Wish List: Susan Shulman

Susan Shulman’s design degree from the University of Maryland took her first into graphic design and advertising and then into the fashion industry as a buyer. During her frequent trips to New York City’s Seventh Avenue, she found herself immersed in the world of fabrics. “I learned all about them, their different properties, how different content behaves under different conditions,” she says. It wasn’t long before she began to think about fabric in terms of interior design, rather than fashion.

 “The field of interior design is so closely related to fashion, it was a logical extension of my education in the field to move into interiors,” she says. For nearly twenty years now, she has been working with clients to help them create homes that are sophisticated but practical, unique to each homeowner but enduring in style. Her description of a beautifully designed room is “one that functions well, looks harmonious and will feel as timeless and comfortable tomorrow as it does today.” Shulman, who won an IFDA 2009 Designer Showcase and Recognition Award, is a frequent guest on NECN’s New England Dream House. The products she highlights here reflect her concern for marrying beauty with practicality. West Newton, Massachusetts, (617) 527-3433, www.shulmaninteriors.com

Keith Fritz Chatham Dining Table “If you have a large family or lots of company, look no further for the right-sized table. I love the graceful curves and the sunburst veneer top of this table made with natural coromandel ebony.” FROM M-GEOUGH, BOSTON DESIGN CENTER, (617) 451-1412, WWW.M-GEOUGH.COM

Kravetsmart Middlebury Chair “I love the way this modern-day wing chair’s leg details continues up through its updated curved arm.” FROM KRAVET, BOSTON DESIGN CENTER, (617) 449-5506, WWW.KRAVET.COM

Ikat Fabric “I’d use this fabric to cover the Middlebury Chair. It’s also from the Kravetsmart Collection, and is free when it’s selected as upholstery for any of their furniture from the same collection.” FROM KRAVET

JAB Metropolitan Hardware “With today’s wide-spanned windows, I like this hardware that features a 1 1/16” rod with an integral system that allows it to span up to nine feet without a center bracket. It comes in polished or brushed brass or nickel as well as in white.” FROM JAB USA AT STROHEIM AND ROMANN, BOSTON DESIGN CENTER, (617) 449-5506, WWW.STROHEIM.COM

Voile Wallpaper from Elitis France “This organic-looking non-woven wallcovering is washable and fire-resistant. Reminiscent of a sheer fabric, it adds height and dimension as well as shimmery glamour.” FROM DONGHIA, BOSTON DESIGN CENTER, (617) 574-9292, WWW.DONGHIA.COM

Talea Table by Evan Lewis “The concept of an occasional table that tucks into the sides or front of a sofa is so useful for tight spaces and does away with the old-fashioned tray table. This clean-lined bronze-finish table of steel has half-inch starfire glass for an extra clear look.” FROM THE BRIGHT GROUP, BOSTON DESIGN CENTER, (617) 345-8017, WWW.THEBRIGHTGROUP.COM