David Bromstad always knew he wanted to work for Disney. After graduating from Florida’s Ringling College of Art and Design, he got his wish—but not quite the way he envisioned. Initially hired as a visual merchandiser, Bromstad quickly found the role unfulfilling. “It wasn’t that creative of work,” he admitted, describing how he spent his days moving boxes and organizing displays. His supervisor saw his artistic talent. He encouraged him to switch to sculpting, where he thrived.
Bromstad’s time at Disney helped shape his creative instincts. He perfected installations at theme parks like Universal Studios. He also contributed his artwork to multiple stores. These experiences honed the skills that would later define his career in interior design. “There wasn’t a store that I didn’t have some of my own art or sculpture in,” he shared proudly.
But when the post-9/11 economic downturn hit, Bromstad lost his job and faced financial difficulties. A friend in design offered him a lifeline. He was to create children’s rooms in model homes. This gig would unexpectedly launch his future in interior design.
Winning Design Star Changed Everything
In 2006, David Bromstad’s life took a major turn when he entered-and won-the first season of HGTV’s Design Star. However, the experience wasn’t exactly glamorous. “It felt like boot camp,” Bromstad said. Contestants had their phones confiscated. They were cut off from TV, newspapers, and radio. Yet, he now looks back on it as one of the best things he’s ever done. “Taking all that stuff away makes you focus on what you’re there to do,” he reflected.
Winning Design Star came with perks: Bromstad received a Mercury Mariner SUV and a hosting gig for his own HGTV show, Color Splash. This began his long relationship with HGTV. It led him to host other popular shows, like My Lottery Dream Home. Despite initial doubts about the concept of Lottery Dream Home, Bromstad came to embrace it. “I thought it wasn’t a design opportunity, but I grew to love it,” he said.
Bromstad’s Love for Tattoos and Personal Expression
One glance at David Bromstad’s Instagram, and it’s clear he has a deep love for body art. He waited to avoid his conservative parents’ disapproval. So, his tattoo journey began after college with a dragonfly design. But once he started, he couldn’t stop. Today, Bromstad is on a mission to cover at least 40% of his body in ink.
From whimsical designs like a scratch-and-sniff popcorn sticker to a Mickey Mouse tattoo, each piece tells a story. “My tattoo addiction is shining bright with a rainbow of delicious colors,” he shared, explaining how his tattoos symbolize his love for color, pride, and freedom.
David Bromstad I am receiving the data.. pic.twitter.com/va0c0HP9aD
— just a (@F466OT) June 24, 2024
A Rocky Personal Life: Legal Drama with an Ex-Boyfriend
While Bromstad’s professional life flourished, his personal life hit some rough patches. In 2015, his ex-boyfriend, Jeffrey Glasko, sued him. Glasko alleged he breached a verbal cohabitation agreement and misused shared funds. Glasko’s allegations included claims of drug and sex addictions. The judge dismissed the case, calling the accusations “among the most scandalous I’ve ever reviewed.””
Bromstad’s legal team dismissed Glasko’s claims as baseless, labeling them the actions of a “desperate person.” Though the lawsuit was ultimately thrown out, the ordeal put an unflattering spotlight on the usually positive HGTV star.
He's back AND it's Friday—a win for us all! Tune in to a new #MyLotteryDreamHome starring the effervescent David Bromstad tonight at 9|8c 🙏 pic.twitter.com/liQiIbMZl9
— HGTV (@hgtv) April 5, 2024
Travel, Adventure, and Overcoming Fears
When he’s not designing homes, Bromstad enjoys traveling. Whether it’s lounging in Bora Bora or celebrating Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts, adventure plays a big role in his life. In August 2023, Bromstad hiked the Reinebringen steps in Norway. It is a 1,677-foot climb. This challenge helped him confront his fear of heights.
“Conquering one of my greatest fears was not on my bucket list,” he wrote on Instagram, “but I knew I’d reach the top.” For Bromstad, the hike was symbolic of the personal challenges he has faced and overcome throughout his life.
Who better to introduce you to your dream neighborhood than David Bromstad??! Tune in to an all-new #MyLotteryDreamHome tonight at 9|8c! pic.twitter.com/ERIirYFiX1
— HGTV (@hgtv) October 13, 2023
Family and the Future: Bromstad’s Desire for Parenthood
Though Bromstad’s life appears vibrant and fulfilling, he hasn’t ruled out one major milestone—parenthood. In a 2019 interview, he expressed his desire to have children, saying, “I’d love to have kids myself, but I need a boyfriend first. Being single has served its purpose, but I’m ready to settle down.”
For now, Bromstad embraces his role as an uncle, regularly visiting his family in Minnesota to spend time with his nieces and nephews.
Navigating Controversy: The Salvation Army Backlash
In 2016, Bromstad found himself in hot water when he agreed to host a fundraiser for the Salvation Army. Critics quickly noted the organization’s controversial history with the LGBTQ community.
Despite the backlash, Bromstad stood by his decision. “If we separate ourselves from those who oppose us, we’ll never make strides in the right direction,” he explained on Facebook. While he admitted that some fans would still be unhappy, he accepted that as a consequence of his choice.
A Unique Approach to Fame
Despite his many years in the public eye, Bromstad finds the attention that comes with fame to be “weird.” He often recalls moments when fans approached him at airports or on the street, leaving him both flattered and surprised. “Everyone is so happy to see me,” he shared, “but it’s so strange.”
However, Bromstad embraces his platform to inspire others, especially within the LGBTQ community. “HGTV has been so supportive,” he said, explaining how the network encouraged him to be unapologetically himself.