I spent the first five years of my life in Panama, surrounded by vibrant colors and lively culture. After we moved to the United States, my mom helped me stay connected to our culture by sending me back to my grandmother’s house in Panama City every summer. It’s a tradition that I’ve kept up through my adulthood. These days, I bring my family! It’s a gift to share my culture and explore the city I grew up in with them.
Panama is an incredibly vibrant country. From its culture to its cuisine, it’s a place that embraces bright colors and big ideas. In Panama City, you experience three different landscapes in one— from modern, industrial buildings and ancient castles to the jungle just a short drive away from the city. It’s impossible to leave the city feeling uninspired.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, I want to celebrate my Panamanian culture by sharing some design inspiration I got from my family’s most recent trip to Panama City. Whenever I go on these trips, I’m reminded just how much my heritage influences my one of a kind design sense.
While exploring the jungle on our recent trip, I was amazed by the vibrant colors that occurred naturally in the local landscape. I found butterflies whose bright blue wings popped against the rich greens of the jungle. Closer to the city, we found more color in the spectacular murals on streets and in restaurants. Murals decorate Panama City like paintings on a living room wall. As a designer, I’ve never been afraid of using color. Colors instill a sense of joy and wonder into any space, whether it’s a jungle or an alleyway. Using color confidently in interior design has the same effect.
We were impressed to see a lot of art made with recycled materials in our travels. Panama City only recycles 2% of the 34,000 tons of waste it produces monthly. That means much of the city’s recycling ends up on beaches, in streets and, ultimately, in the trash. Artists and activists have taken matters into their own hands by using recycled materials to make sculptures, floors, furniture and light fixtures. I was particularly inspired by a light fixture I found in a restaurant made out of recycled bottle caps. As a designer, I try to limit my waste as much as possible. I like to get creative to see how I can use materials in a way that is sustainable and fashionable. Seeing the ingenuity of the Panamanias made me excited to find new, creative ways to make sure my clients and I are getting the most out of our materials.
It wasn’t just the bottle caps that were being recycled. I was surprised to notice that much of the city’s old architecture and design are currently in trend in the U.S. I stumbled on a beautiful marble checkered floor in a church that was hundreds of years old. It was the checkerboard tile of a Denver hipster’s dreams! I also loved seeing some of my favorite color combinations decorating old building facades. These buildings were painted over a hundred years ago but the colors still compliment each other perfectly. In my work, I like to honor the past by showcasing sentimental pieces, incorporating vintage items and leaning on classic color combinations. Seeing the staying power of these elements proves the value of investing in timeless design.
I’m proud of my Hispanic heritage. This vibrant, bright and lively culture has made me me the One of a Kind Designer I am today. I look forward to all the trips back to Panama City that I know are ahead. I can’t wait to see what inspires me next.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
