•You can improvise a table from a hollow core or solid core door set on cement blocks or stacks of bricks. Cover it with layers of rich cloths in your chosen colors. You’ll find this table sits low to ground and you’ll be able to eat in traditional Moroccan way: sitting on pillows and rugs. Cover cushions with co-ordinating or contrasting fabrics in rich finishes. Use azure, persimmon and lots and lots of gold fabric.

•Tiles are an absolute must in Moroccan style. If you cannot incorporate them in floor of your space, by painting a tiled pattern on a wooden deck, laying tiles on a patio, or edging your pool-side cabana, be sure to pick them up in a tabletop, a plant pot, a wall-hanging or a large tray. Mix bright turquoise or azure blue and goldy-orange tile pieces in intricate patterns to capture Moorish look.

•Moroccan-style lanterns usually have some sort of filigree work, whether wicker, metal or some other material. They are often pointed at both ends, necessitating hanging. Most often, they will enclose a flame, either of candles or small oil torches. You can also use white or ivory pillar candles instead of, or in addition to, hanging lanterns.

•Use accent pieces of dark wood or brass. Pile a brass tray high with exotic fruit such as persimmons, tangerines and glossy pomegranates.

•For greenery, use succulents such as banana trees and mother-in-law’s tongue, and tropicals like palms and ficus. You can also add more color to your space with lush pots of bright geraniums.

Use rich color and sensual textures of Morocco in your outdoor space and this summer you’ll be escaping to casbah!

Sometimes a basement has restrictions that need to be considered during design process. Such limitations can include steel columns or I-beams, HVAC trunks, underground plumbing, water meters, sump pumps, window wells, furnaces, water heaters, height of your ceiling, and existing floor conditions. Your design/build consultants should be focused on making these restrictions disappear into architectural design of your basement while accomplishing your goal for space.

Safety is an important factor to consider when construction of any kind takes place. Ensure all necessary building permits, applications for variances, and building code inspections are complete. All building and fire safety codes should be strictly followed, without exception.

In order for construction to begin all items in basement must be moved to another location such as garage or a temporary storage facility. This allows construction to be completed without damage to your valuables or disturbance to construction team.

After thoughtful consideration of these questions, you'll be closer to determining your family's basement needs and how to fulfill them. Gathering all information upfront will help you achieve those goals.