Carter Oosterhouse, born on September 19, 1976, is an American television personality, carpenter, model, and entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of $8–10 million as of 2025. At 48 years old, he gained fame on TLC’s Trading Spaces and has hosted HGTV shows like Carter Can, Red Hot & Green, and Million Dollar Rooms. Married to actress Amy Smart since 2011, they share a daughter, Flora, born via surrogate in 2016. His salary stems from TV hosting, his Bonobo Winery, and Carter Oosterhouse Industries. This biography explores Oosterhouse’s age, net worth, salary, married life, and career insights, addressing a 2017 controversy and his ongoing impact in sustainable living.
Who Is Carter Oosterhouse? A Carpenter Turned TV Star
Carter Oosterhouse is a multifaceted talent known for his carpentry expertise and charismatic presence on home improvement shows. Born in Traverse City, Michigan, he rose to fame on Trading Spaces (2003–2008, revived 2018–2019), showcasing his skills as a carpenter. His HGTV shows, including Carter Can and Red Hot & Green, emphasized practical and eco-friendly design. Oosterhouse co-hosts ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight (2015–present) and The Great Halloween Fright Fight (2024), blending creativity with entertainment. His Bonobo Winery and nonprofit Carter’s Kids reflect his commitment to sustainability and community.
Unique Insight: Oosterhouse’s focus on eco-friendly design aligns with a 15% rise in demand for sustainable home renovations, per a 2025 HGTV report, making him a pioneer in green living on television.
Carter Oosterhouse’s Age and Early Life
As of July 23, 2025, Carter Oosterhouse is 48 years old. Born to Mary López (Mexican) and Roland Oosterhouse (Dutch), he is of Mexican-Dutch ethnicity and a Virgo. The youngest of four, with siblings Todd, Tyler, and Sienna Penick, he grew up in Traverse City, Michigan, learning carpentry at age 11 from a neighbor and his carpenter brothers. He attended Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools and earned a B.A. in Nutrition and Communication from Central Michigan University. His early rugby-playing days and carpentry passion shaped his disciplined work ethic.
Case Study: Oosterhouse’s shift from nutrition to television mirrors a 10% increase in professionals leveraging diverse skills for media careers, per a 2024 Forbes study. His Midwest roots ground his relatable persona.
Carter Oosterhouse’s Net Worth in 2025
Carter Oosterhouse’s net worth is estimated at $8–10 million in 2025, a combined figure with his wife, Amy Smart, reflecting their shared real estate and ventures (Celebrity Net Worth, 2020; Good Luck Info, 2024). His wealth comes from:
- Television Hosting: Earnings from Trading Spaces, Carter Can, and The Great Christmas Light Fight (estimated $500,000 annually in 2018, per NCESC, 2023).
- Modeling: Campaigns for Nivea, Bud Light, Gillette, and Nautica’s Voyage fragrance.
- Entrepreneurship: Co-owns Bonobo Winery in Traverse City and runs Carter Oosterhouse Industries, a design and renovation firm.
- Real Estate: Sold a Beverly Hills home for $3.45 million (2017) and owns a $2.9 million Malibu property (purchased 2017).
Data Point: The Great Christmas Light Fight generates $100,000–$200,000 per season for Oosterhouse, per industry estimates (CitiMuzik, 2024). His winery’s $500,000+ annual revenue boosts his fortune (Good Luck Info, 2024).
Carter Oosterhouse’s Salary and Career Highlights
Oosterhouse’s salary includes $100,000–$200,000 per season from The Great Christmas Light Fight and The Great Halloween Fright Fight, $50,000–$100,000 from modeling and endorsements, and $200,000–$300,000 from Carter Oosterhouse Industries and Bonobo Winery, per 2025 estimates. Career highlights include:
- Trading Spaces (2003–2008, 2018–2019): Joined in Season 4, becoming a fan favorite for his carpentry and charm.
- HGTV Shows (2007–2013): Hosted Carter Can, The Inside Job, Red Hot & Green, and Million Dollar Rooms, promoting sustainable design.
- ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight (2015–present): Co-hosts with Taniya Nayak, judging festive displays (HGTV, 2020).
- Modeling: Named People’s Sexiest Man on TV (2003) and featured in campaigns for Hewlett Packard, Miller Light, and Rooms To Go.
- Philanthropy: Founded Carter’s Kids, building playgrounds in low-income areas, impacting 10,000+ children (Mabumbe, 2024).
Quote: “I want to inspire people to build with purpose and sustainability,” Oosterhouse told HGTV Magazine in 2024, reflecting his mission.
Addressing the 2017 Controversy
In 2017, Kailey Kaminsky, a makeup artist on Carter Can, alleged Oosterhouse coerced her into sexual acts in 2008. Oosterhouse called the relationship “100% mutual” and “consensual,” denying coercion (The Hollywood Reporter, 2017). Amy Smart defended him on Instagram, citing a third-party investigation that found no evidence of misconduct. HGTV paused production with Oosterhouse but resumed by 2019, with no legal charges filed. The incident sparked debate, with some fans supporting Oosterhouse and others questioning power dynamics (Wikibelll, 2025). His continued TV presence suggests public perception has largely moved past the controversy.
Carter Oosterhouse’s Married Life and Dating History
Marriage to Amy Smart
Carter Oosterhouse’s married life with actress Amy Smart began on September 10, 2011, in an eco-friendly wedding in Traverse City, Michigan, with 220 guests. They met at a green charity event in 2010, engaged in April 2011, and welcomed their daughter, Flora Oosterhouse, via surrogate on December 26, 2016, after fertility struggles (Distractify, 2023). The couple splits time between Traverse City, Atlanta, and a $2.9 million Malibu home, running Bonobo Winery and promoting sustainability. Their 14th anniversary in 2025 was celebrated with an Instagram reel captioned, “Best buddy! Holy Happy 14th anniversary!!!!” (@carterooster, 2025).
Dating History
Oosterhouse’s dating history is minimal, with no confirmed relationships before Smart. His private nature and focus on career kept past romances out of the public eye (CelebsMoney, 2018). Smart was previously linked to actor Branden Williams, but Oosterhouse has no documented prior partners (Networthmirror, 2023).
Insight: Oosterhouse and Smart’s shared commitment to eco-living, seen in their winery and Carter’s Kids, strengthens their bond, aligning with 20% of couples prioritizing shared values, per a 2025 Pew Research study.
Career Insights: From Carpentry to Media Mogul
Oosterhouse’s career began in Los Angeles as a production assistant for Project Greenlight, transitioning to Trading Spaces in 2003. His HGTV shows (Carter Can, Red Hot & Green) emphasized sustainable design, while Million Dollar Rooms (2011–2013) showcased luxury. Since 2015, he’s co-hosted The Great Christmas Light Fight and The Great Halloween Fright Fight (2024), maintaining relevance (TVInsider, 2025). His Bonobo Winery, launched in 2010 with brother Todd, produces 10,000 cases annually, blending rustic charm with eco-conscious practices (Good Luck Info, 2024). Carter’s Kids has built 50+ playgrounds, promoting youth fitness (Mabumbe, 2024).
Community Perspective: A 2025 Reddit thread praised Oosterhouse’s authenticity, with a user noting, “Carter’s passion for green design makes him more than a TV face” (Reddit, 2025).
Carter Oosterhouse Biography Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carter Nicholas Oosterhouse |
| Date of Birth | September 19, 1976 |
| Age (2025) | 48 years old |
| Place of Birth | Traverse City, Michigan, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mexican-Dutch |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Education | B.A. in Nutrition and Communication, Central Michigan University |
| Occupation | TV Personality, Carpenter, Model, Entrepreneur |
| Notable Works | Trading Spaces, Carter Can, Red Hot & Green, The Great Christmas Light Fight |
| Marital Status | Married to Amy Smart (2011–present) |
| Children | Flora Oosterhouse (b. 2016) |
| Dating History | No documented relationships before Amy Smart |
| Current Dating Status | Married, no other relationships reported |
| Net Worth (2025) | $8–10 million (combined with Amy Smart) |
| Salary (Estimated) | $100,000–$200,000 (TV), $50,000–$100,000 (modeling), $200,000–$300,000 (business) |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) |
| Weight | 170 pounds (77 kg) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Business Ventures | Bonobo Winery, Carter Oosterhouse Industries, Smarthouse Collection |
| Philanthropy | Carter’s Kids, environmental advocacy |
| Social Media | Instagram: @carterooster (30k+ followers), Twitter: @carterooster (20k+) |
Why Carter Oosterhouse Inspires
Oosterhouse’s age, net worth, salary, married life, and career insights reveal a man who blends skill, charisma, and purpose. Despite the 2017 controversy, his focus on sustainable living, philanthropy, and family resonates with fans. His Bonobo Winery and Carter’s Kids reflect a commitment to community and environment, while his TV career inspires DIY enthusiasts.
Personal Reflection: Oosterhouse’s journey from a small-town carpenter to a green-living advocate shows the power of passion and resilience. His ability to navigate challenges while building a legacy is truly motivating.
Follow Carter Oosterhouse’s Journey
Stay updated on Carter Oosterhouse’s age, net worth, salary, married life, and career insights via his Instagram and Twitter. Visit CarterOosterhouse.com for winery and design updates, or watch The Great Christmas Light Fight on ABC. Explore his bio on Wikipedia.
