Have you ever seen someone who could walk into a plain room and make it come alive just by imagining it differently? That’s Dean Richard Bromstad for you — a burst of color in a world full of beige. He’s not just a designer or a TV personality. He’s a storyteller, an artist, and a man who turned his childhood dreams into a career that inspires millions around the globe.
The Early Days: A Boy with Big Dreams
Dean was born on August 17, 1973, in a small town called Cokato, Minnesota. The youngest of four kids, he grew up surrounded by family love and a lot of creativity. Even as a child, he couldn’t resist drawing — sketching cartoon characters, imaginary homes, and anything that sparked his imagination.
While other kids were playing outside, Dean was often designing dream rooms in his notebooks. His parents, Diane and Richard, saw that spark early on and encouraged him to explore it. That simple support from home became the foundation for his future career.
Discovering His Path Through Education
Dean’s creativity took him to Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida — a school known for producing incredible artists. There, he didn’t just learn design; he learned how to dream with purpose. The world of art opened up for him, and it was clear that this wasn’t just a hobby anymore — it was his calling.
From Disney to Design Stardom
After graduation, Dean landed a dream job with Walt Disney Company. Imagine that — a creative soul stepping right into the world of magic! He worked as a design illustrator, learning how to bring imagination to life. But deep down, he wanted to build something of his own — something more personal.
That’s when he started his own design company, creating fantasy-themed bedrooms for kids. His goal? To make every child’s room feel like stepping into a storybook. But life had bigger plans waiting just around the corner.
A Leap of Faith: HGTV’s Design Star
One of Dean’s friends suggested he audition for a new HGTV show called Design Star. At first, he hesitated — could a small-town designer really compete on national TV? But he took the leap, and that decision changed everything.
Dean’s bright personality, fearless creativity, and boundless energy instantly made him a fan favorite. Viewers fell in love with his positive attitude and bold designs. By the end of the season, he didn’t just win the competition — he won America’s heart.
Color Splash: When Dreams Met Design
Winning Design Star in 2006 opened the door to his own show — Color Splash. This was where Dean truly found his rhythm. Each episode felt like a masterclass in fearless creativity. He showed people that color wasn’t something to fear; it was something to celebrate.
He’d walk into a gray, lifeless room and transform it into something vibrant, emotional, and full of personality. For Dean, design wasn’t just about furniture or walls — it was about creating joy.
More Than Just a Designer
Over the years, Dean became one of HGTV’s most recognizable faces. He went on to host My Lottery Dream Home, where he helps lottery winners design their dream houses. Whether it’s a mansion or a cozy cottage, he adds that same spark of imagination to every project.
What’s refreshing about Dean is how genuine he remains. His shows don’t just focus on design — they focus on the people behind the homes. He listens, laughs, and connects with them. That’s what makes him different. You can’t fake the kind of warmth he brings to every conversation.
The Power of Color: His Design Philosophy
Dean once said, “Color is life. It’s how you express who you are.” That belief is visible in everything he touches. He doesn’t shy away from bold combinations — hot pinks, turquoise blues, sunny yellows. Each hue tells a story.
To him, color is like emotion. It has the power to lift your mood, calm your mind, or spark creativity. And that’s why his designs feel so alive — they mirror the people who live in them.
Blending Beauty and Practicality
Another thing Dean gets right is balance. Sure, his rooms are stunning, but they’re also livable. He often says, “A beautiful home should make your life easier, not harder.”
Every design he creates is functional, filled with meaning, and tailored to the client’s story. That’s the kind of artistry you can’t teach — it comes from empathy.
Facing Life’s Challenges Head-On
Behind the bright smile, Dean’s journey hasn’t always been easy. Like many artists, he’s had his fair share of setbacks and moments of self-doubt. But what makes him inspiring is how he’s turned every challenge into motivation.
Being openly gay in a public career wasn’t always simple, especially in the early 2000s. But Dean chose to live authentically and proudly. Today, he’s seen as a role model for self-expression and acceptance. His confidence encourages others to live unapologetically — to design their lives as boldly as he designs homes.
A Global Influence on Modern Design
Before Dean Bromstad, most TV home makeovers played it safe — neutral tones, predictable layouts, the usual stuff. Then came Dean, splashing color and personality everywhere. He redefined what a home makeover could look like and made design fun again.
He’s inspired an entire generation of young designers to experiment, take risks, and be bold. He didn’t just open doors in design — he tore down walls, literally and figuratively.
Building His Brand Beyond TV
Dean’s influence isn’t limited to television. Over the years, he’s built his own art lines, home décor collections, and collaborations with major brands. Every product he touches reflects his personal touch — colorful, creative, and full of joy.
It’s not about selling products for him. It’s about sharing his love of design with the world, one piece at a time.
Social Media: Staying Connected with Fans
If you follow Dean on Instagram or Facebook, you’ll see that his energy online is just as real as it is on screen. He shares everything — behind-the-scenes shots, design tips, travel adventures, and even glimpses of his own home.
Fans love him because he doesn’t pretend to be perfect. He’s fun, honest, and always encouraging people to embrace creativity in their own lives.
Awards, Recognition, and Success
Dean’s career is filled with achievements — awards, show renewals, brand partnerships, and countless magazine features. But if you ask him what matters most, it’s not the trophies. It’s the people whose homes he’s transformed and the viewers he’s inspired.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
With all his success, Dean has built a comfortable life, estimated around $4 million in net worth. But despite that, he’s refreshingly down-to-earth. His social media often shows him enjoying the little things — art, travel, and spending time with family and friends.
He’s proof that success doesn’t have to change who you are — it can simply amplify your light.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Dean Bromstad
So what’s next for Dean? If his past is any clue, it’s going to be colorful — literally. He’s hinted at new creative projects, more collaborations, and of course, more design adventures on HGTV.
Whatever he does, one thing’s certain — Dean Bromstad will continue to inspire people to dream bigger, live bolder, and never be afraid of a splash of color.
Conclusion
Dean Richard Bromstad is more than a designer; he’s a reminder that life is better when you add color to it — both on your walls and in your heart. His journey from a small-town dreamer to an international design icon shows that passion, courage, and authenticity can truly transform your world.
He doesn’t just decorate homes — he helps people fall in love with where they live. And that, perhaps, is his greatest masterpiece.
FAQs
1. Who is Dean Richard Bromstad?
Dean Richard Bromstad is an American designer, artist, and television personality known for his work on HGTV shows like Design Star, Color Splash, and My Lottery Dream Home.
2. What is Dean Bromstad’s design style?
He’s known for his fearless use of color, modern elegance, and designs that blend function with emotion.
3. Is Dean Bromstad married?
No, Dean is currently single and keeps his personal life quite private.
4. What was Dean Bromstad’s first job?
Before HGTV fame, Dean worked as a Disney illustrator, creating imaginative designs for the company.
5. What inspires Dean’s creativity?
He draws inspiration from color, nature, people’s stories, and his belief that design should make life happier and more vibrant.
