Meet David Bromstad: The Designer Behind HGTV’s Biggest Hits

Introduction: Who Is David Bromstad?

David Bromstad is more than just a television personality—he is a true artist whose creativity has inspired millions. Known for his vibrant designs, bold use of color, and lively personality, he has become one of HGTV’s biggest stars. From his early dreams of working as a Disney animator to becoming the first winner of HGTV Design Star and the host of My Lottery Dream Home, David’s career is a story of resilience, passion, and reinvention. His journey proves that creativity, when paired with determination, can open doors to opportunities that once seemed impossible.

Quick Bio Information

Name: David Reed Bromstad
Born: August 17, 1973
Birthplace: Cokato, Minnesota, USA
Education: Ringling College of Art & Design, Sarasota, Florida
Career Start: Walt Disney World, visual merchandising and window displays
Breakthrough: Winner of HGTV Design Star, Season 1 (2006)
Popular Shows: Color Splash, My Lottery Dream Home
Specialty: Bold use of color, playful and imaginative interior design
Passion: Tattoos as personal storytelling and art
Years Active on TV: Over 13 years with HGTV

Early Life and Childhood in Minnesota

David Bromstad was born in Minnesota, where his love for art began at a very young age. Growing up in a conservative, Christian household, he spent much of his childhood sketching, coloring, and dreaming about a future filled with creativity. Every Friday night, his family gathered to watch The Wonderful World of Disney, a tradition that fueled his fascination with animation and storytelling. By the time he was a teenager, David was already envisioning a future where art would be his life’s work, and Disney was at the center of that dream.

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Dreaming Big: From Disney Fan to Aspiring Animator

As a child, David was obsessed with animation. Saturday mornings meant hours of cartoons, cereal, and endless coloring. His dream was to become a Disney animator, and he worked hard to make that vision real. After high school, his father took him on a trip to the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, where he also met animators at Walt Disney World. It was a defining moment that set his path in motion, confirming that art and creativity were not just hobbies but a lifelong calling.

Education at Ringling College of Art & Design

David enrolled at Ringling College of Art & Design, one of the most prestigious art schools in the country. While he began with animation courses, he quickly realized that traditional animation wasn’t for him. Computer animation was gaining popularity, but he didn’t enjoy working with computers or the repetitive nature of animating frame by frame. Instead, he found his place in illustration, where he could explore painting, drawing, sculpture, and other forms of visual art. This shift allowed him to expand his artistic skills and embrace versatility, which later became one of his greatest strengths as a designer.

Disney Career: From Visual Merchandising to Window Displays

After graduating, David landed a position at Walt Disney World as a visual merchandiser. Although the job seemed exciting at first, he quickly found it limiting and unfulfilling. Fortunately, his talent was recognized, and he was given the opportunity to join the Parks Production Company, the team responsible for designing Walt Disney World’s elaborate storybook window displays. The work was demanding, requiring perfection in every detail, but it taught David the importance of craftsmanship and finishing skills. These lessons stayed with him and became central to his design philosophy.

Struggles and Turning Points After 9/11

Like many artists, David’s career took an unexpected turn after the events of 9/11. The economic downturn left him unemployed and facing financial hardship. At one point, he was just a week away from losing his house and declaring bankruptcy. Yet even in that difficult moment, an unexpected opportunity appeared. At a gym, he met an interior designer who needed artwork for a client’s home. With a budget of $2,000, David created a whimsical, imaginative kids’ room. The project was a success, and soon he was designing dozens of children’s spaces, blending his illustration skills with interior design.

Breakthrough on HGTV Design Star

In 2006, a friend encouraged David to audition for HGTV Design Star, a new reality competition series searching for fresh talent in the design world. Despite having little professional experience in interior design, David applied, relying on his artistic background and creative instincts. To his surprise, he not only made it onto the show but went on to win the very first season. His unique style, magnetic personality, and willingness to take risks set him apart, and his victory launched a career that changed his life forever.

David Bromstad on HGTV: Shows and Career Highlights

Winning Design Star opened the door to a long and successful career with HGTV. David quickly became a household name, hosting his own show, Color Splash, where he showcased his love of bold, vibrant interiors. Later, he became the beloved host of My Lottery Dream Home, where he helps lottery winners design and purchase their dream houses. His enthusiasm, creativity, and warm personality have made him a fan favorite for more than a decade. With over 13 years on television, David has firmly established himself as one of HGTV’s most popular stars.

Tattoos as Art: David’s Body as a Canvas

Beyond his work on television, David Bromstad is known for his love of tattoos, which he considers a powerful form of self-expression. His first tattoo was a dragonfly, representing the design company he started with his sister. Since then, his collection has grown to include dozens of designs, each carefully thought out and filled with meaning. Many of his tattoos are done at H&H in Orlando, and he has plans to cover up to 40 percent of his body. Among his favorites is a Mickey Mouse tattoo, which he describes as joyful and magical. For David, tattoos are more than body art—they are a celebration of life, creativity, and personal milestones.

Design Philosophy: Blending Art, Color, and Joy

David’s design philosophy is rooted in his artistic background. He believes that interiors should tell a story, reflect personality, and spark joy. Known for his fearless use of color, he often incorporates playful, whimsical details into his projects. For him, design is not just about making a space beautiful but about making it feel alive. His approach combines the precision he learned at Disney, the imagination he developed as an illustrator, and the warmth of his own personality. This blend has made him one of the most distinctive voices in modern interior design.

Personal Life and Personality

Despite his fame, David remains grounded and approachable. He credits his Midwestern upbringing for his strong values and down-to-earth nature. Known for his humor and positivity, he often says that his career feels like a fairytale he never expected. After more than a decade in the spotlight, he still pinches himself, grateful for the opportunities that have come his way. His personal journey of overcoming setbacks and embracing new paths continues to inspire fans who see him as both a talented designer and a resilient, joyful human being.

Legacy and Inspiration in the Design World

David Bromstad’s impact extends beyond his television shows. He has inspired countless fans and aspiring designers to embrace creativity, take risks, and find joy in self-expression. His story demonstrates that success doesn’t always follow a straight path, but with passion and resilience, it is possible to turn challenges into triumphs. Whether through his bold designs, his tattoos, or his vibrant on-screen presence, David continues to encourage others to live colorfully and authentically.

Conclusion: Why David Bromstad’s Story Matters

David Bromstad’s journey is a testament to creativity, perseverance, and joy. From a Minnesota childhood filled with dreams of Disney to a celebrated career on HGTV, he has turned challenges into opportunities and passions into success. His artistry, both in design and through tattoos, reflects a life dedicated to expression and authenticity. For fans and aspiring designers, David’s story is both inspiring and relatable—a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the brightest destinations.

FAQs About David Bromstad

Is David Bromstad still on HGTV?
Yes, David remains one of HGTV’s most popular stars. He continues to host My Lottery Dream Home, where he helps lottery winners find and design their dream houses.

What is David Bromstad best known for?
He is best known as the winner of HGTV Design Star and as the host of My Lottery Dream Home. He is also celebrated for his bold use of color and artistic approach to interior design.

Did David Bromstad work for Disney?
Yes, after graduating from Ringling College of Art & Design, he worked at Walt Disney World as a visual merchandiser and later with the Parks Production Company on storybook window displays.

How did David Bromstad start his HGTV career?
He entered and won the first season of HGTV Design Star in 2006, which launched his television career and led to hosting multiple HGTV shows.

Does David Bromstad have tattoos?
Yes, David has many tattoos, each with personal meaning. His collection includes a dragonfly and a Mickey Mouse tattoo, among others. He sees his tattoos as art and self-expression.

What is David Bromstad’s design style?
His style is colorful, playful, and bold. He blends his background in illustration with interior design, creating imaginative and joyful spaces.

Where is David Bromstad from?
He was born and raised in Cokato, Minnesota, before moving to Florida to attend Ringling College of Art & Design.