A Review of Philadelphia's ReVamp Design

"Good design doesn't need decorating. You can quote us on that one. If we ever get a show on HGTV, that's gonna be one of our catch phrases. Good design is about color, texture and lighting. But most importantly, SCALE. "

So sayeth reVamp Design, LLC. Partners Keegan Riotto and Byrant Hastie have officially been a team for nearly a year. In that time they've revamped projects as far reaching as beach homes on Fire Island, and hotel and office buildings in DC. Closer to home, they designed Bill Wood's new restaurant, Knock, and are in the beginning stages of doing another lounge just a few blocks away.

Although the partners only united a year ago, they've been designing demons for eons. "My mom was always restoring rooms, which taught me how to use tools at an early age, " explains Riotto. "As far as the artistic part goes...That's just part of my gay gene! A few years ago, I acknowledged design as a career. I started working with Bryant on some of his projects. One thing led to another."

Hastie's design development also began young. "I did faux finishes for designers at an early age. I am an artist. From there everything else comes. My design background comes from color, form, and texture to evoke a mood or feeling. From there comes a formula for all interesting concepts for any style."

ReVamp shines in their extreme attention to detail. Many designers might just fill a room with accessories and cha-kis. No child, that's not good design. ReVamp helps you ask yourself, "Does the furniture actually fit in this room? Are these fixtures too small?" You may love your grandma's Hoosier cabinet, but it's not gonna fit with an urban contemporary design. "Get rid of the poverty! Sell it!" Extolls Riotto. "I use the word poverty to describe things in our lives that clutter and junk. "
The greatest challenge designers face is their clients. Each so different from the next, it's impossible to treat all the same. reVamp takes the time to know every client before designing for them. reVamp also doesn't tell you your taste is abysmal. They cultivate your inherent good taste.