Until recently, a trip to Cuba was a longshot for most Americans. Although the island nation is now on many a wishlist, its traditions and flavors still radiate stateside. Bomba—the second rum-focused taqueria concept from the owners of the successful Paladar Latin Kitchen chain—in Akron, Ohio suburb Fairlawn, explodes with a colorful, undeniably Latin energy thanks to Cleveland studio Richardson Design.

Welcoming diners, Bomba’s outdoor patio draws inspiration from decorative fencing and concrete patterns often found in Cuban courtyards and outdoor design. Exterior signage panels are finished in perforated patina copper, filtering the light from the restaurant after sunset. “These living areas connect the activity on the streets, and are inviting and approachable while still providing a sense of privacy,” explains design and trend director Kristie Oldham.

Influenced by the grittiness of Cuban architecture and Spanish furniture’s refined nature, Oldham and her team opted for wall paneling salvaged from scraps of old furniture and wood block to surround the dining room’s teal-upholstered, walnut-stained oak booths, which also feature copper accents. “Having the panels stained fuchsia ties in the ‘live loud’ lifestyle of Latin culture,” she says.

The anchor of the eatery, a rum-centric bar highlights the sweet libation through residential-like lighting, copper accents, and a magenta face. “There are multiple layers to create the right mood for each part of the day, while keeping the focus on rum,” explains Oldham. “Copper is essential in making rum and has a beautiful warm finish that fit the overall feeling of the interior.”

Also tying back to the distillery process are the amber tones of the bar area’s dark copper ceiling, which was lowered to infuse a degree of intimacy into the space. “We liked the traditional pattern of the ceiling tiles and how they play with the rawness of some of the other materials,” Oldham says. “When you walk the streets in Cuba you are surrounded by this beautiful traditional ornate architecture juxtaposed with layers of wear.”

Injecting bold colors into the palette of the Fairlawn restaurant was a no-brainer for the designers, who sourced expressive murals from Tampa Bay-based artist Leon “Tes One” Bedore. Details like teal hurricane shutters and an elevator gate behind the host station also help create a layered, colorful effect. Full-length retractable doors ensure airflow, while communal tables add to the venue’s convivial energy.

And bearing the same fuchsia panels as Fairlawn, the walls of each booth in Bomba’s original Rocky River location are adorned with collaged panels from Ohio-based artist Jim Gundlach, each featuring a composition of recipes, baseball cards, labels, photographs, and even love letters, all evoking a Cuban narrative.

“The rum-focus and Live Loud attitude demand a unique design that differentiates Bomba from other taco joints,” Oldham explains. “She is passionate, smart, adventurous, lively, exotic, and sultry.”