1973 |
| Hometown | Cokato, Minnesota |
| Education | Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Illustration, Ringling College of Art and Design |
| Early Professional Role | Illustrator & Animator, Disney Design Communications |
| Breakthrough Win | Champion, HGTV Design Star (Season 1, 2006) |
| Major Television Series | Color Splash (2007–2013), My Lottery Dream Home (2015–Present) |
| Design Specialty | Color theory, custom mural painting, maximalist interior styling |
| Primary Production Base | Orlando, Florida / South Florida |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did David Bromstad get his start on HGTV?
David Bromstad launched his HGTV career by competing in and winning the inaugural season of HGTV Design Star in 2006. His innovative room transformations, artistic mural skills, and dynamic camera presence earned him the grand prize, which included his own television series, launching Color Splash in 2007.
What did David Bromstad do before becoming a television host?
Before his television career, Bromstad graduated with an illustration degree from Ringling College of Art and Design and worked as an illustrator and prop artist for Disney Design Communications. After leaving Disney, he founded Bromstad Design Studio, creating custom installations, murals, and sculpted furniture for children's bedrooms.
What is David Bromstad's signature design philosophy?
Bromstad's design philosophy centers on the transformative power of color and custom art. He believes every living space should reflect the homeowner's personality through saturated hues, bold visual focal points, custom-painted canvases, and a balanced mix of luxury and accessible decor.
What is David Bromstad's most popular TV show?
While Color Splash established his reputation as a top interior designer, My Lottery Dream Home became his longest-running and most widely viewed show on HGTV. Premiering in 2015, the series features Bromstad helping recent lottery winners find residential properties across the United States.
Where is David Bromstad currently based?
David Bromstad is based in the Orlando, Florida metropolitan area. After living in Miami for several years during the production of Color Splash, he relocated back to Central Florida, where he completed a comprehensive home renovation in Winter Park.
Key Takeaways and Legacy in Design Entertainment
David Bromstad’s transition from a Disney animator to a cornerstone of HGTV programming demonstrates how fine-art principles can transform popular media and home decoration. By placing art, color saturation, and accessible design at the forefront of his work, he influenced a generation of television viewers to move beyond neutral interiors toward personal expression.
Whether guiding home buyers through major real estate decisions on My Lottery Dream Home or creating original canvases on television, Bromstad remains one of the most durable, beloved, and creative figures in contemporary design entertainment.
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