David Bromstad holds an estimated net worth of $2 million, built primarily through his long-standing career as a television personality, host, and professional interior designer on HGTV. Since winning the inaugural season of Design Star in 2006, he has spent nearly two decades anchoring hit series like Color Splash and My Lottery Dream Home.
While internet rumors frequently inflate his fortune into the tens of millions, his actual accumulated wealth reflects steady, multi-year contracts with cable networks, brand endorsements, and smart personal real estate investments. If you've ever wondered how a local Minnesota artist turned a reality TV win into a lasting broadcast career, the trajectory involves much more than just a single prize package.
The Breakthrough: Winning HGTV Design Star
Before television fame, David Bromstad worked as a corporate illustrator for Disney and founded his own company creating custom bedroom furniture and murals. His big break arrived in 2006 when he auditioned for the first season of HGTV Design Star.
Competing against nine other designers, he won over judges and viewers with his vibrant color theory, custom artistic elements, and high-energy personality. The prize package included a brand-new car and the opportunity to host his own show on the network. That single victory opened the door to a permanent television career, transforming him from a freelance illustrator into a salaried network host.
Leading HGTV Shows and Estimated Earnings
Television hosts on major cable networks earn salaries based on longevity, ratings, and production scale. Bromstad's multi-year tenure across several key programs cemented his financial standing:
- Color Splash (2007–2012): Running for several seasons, this show gave him steady, multi-episode production blocks where he transformed outdated rooms into vivid, modern masterpieces.
- My Lottery Dream Home (2015–Present): As his most enduring and popular vehicle, this show follows recent lottery winners as they shop for extravagant properties. It regularly ranks as a top-performing Friday night cable program, commanding consistent renewal budgets.
- Design Star All-Stars and Beachfront Bargain Hunt: Guest hosting and judging appearances added substantial ancillary income to his annual contracts.
Cable networks like HGTV typically pay successful hosts robust episodic or yearly fees. While specific contract amounts remain private, established network stars with multi-season hits routinely pull in hundreds of thousands of dollars per season.
Brand Partnerships and Entrepreneurial Ventures
Television salaries tell only part of the story. Bromstad has capitalized on his public persona through commercial partnerships and product lines.
He has collaborated with major home decor and lifestyle brands, including a notable partnership with Sherwin-Williams for color collections and home goods lines that reflect his signature aesthetic. Additionally, he launched furniture and accessory collections through retail partnerships, earning licensing royalties that continue to generate passive income independent of his active shooting schedule.
Real Estate Investments and Personal Wealth Management
Real estate plays a central role in the portfolios of many home design professionals. Bromstad has bought and sold properties in high-value markets, particularly in Florida and California.
In 2019, he purchased a modern home in Orlando, Florida, for over $700,000, customizing the space with his signature bold artwork and colorful accents. Buying, renovating, and strategically managing residential property has allowed him to grow his personal assets outside of television production.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does David Bromstad make per episode of My Lottery Dream Home?
While HGTV does not publicly disclose talent salaries, established hosts of long-running hit shows typically earn high five-figure sums per episode, combined with backend syndication and streaming revenue shares.
Does David Bromstad still paint custom artwork?
Yes. Before and during his television career, he has maintained a passion for fine art. He frequently creates large-scale abstract paintings and murals, selling original pieces to private collectors and fans.
Is David Bromstad married?
Bromstad keeps details of his romantic life relatively private. He was previously in a long-term relationship with Jeffrey Glasko, which ended in 2015, and he currently focuses his public life on his family, dogs, and design career.
Where does David Bromstad live now?
He splits his time primarily between Orlando, Florida, and various locations where he films television projects, maintaining a vibrant home base equipped for his art studio and design work.
