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www.ambiente.us DECEMBER | DICIEMBRE 2008
DAVID BROMSTAD | A Color Spash
By Herb Sosa
Artist, Designer & Star, at 32 David Bromstad has
gone through changes many can only dream of.
From working on sets at Disney, designing for much
of Miami's elite, winning a national design search
competition and now his own HGTV show -
Color Splash with David Bromstad.
This native Minnesota boy found his way to Miami
Beach and now Hollywood.
With his impeccable & fresh approach to design,
materials & interiors his captivating and
unassuming charm, not to mention obvious good
looks & great body, Bromstad is only staring to
show the world what he has to offer.
I like to have fun and for other
people to have a good time
around me.
My personality is relatable,
accessible, and infectious.
I work well under stress and time constraints, and do whatever it takes
to get the job done in the most effective & fun manner - David Bromstad
David recently sat with AMBIENTE and shared some of his thoughts, memories & dreams...
HS- Tell me about how a Minnesota boy ended up in Sarasota, Orlando and eventually Miami Beach? How
have these places affected your design sense?
DB- I went to Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. After collage I got a job with Disney,
therefore moving to Orlando. I worked in Orlando for 9 years before I said, “I need a change!” Miami was the
perfect place to move. It is a design mecca and the beaches are amazing! Disney was and has been a
huge inspiration for me all my life. Lets face it, they do it right or not at all. That motto rubbed off on me.
Miami has been the biggest inspiration artistically because Miami is always pushing the boundaries of
design and that moves me to learn and absorb everything that’s creative.
HS - How has your life changed since being named the first-ever HGTV Design Star, and since Color
Splash? Any splurges with the first check?
DB- I think the thing that’s changed the most is that I am getting recognized, which is so weird to me!
Flattering but weird! Biggest splurge? Would have to be my condo in Miami. ;-)
HS- What do you consider is your biggest challenge in redoing peoples homes?
DB- The Biggest challenge for me is getting as much of them into the room but still show my point of view.
HS- What is your signature in a room? How can the rest of the world bring a little bit of David into their
home?
DB- I think my signature for each room would have to the painting or sculpture I create for the homeowners.
Be brave and take chances, after all its only design. ;-)
Rules About Designing a Room
There are rules to everything, but rules were meant to be broken (Grin).
Take risks and take chances. You have nothing to lose and everything
to gain. - David Bromstad
HS- Biggest mistake people make in design/decorating?
DB- There are 2 types of people out there. People afraid of color, and people that should be. The biggest
mistake I see is that people make in decorating is not having a common thread that binds it all together.
HS- What makes a room successful? (person, colors, items, mood, etc)
DB- A repeating color story, furniture and accessories that you love, and great lighting are at the core of a
successful room.
HS- You have said that your family has always been very supportive of you. How has your new public
persona affected them? How has it affected you? Your friends?
DB- My parents live in a retirement community in central Florida, 100,000 people strong. Lets just say they
are pretty popular…lol. My friends and family still think its weird that I get noticed and recognized but they
couldn't be more proud. I have the best support system! I honestly feel the same as I did before design star,
just with a easier way of living. Grin.
HS- What can you tell and aspiring LGBT youth wanting
to get into the design business? …Getting into TV?
DB- My biggest piece of advise is to get a degree in art,
interior design, architecture, or whatever moves you.
But if you want to get into TV, try out for Design Star! It
worked for me. ;-)
HS- You’re a very likeable, talented and sexy guy. Any
personal loves in your life? If not, type of men that
attract you .
DB- I have been in a relationship for 4 years and we are
having a blast! I could gush but it would be cheezy. Lol.
David on David
Bromstad believes it is important to take some time for
yourself along with giving to your work & community.
He always make sure and get into the gym and says its
not a matter of just looking good but I feeling healthy,
physically and mentally - and it shows on his well defined
body.
Another characteristic of the often shirtless or sleeveless
Bromstad is his body ink. "Each tattoo represents a period
of my life. Each time I look at them I'm reminded of a
period in my life. So each is significant. My first tattoo is
the dragonfly on my right shoulder. My 2nd tattoo on my left arm has three Chinese characters that mean,
'Artist, Painter". It also has a cross to represent my faith and its all combined with a tribal design. The 3rd
tattoo on my chest is my badge for winning design star. I planning a few more actually. Just cant decide
what to get first. ;-) "
Bromstad also has dedicated a lot of his time and talents to various charities, but one in particular is close to
his heart - Orlando’s for Hope & Health extensively. "Hope and Help is such a fantastic organization and I'm
so proud to be apart of it. I first heard of them through the Headdress Ball, what a fantastic fund-raising
event!"
HS- You currently work in San Francisco. Do you still keep a place in Miami Beach? What are some of the
differences for you in the cities/coasts?
DB- I work in San Francisco but live in Miami. HGTV is kind enough to provide housing while I'm out in San
Francisco. I just bought a place with my partner in Miami and couldn't be happier. The only draw back is the
long commute. lol.
HS- Do you know any Spanish? Your favorite word/phrase.
DB- I wish I did knew Spanish. In a place like Miami its almost necessary. My favorite word would be,
siesta. Lol. Cause that they only word I know…lol
HS- What personal design item did you have to have with you when you moved and why?
DB - I love design and I'm inspired by my surroundings, so when I moved here I came with a clean slate, and
I have picked up some fantastic finds that I will bring home.
HS- Is there a David Bromstad collection on its way to us anytime soon? What will/would it focus on?
DB- A David Bromstad collection is what this road is all about. I would love to bring fantastic design to
everyone. I couldn't decide on one thing to focus so I will do it all. ;-)
WORD ASSOCIATION
Minnesota – Home for the first 18 years.
Miami Beach – Home.
Working Out - priority
Loyalty - essential
Family – support
Men – so many
Success – being happy
Favorite material to work with – that’s unfair. Why do I have to pick one?
Favorite Color – that’s unfair too. I like them all for different reasons.
One thing that can change/improve a room – color!
Favorite thing to wear– sweats.
Favorite Food – thai
I want to be remembered (how) –by my positive outlook.
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Watch David in action every Monday at 9pm EST on HGTV Channel
For more info, visit www.bromstad.com
A special thank you to Stephanie Varlotta at Ink Public Relations for making this interview possible-
Copyright © AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing this source.

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