The My North Yorkshire interview with Elisa Cirulli

Originally from Rome, Elisa Cirulli has lived in Harrogate since 2002 where she runs her own interior design business. North Yorkshire’s varied landscape and dramatic views continually inspire her creative imagination and influence her work. She thrives on spending time in some of her favourite places and absorbing the shapes and colours she sees.

She has designs on North Yorkshire ... Elisa Cirulli.

So, Elisa what does the county of North Yorkshire mean to you?

I love the contrasts I find here. I’m an eclectic person and I love combining opposites in my interiors – old with new or putting unusual colour combinations together. Harrogate is an elegant, classy spa town but right on the doorstep we have a vast, rural landscape. The two opposites create a perfect balance, almost naturally in this part of England. Then add the friendliness of the Yorkshire people and ... I'm at home!

Where is your favourite place and why?

My absolute favourite spot has to be Bolton Abbey. I love the walk from the Devonshire Arms Hotel (where one day I hope to spend a relaxing weekend) all the way to Appletreewick. The Craven Arms pub is full of character and the open fire in the coolest months is very welcoming.  If I want to get my creative mojo fired up, I need to be overlooking the river and the abbey, preferably drinking tea and taking in the magnificent view.

What role does the county play in your work?

The county is really a reflection of my design style. There are the curves of the Dales and their vast brown flora, the shapes made by the many rivers and reservoirs, the striking green of the pastures, the ancient Yorkshire stones, the elaborate Gothic details in the churches, the Roman remains! All of it together might sound like a contradiction and yet it survives in perfect harmony. All my rooms and schemes are a combination of opposites – curves and sharp corners and angles, new and old, neutral and vibrant colours, shining and matt but when it is all put together in the right way it makes a striking statement that works for that unique space.

And what role does it play in your relaxation?

 In Italy, I associate one element with relaxation and for me it is the sea and the turquoise and aqua colours of the Mediterranean. Here in Yorkshire, the abundance of green has exactly the same effect. On a sunny day, I really enjoy the drive from Harrogate to Skipton. A pit stop at Fewston Reservoir for a short walk around, followed by lunch at the Hopper Lane Hotel, where the friendly staff always make me feel very welcome is a perfect way to relax and unwind.

What slogan would you use to market the county?

Definitely La Toscana Inglese – The English Tuscany.

If you were a castaway and allowed one item/image from North Yorkshire on your desert island, what would it be?

Without hesitation it would have to be the sun setting behind Bolton Abbey. A combination of ostentatious natural beauty and a remarkable man-made creation ... a perfect balance.

Further information about Elisa Cirulli’s work can be found at www.elisainteriors.com