In a Georgian rectory in West Sussex, the calm light and pale interiors act as a mild sedative.
The Albourne rectory, which dates back to the 17th century, is the home of Emma Waight, the daughter of an interior designer and a former antiques dealer, and her husband, Elliot. The couple moved from "a grotty street in North London" to the country in search of a more bucolic life; in the process, they trimmed their extensive antique collection to create a fresh and uncluttered space. "We wanted the house to be spacious and decorated predominantly in white with shades of gray," Emma says. The muted backdrop sets off to advantage the antique French, Belgian, and Swedish furniture, as well as a growing art collection.
Photography by Light Locations.
![640 sussex living room pink blanket](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/03-2012/640_sussex-living-room-pink-blanket.jpg)
Above: The sofas in the main living area were made to order from Emma's favorite East Sussex haunt, I Gigi General Store.
![640 sussex living room fireplace baskets](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/03-2012/640_sussex-living-room-fireplace-baskets.jpg)
Above: The Hungarian-point chevron parquetry is made from French oak, salvaged from an old chateau. Emma and Elliot found the wood by "pure luck" at a reclamation yard where it had been shipped over, stripped, and reconditioned. The floor "brings everything together—our style, love of things old and new, elegance and beauty," says Emma.
![640 sussex living room two sofas](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/03-2012/640_sussex-living-room-two-sofas.jpg)
Above: An antique mirror adds a note of elegance in an otherwise unadorned room.
![640 sussex study grey walls](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/03-2012/640_sussex-study-grey-walls.png)
Above: The Albourne study is furnished with antique furniture and a collection of books covered in white paper.
Above: Antique X-Ray shade sconces from Hector Finch in London are dotted throughout the house.
![Springtime in Sussex portrait 8](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/03-2012/sussex-black-candles.jpg)
Above: The tapers and tiny tin houses were sourced from I Gigi General Store.
![640 sussex kitchen wooden beams](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/03-2012/640_sussex-kitchen-wooden-beams.jpg)
Above: The kitchen is light and airy, with exposed original beams.
![640 sussex kitchen 2](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/03-2012/640_sussex-kitchen-2.jpg)
Above: Springtime daffodils add a dash of color to the kitchen.
![Springtime in Sussex portrait 11](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/03-2012/sussex-grey-stairs.jpg)
Above: The white interiors are accented with French Gray Dark paint from The Little Greene Company in the UK. It's Emma's go-to souce for paint because of the selection, with "the added bonus of having four shades of the same color. It's great to be able to build on and create different tones around the house," she says.
![640 sussex light purple walls](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/03-2012/640_sussex-light-purple-walls.jpg)
Above: An antique chandelier hangs in one of the house's three bedrooms.
![640 sussex bathroom towel warmer](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/03-2012/640_sussex-bathroom-towel-warmer.jpg)
Above: A towel warmer warms the bath on colder days in the country.
![640 sussex bedroom white bed antique](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/03-2012/640_sussex-bedroom-white-bed-antique.jpg)
Above: The Waights culled their collection of antiques when they made their move, only bringing their favorites.
![Springtime in Sussex portrait 15](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/03-2012/sussex-hallway.jpg)
Above: Artworks line an upstairs hallway.
![Springtime in Sussex portrait 16](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/03-2012/sussex-stairway-mudroom.jpg)
Above: The cloakroom features a brick-paved floor.
![640 sussex patio house bricks](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/03-2012/640_sussex-patio-house-bricks.png)
Above: The patio's dining set is a "very old buy from Habitat," says Emma.
![Springtime in Sussex portrait 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/uimg/03-2012/640_sussex-patio.jpg)
Above: The patio's old Yorkstone paving was sourced from a local reclamation yard.
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