David Bromstad: look for home collection to grow

Susan Dickenson -- Home Accents Today, 7/12/2011 9:56:06 AM

Following the announcement last week of David Bromstad's new partnership with textiles manufacturer 1888 Mills, the HGTV personality told Home Accents Today there will be more to come. David Bromstad, photo by Vikram Pathak

Bromstad's colorful line with 1888 Mills will debut at the New York Home Textiles Market in September with six top-of-bed looks reflecting graphics prints fashioned from Bromstad's fine art pieces; 20 sheeting colors in 300- and 500- count sateen; and more than 28 colors for bath.

In May, Bromstad signed with Penny Lane Publishing to bring a selection of printed canvas giclees of his paintings to consumers. The artwork, now available to consumers through the company's website includes both new pieces and some created for his HGTV series, Color Splash. Framed prints will be available at retailers nationwide later this year.

When asked about plans to expand the David Bromstad home collection into furniture, lighting and area rugs, Bromstad told Home Accents Today he's looking to do "All of the above and a bag of chips... Limitless possibilities. I love being creative and finding partners who want to help share my artistic vision with consumers, and most importantly, my fans." 

Bromstad, who began his career as a design student at the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Fla., said he considers himself more artist than designer. In fact, he was already an accomplished artist and muralist when he was crowned as the season one winner of HGTV's Design Star. On each episode of his current series, Color Splash, he creates a custom painting for the homeowner to accent the room he has designed.

"My home in Miami is eclectic, whimsical and comfortable -- playful and unexpected," Bromstad said of his taste in home décor, something that 1888 Mills Marketing and Design Vice President Lexi Schladenhauffen said makes him an ideal style icon. "When looking for design partners, David was an easy choice. His style is something that is currently missing in home today. It is fresh, bright and speaks to the up and coming consumer that retailers are trying so hard to capture. David's design style partnered with his charismatic personality make him an ideal style icon for the home. Everyone wants a little piece of David's energy in their home."

The initial introduction for 1888 Mills will feature bold, vibrant colors and contemporary designs. "The goal of designing a bed and bath collection is to give my fans and design enthusiasts high quality products that feature bold colors and graphic patterns to instantly update two of the most important rooms in their home," Bromstad said.

Schladenhauffen sees a good fit for Bromstad's style with American consumers right now. "While neutrals still rule in home, bright colors are doing very well. With a limited budget, sometimes a brightly colored towel or accessory is the best way to re-decorate without spending a lot."

In addition to his work for HGTV, Bromstad has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, was featured in People magazine, and has contributed to Home Accents Today's Designer Insight column. He was named to the OUT Magazine 100 list in 2010 and recently received the HRC Visibility Award for living an out and proud lifestyle.