Designing a language lab with a Moroccan theme

by Bobbie
(Alexandria, VA)

Hi everybody. I could really use some help on this project. I'm trying to design and build a room, which is currently empty, into a Starbucks-ey type room for reading, studying, classroom or presentations.

For the general setup, I plan to have a rectangular or oval conference table in the center, most likely with office chairs around it.

On one of the short walls (the room is rectangular) I intend to have a Smart Board, or dry erase board, and a TV in order to show movies or presentations, and on the other three walls I intend to have easy chairs and bookcases, which will be filled with language study materials.

I plan to place lamps in the corners or on top of the bookcases if they are short enough.

In essence, I want to create a room that is comfortable to read and study in and also allows for generous seating options when an instructor comes in to teach the class.

However, I'm having difficulty picking colors for this merged conference room/study room/library.

Most of the students study Middle Eastern languages, so we decided to go with a Moroccan theme.

However, because this room is in a military building, I'm not sure how onlookers will feel about painting the walls orange or something.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a paint color to start with on the walls?

I was thinking about using builder's sand instead of a more expensive paint in order to produce textured walls.

And I'm also not sure if I should be trying to use mainly color to make the room appear Moroccan or if I should try and find decorations of some kind to suggest the theme.

What are your thoughts?