David Bromstad Wiki: Bio, Age, Net Worth, Partner, Husband, Family, and My Lottery Dream Home Host

David Bromstad is an award-winning designer, television personality, and artist best known as the first-ever winner of HGTV Design Star and longtime host of My Lottery Dream Home. With a career spanning over two decades, Bromstad has built a bold and recognizable brand rooted in color, creativity, and authenticity. From working as a Disney illustrator to launching home décor lines and hosting multiple HGTV series, he has become one of the most influential and enduring figures in American home design. His vibrant style, entrepreneurial ventures, and openly shared personal journey continue to resonate with audiences across TV, retail, and digital platforms.

Early Life, Education, and Artistic Roots

David Reed Bromstad was born on August 17, 1973, in Cokato, Minnesota, and raised in a small farming town in Wright County. He is the youngest of four children born to Diane Marlys (née Krueger) and Richard Harold David Bromstad. His heritage is a blend of Norwegian and Swedish from his father’s side and German from his mother’s side. David attended Wayzata High School in Plymouth, Minnesota, where his artistic inclinations became increasingly apparent.

From a young age, Bromstad was captivated by the magic of Disney animation. His childhood drawings were filled with Disney characters, fueling his dream of becoming a Disney animator. This passion led him to enroll at the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida—widely known as a training ground for Disney artists. He graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration.

Initially focused on working for Disney, Bromstad began exploring other creative outlets during college. Together with his sister, he painted and sold home décor items such as flower pots and furniture to a French country-style boutique. This early venture combined artistic expression with functional design and laid the foundation for his future in interior design.

Bromstad’s deep love for Christmas and decorating also stems directly from his upbringing. He has shared fond memories of growing up in Minnesota with magical white Christmases and cherished family traditions, such as sleeping under the Christmas tree, making cinnamon-applesauce ornaments that have lasted for over 30 years, and decorating for weeks in advance. These experiences not only influenced his passion for festive design but also reinforced the importance of family in his creative life. He has often said, “Christmas is not Christmas without family.”

Career Foundations: From Disney to Independent Design

After graduating, Bromstad fulfilled a childhood dream by working as a contract illustrator for Disney Parks and Resorts. He contributed to the design of themed visual environments at attractions like Animal Kingdom, gaining hands-on experience in set painting, prop styling, and display design. While he found the creative work fulfilling, the job lacked benefits and long-term security.

Following the end of his Disney contract, Bromstad began freelancing in Florida. He taught himself woodworking and carpentry, which allowed him to create custom furniture and architectural detailing. At the same time, he painted murals for children’s rooms, designed accent pieces, and built a reputation for his imaginative flair.

His early projects included custom wall treatments, whimsical furniture, and colorful artwork that fused pop culture references with storytelling. He often took on projects that required him to learn new techniques or handle complex installations, using each opportunity to grow both artistically and professionally. This do-it-yourself period not only expanded his skill set but also shaped the hands-on design philosophy that later defined his television presence.

Breakthrough on HGTV: Design Star and Color Splash

In 2006, David Bromstad entered the inaugural season of HGTV Design Star, competing against nine other aspiring designers. Although he had no prior experience designing adult residential spaces, his creativity, artistry, and natural charisma helped him win the competition. His prize included a car and the opportunity to host his own show on HGTV.

During filming, Bromstad’s father was undergoing cancer treatment, which he later revealed added an emotional layer to his experience. His father eventually went into remission and recovered well.

In March 2007, he debuted as the host of Color Splash, which became one of HGTV’s most successful design shows. The series focused on transforming ordinary rooms into vibrant, personality-filled spaces through the use of color. Filmed in San Francisco initially, the production later moved to Miami, and episodes were also shot in New York. Over the course of five years, Color Splash produced more than 150 episodes across eight seasons.

Bromstad was also known for painting original artworks for each redesigned space. His most memorable piece included a whimsical painting of a bowl of macaroni and cheese. Fans can now purchase prints of his artwork through Penny Lane Publishing.

Following the success of Color Splash, Bromstad continued working with HGTV in various capacities. He returned to Design Star as both host and mentor for later seasons and participated in multiple network shows, including Design Star All Stars and White Room Challenge, where contestants reimagined minimalist white rooms using unconventional materials. He also appeared in series such as HGTV’d, Summer Showdown, and Rock the Block, solidifying his status as one of the network’s most recognized and enduring talents.

Bromstad described the experience of working with former judges like Vern Yip and Genevieve Gorder as “surreal,” having grown up watching them on Trading Spaces. He transitioned from contestant to colleague with admiration and gratitude.

Hosting My Lottery Dream Home (2015–Present)

In 2015, David Bromstad became the host of My Lottery Dream Home, the HGTV television series that follows lottery winners as they search for luxury real estate across the United States. The show features Bromstad assisting winners in selecting upscale properties while navigating the financial and emotional implications of sudden wealth. His expertise in interior design and friendly on-screen presence have helped establish the show as a long-running success. Now in its 18th season, My Lottery Dream Home continues to rank among HGTV’s most popular real estate and home-buying shows.

As the series has evolved, each season has introduced a new mix of personalities, budgets, and dream-home aspirations. Season 17 was no exception, offering a wide variety of homebuyers whose unique backgrounds and priorities shaped their property searches. From sudden lottery jackpots to unexpected inheritances, the season spotlighted how financial windfalls translate into real estate choices across different regions and lifestyles.

In one standout episode, a $10 million lottery winner named Brent searched for a spacious, family-oriented home in California’s northwest region. His top priority was a property suitable for his daughter and potential future family. After touring several listings, Brent selected a five-bedroom house on Loop and Lane featuring a putting green, fire pit, large backyard pool, and a welcoming neighborhood environment.

Another episode followed a woman who came into money through the sale of her family’s farm in Ohio, passed down for eight generations. Looking to retire in a vibrant 55+ community, she chose a home on Trident Trail that offered three bedrooms, a spa-style pool, a generous kitchen island, and resort-style amenities designed for active living.

A third featured story involved a couple who won $1 million from a scratch-off lottery ticket and were purchasing their first home together. Their wishlist included an open kitchen with an island, a dedicated crafting room, and a backyard for entertaining. They ultimately chose a home in Queens Landing, attracted by its open-concept layout, high ceilings, and scenic lakefront setting.

These episodes from Season 17 reinforced the show’s winning formula: personalized home tours combined with practical advice tailored to each buyer’s circumstances. David Bromstad’s guidance continues to shape the series, helping new homeowners make informed decisions as they turn sudden fortune into lasting comfort and lifestyle upgrades.

Business Ventures and Brand Expansion

Founding David Bromstad LLC and Early Collaborations (2010–2014)

In 2010, David Bromstad established David Bromstad LLC to organize and scale his growing influence beyond television. His early brand collaborations included:

• Sherwin-Williams: Brand ambassador for HGTV Home Paint
• DuPont Corian: Creative consultant for solid surface materials
• Naturalizer: Designer of two seasonal women’s footwear lines

He also began licensing home décor products—such as bath textiles, rugs, and decorative accessories—through major retailers including Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Grandin Road.

Grandin Road Furniture Collection (2015)

In January 2015, Bromstad launched the ‘David Bromstad Home’ collection with Grandin Road. The line included upholstered furniture, statement chairs, non-matching coordinated sofas, and accent pieces designed to support mix-and-match styling. Emphasizing craftsmanship, all soft furnishings were produced in the United States.

This initial success led to the development of an outdoor furniture line that extended his aesthetic into exterior design.

Furniture Line Expansion and Design Storytelling (2023)

In 2023, Bromstad introduced an updated furniture collection in collaboration with Grandin Road. The refreshed line incorporated:

• Sofas, chairs, and tables with curved forms and bold color palettes
• Emphasis on storytelling through texture, pattern, and material
• Playful themes inspired by travel, architecture, and nature
• A focus on blending maximalist energy with comfortable, livable designs

The new collection reflected Bromstad’s evolving design philosophy—one that invites individuality, layering, and joyful expression into every home.

Product Integration and Collaborations on HGTV Shows

In addition to retail ventures, Bromstad has been active in brand integration through his television work. On Rock the Block, he collaborated with Barron Designs to incorporate faux wood beams into his interiors—highlighting how such elements offer architectural depth and flexibility without requiring structural changes.

Design Philosophy and Personal Aesthetic

Bromstad’s design approach emphasizes room architecture and foundational structure. He often enhances interiors with crown molding, wall paneling, and custom detailing before layering in color and furnishings. While his televised makeovers are known for bold palettes, his personal interiors lean toward neutral tones—white, gray, and black—punctuated by curated bursts of color.

His sources of inspiration include:

• Urban architecture in New York and Los Angeles
• Global fashion and streetwear trends
• Digital platforms like Pinterest and design marketplaces

To safeguard his expanding business, Bromstad registered trademarks for his name and product lines across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and key global manufacturing hubs.

Art, Real Estate, and Ongoing Projects

Fine Art Licensing and Original Work

Through Penny Lane Publishing, Bromstad continues to create original paintings and licensed prints. His artwork is sold in various home décor formats, including wall art, textiles, and accessories. In past interviews, he shared that pieces from the Miami Color Splash episodes and those created for Art Basel have been especially popular.

Real Estate Exploration

In 2015, Bromstad founded Rock Solid Real Estate Investments, LLC, a Florida-based company intended to rehabilitate and resell distressed properties. Although the company was dissolved later that year, it reflected his interest in merging interior design with real estate development.

Net Worth and Financial Success

As of 2025, David Bromstad’s estimated net worth is between $3 million and $4 million, primarily earned through his longstanding television career, brand partnerships, product lines, and art licensing. His role as host of My Lottery Dream Home has been a consistent source of income since 2015. Additionally, furniture collaborations with Grandin Road and licensing deals with retailers such as Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond have added to his financial portfolio.

Beyond earnings from media and design, Bromstad invests in real estate and art, maintaining a diverse and creative business empire built on his unique personal style and strong public appeal.

Personal Life

Long-term Relationship with Jeffrey Glasko (2004–2015)

David Bromstad’s most significant and long-term relationship began in 2004 when he met Jeffrey Glasko at a Valentine’s Day singles mixer in Orlando. At the time, Jeffrey was a Miami police officer, but he would later go on to serve as the Chief Operating Officer of David Bromstad LLC. Their relationship lasted over 11 years and was well-documented across David’s social media accounts, marking it as one of the most openly shared relationships in HGTV celebrity circles.

In a February 2012 tweet, David playfully noted that his “bf hates change,” giving fans a peek into their everyday dynamic. Then, in a September 2014 Facebook post, David referred to Jeffrey as his “hubby” during a beach outing, showing a level of affection and domestic comfort. In February 2015, David celebrated their 11th anniversary and Valentine’s Day in another Facebook post, calling Jeffrey his “sexy man, Jeff.” These recurring public expressions hinted at the deep emotional bond the couple shared, with many fans speculating that the two may have been privately married, even though no official marriage record exists.

Their breakup later in 2015 became public news, especially after Glasko filed a civil lawsuit against David. The complaint accused David of misusing shared funds on “illicit substances and activities” and violating an oral cohabitation agreement. However, the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed by a Miami-Dade County judge, who labeled the claims as scandalous and lacking in evidence. Despite the legal clash, Glasko was reportedly involved in business operations for a short time afterward, though his continued role remains unofficial and unverified.

After Jeffrey: Kevin Paynther & Private Life

Following his split with Jeffrey, David entered into a relationship with Kevin Paynther. In a 2016 Facebook post, David referred to Kevin as his “gorgeous and talented BF” and shared how Kevin surprised him with an elaborate birthday cake and balloons, making it his “best birthday ever.” The post included affectionate photos and highlighted their shared celebrations, though it’s unclear how long the relationship lasted. After Kevin, David has kept things pretty quiet. He hasn’t confirmed any new relationships publicly.