Panama City Home Where Museum-Grade Design Meets Liveability

"I make it my policy never to chase the market, to buy trophies or artists for the wrong reasons; it has been a long and evolving process," says Panama-native Johnny Roux of building his contemporary art collection, which he describes as "my passion." The same can be said for how he approached the design of his primary home in Panama City, which he shares with his wife, Patricia Martinelli. First, the space had to be large enough—for not just an expansive art collection but also the couple's five children. Featuring an open plan for the central entertaining areas, it has high ceilings and ample bedrooms for the whole family and their guests. As he does with his art, Roux approached the interiors with the discerning eye of a curator, wanting them to have a sense of balance, simplicity, plenty of natural light, and a welcoming vibe. A fan of midcentury design, he further wanted his multimedia art collection—comprising painting, photography, video, and sculpture—to live seamlessly with the house and its occupants. "The decor could not overshadow the collection," he says. "I wanted it to highlight every piece."