David Bromstad Net Worth: HGTV Star’s Fortune
David Bromstad net worth ranges between $2 million and $6 million as of 2025. The HGTV star earns approximately $500,000 annually from television shows, product lines, brand partnerships, and real estate investments built after winning Design Star in 2006.
You know that colorful personality lighting up your screen on HGTV? David Bromstad has built a net worth of $2 million, though some estimates place it higher at $4-6 million. The designer and TV host has turned his creative talents into serious cash. His journey from bankruptcy to millionaire status is exactly the kind of story his show “My Lottery Dream Home” celebrates.
Bromstad faced major financial problems early in his career, nearly losing his house and declaring bankruptcy after losing his Disney contract. Today, he stands as one of HGTV’s most recognizable faces. His transformation shows what happens when talent meets opportunity.
This guide breaks down David Bromstad’s current net worth and income sources. You’ll discover how he makes money from television, product lines, and investments. We’ll also explore his rise from struggling artist to HGTV superstar and what makes his financial success sustainable.
Who Is David Bromstad?
David Reed Bromstad was born on August 17, 1973, in Cokato, Minnesota. He’s the youngest of four children in a family with Swedish, German, and Norwegian roots. His early passion for art and design led him to Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, where he trained to become a Disney animator.
After graduating, he worked as a Disney illustrator before his career took an unexpected turn. In 2006, he became the winner of the debut season of HGTV Design Star, launching his television career. This victory changed everything for the struggling artist.
He has hosted numerous HGTV shows, including Color Splash, Beach Flip, and My Lottery Dream Home. His bright personality and bold design choices made him a network favorite. Fans recognize him for his use of vibrant colors and genuine connection with clients.
David Bromstad Net Worth Breakdown
The numbers tell an interesting story. David Bromstad net worth in 2024 is estimated at approximately $6.7 million when adjusted for inflation, though Celebrity Net Worth places it at $2 million. Most financial experts agree his wealth falls somewhere between $2 million and $6 million.
Why the range? Net worth calculations for TV personalities can vary based on undisclosed income streams and private investments. Bromstad has multiple revenue sources that aren’t publicly documented. His actual wealth likely sits in the middle of these estimates.
Here’s a breakdown of his income sources:
| Income Source | Estimated Annual Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| HGTV Salary | $500,000 | Annual earnings from HGTV shows |
| My Lottery Dream Home | $75,000 per season | Per-season compensation for flagship show |
| Product Lines | Varies | Furniture, home decor through Grandin Road |
| Brand Partnerships | Varies | Kipling luggage, Naturalizer, others |
| Design Consultations | Custom pricing | Private client work and consultations |
He earns around $500,000 annually from HGTV shows. This steady income forms the foundation of his wealth. Television provides both money and the platform to sell other products and services.
HGTV Career Revenue
Bromstad hosted Color Splash starting in 2007 after winning Design Star. The show ran for multiple seasons and established his signature style. His success there led to more opportunities within the network.
My Lottery Dream Home premiered on March 7, 2015 and became his most popular series. The show began in 2015 and features Bromstad taking lottery winners on house hunts. It’s now in its 17th season and shows no signs of slowing down.
He also appeared as a mentor from Season 6 and host from Season 7 of Design Star. These additional hosting gigs supplement his main show income. HGTV keeps him busy with various projects throughout the year.
Product Lines and Brand Deals
Smart celebrities don’t rely on TV alone. In 2015, he partnered with luggage company Kipling for a vintage-inspired collection with prices ranging from $59 to $429. This collaboration brought his colorful aesthetic to travel accessories.
He earns money from his line of home furniture and furnishings called Grandin Road, which features indoor and outdoor furniture, decor, area rugs, and seasonal accessories. These products let fans bring his design style into their own homes. The licensing deals provide passive income that continues generating revenue.
Bromstad has also worked with Sobel Westex Home, Naturalizer, and Grandin Road. He chooses partnerships that align with his brand identity. Each deal adds another revenue stream to his growing portfolio.
Real Estate Investments
In the HGTV special “My Lottery Dream Home: David’s Dream Home,” Bromstad bought a five-bedroom, four-bathroom Tudor listed at $950,000 in Orlando, Florida. The final price tag hit $975,000 in 2021. He exceeded his budget by $50,000 but found the perfect property.
He explained Orlando was the perfect fit because all his friends were there, his parents were an hour north in The Villages, and real estate prices weren’t as high as Miami. Strategic location choices matter when buying property. He balanced lifestyle preferences with financial sense.
The home purchase wasn’t just personal. Real estate investments often appreciate over time, building equity. His design expertise also means he can increase property values through smart renovations.
My Lottery Dream Home Success
My Lottery Dream Home has buyers who often spend significantly less than on other HGTV shows, taking people who never thought they would be rich enough to afford a lovely big house. The show’s relatability connects with viewers. Unlike mansion-hunting programs, this features real people with real budgets.
To continue encouraging lottery winners to come on the show, the team tells positive, people-focused stories rather than focusing on exposure or money. Each episode shares compelling personal journeys. Viewers watch families achieve dreams they never imagined possible.
Bromstad told The Wrap he doesn’t play the lottery himself despite rubbing elbows with really rich, really lucky people. He finds his own success more rewarding than gambling. His lottery win came from winning Design Star, not a scratch-off ticket.
The show’s success benefits everyone. HGTV gets consistent ratings. Bromstad maintains steady employment and visibility. Contestants get professional help finding their dream homes.
Early Life and Career Struggles
After graduating from Ringling College of Art & Design in 1996, he worked for Disney using his artistic skills to create displays throughout their theme parks. The job seemed perfect for a young artist. But contractor positions lack the security of full-time employment.
After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, his Disney contract ended abruptly because Disney was only using larger companies for security reasons. This sudden job loss devastated him financially. A week before losing his house and declaring bankruptcy, he met an interior designer at the gym.
That gym encounter changed everything. Bromstad’s Disney experience made him a natural for children’s rooms, though he made only a few hundred bucks because he put so much heart and soul into each room. He learned the business slowly while struggling to pay bills.
He told Hart & Huntington Orlando he didn’t know interior design, only art. Design Star became his education. He described it as boot camp for designers on steroids. Competing against credentialed professionals pushed him to improve rapidly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does David Bromstad make per episode?
He earns approximately $75,000 per season for My Lottery Dream Home, with his total HGTV salary reaching around $500,000 annually across all projects.
Is David Bromstad a licensed real estate agent?
He doesn’t have a real estate license and lacks the certification on his LinkedIn. He meets with local agents at each episode’s start to get listing information.
What is David Bromstad’s most successful show?
My Lottery Dream Home, which began in 2015, is his most popular series and has been renewed for 17 seasons so far.
Did David Bromstad file for bankruptcy?
Yes, he was a week away from losing his house and declaring bankruptcy after losing his Disney job in 2001 following the 9/11 attacks.
Where does David Bromstad live now?
He lives in a five-bedroom, four-bathroom Tudor in Orlando, Florida, which he purchased for $975,000 in 2021.
Conclusion
David Bromstad net worth proves that career setbacks don’t define your future. From bankruptcy to multimillionaire status, he built wealth through talent, determination, and smart business decisions. His success comes from multiple income streams rather than relying on television alone.
The HGTV star earns steady money from his shows while building passive income through product lines and brand partnerships. His real estate investments add another layer of financial security. Most importantly, he turned his artistic passion into a sustainable career that continues growing year after year.
Your own path to success might look different, but the principles remain the same. Build multiple income sources, never stop learning, and turn setbacks into comebacks. David Bromstad did exactly that, and his bank account shows the results.
