My Space: Ambra Maddalena’s Ambra Fossati’s beachside home has a vibrant, relaxed Australian style

Ambra Fossati has always lived near the ocean. The fashion designer grew up in Dunsborough and lived in multiple beachside homes in Cottesloe before settling in Scarborough, directly opposite the ocean.

“My partner Dave and I really wanted to live near the beach, as we both grew up down south and love the beach. We were looking for a house from Scarborough down to North Fremantle, and when we found this home we couldn’t believe how close we were to the beach,” explains Fossati.

Between running her fashion brand Ambra Maddalena, photography business Ophelia Creative and working in the marketing department at the State Buildings, Fossati manages to squeeze in an ocean swim most mornings.

“We get up at 5am every day and are looking forward to having our first summer in this house,” she says. “The track to the beach is directly across the road, which is perfect.”

Uninterrupted views of the beach from the lounge, kitchen and extended deck area, make the house the perfect summer retreat.

“We can’t wait to have our first summer here, we’re planning on getting a high table and furniture on the deck, so we can sit and enjoy the view,” she says.

Moroccan cushions, vibrant art by Perth artist Reif Myers, and coffee table books, create a relaxed Australian style with a hint of European nostalgia, a style that’s similar to her fashion brand.

“I surround myself with colour, from my designs to my home I love mixing colour palettes. It’s funny because I love things to be matching, and in fashion I find it really difficult to mix and match colours and prints, but at home I find it easy,” she laughs.

The home has an eclectic and romantic feel, with candelabras and quirky ornaments styled throughout.

“My mum is an interior designer and has a store called My Divine Home in Busselton, and I think I get lots of my inspiration from her because she has a very maximalist style and collects the most amazing pieces,” she says.

A mix of knick-knacks and unique homewares covers every surface. An antique glass cabinet is filled with different glassware, while on the kitchen counter is an antique candlestick, mermaid figurine and plants.

“I love collecting different pieces. My favourite item is a hand-painted tile from Italy and pieces from my parent’s house. My dad built our family home and my mum allowed us to be super creative when we were younger and draw on the walls, so I love memories from home,” she explains.

Her favourite area in the home is the dining area, where her photography hangs next to an oversized Indigenous art work given to her by her grandmother.

“I have some of my prints on the walls and my grandmother, Jacquie McPhee, is also an interior designer, has one of the largest Indigenous art collections in Australia, so I have some works from her in the house,” she says.