It’s that time of year again — when the mulled wine is warming, the twinkling lights are going up, and the living room needs a fresh seasonal look that doesn’t scream “plastic elf” but still says “festive & welcoming”. At The Home & Office Stores, we love furniture that feels grounded, natural and subtly elegant — so this year, we’re leaning into earthy colour palettes with furniture ranges that deliver style and substance. In particular, the Arundel and Darwin collections offer that perfect mix of warm woods, muted greens, anthracite and oak tones — ideal for a Christmas makeover that’s sophisticated, cosy and accessible.
Why Earthy Tones Work for Christmas
When you think of the festive season, classic red and gold often come to mind — but there’s a growing trend for more refined palettes. Earthy tones bring a calming, timeless feel that still accommodates twinkle lights, greenery and seasonal decorations. Here’s why they’re a smart choice:
- Warm wood and natural textures reflect the spirit of winter: think hearths, pine cones, cosy logs.
- Muted greens (olive, forest, deep sage) evoke the natural world — reminiscent of holly, fir and fresh foliage.
- Anthracite/charcoal accents bring modern edge without being cold or clinical.
- These tones are versatile, meaning after Christmas you’re still left with a living room you’re proud of — not just a “holiday look”.
The Arundel range boasts “warm natural wood tones, bold anthracite accents, and sleek metal legs” to create “a modern yet timeless look”. Meanwhile, the Darwin range features “deep grey-green cabinets with oak accents” and a two-tone palette that “brings a touch of rich colour and natural warmth”.
Choosing the Right Furniture from Arundel & Darwin
Here are three furniture pieces (one per collection) that form the foundation of your living-room makeover — and how to style them.
1. Arundel TV Cabinet / Media Unit
The Arundel TV unit gives you both function and style: warm oak surfaces, visible grain texture, and anthracite drawer fronts or shelf backing for contrast. In a Christmas makeover it becomes your “gallery wall” centrepiece: place your TV above or integrate a fireplace-effect mounted display, surround with garlands of dusty olive greenery, and add fairy-light strands. Choose home-accessories in copper or brushed gold for extra sparkle.
2. Darwin Sideboard
The Darwin sideboard offers storage for blankets, board games and mugs for hot chocolate (yes, we know you’ll do it). Its deep green-grey doors play beautifully with rich wood surfaces and metal legs. For the Christmas season: top it with a wooden tray holding scented candles (pine, cinnamon), sprinkle artificial snow or white-frosted pinecones for texture, and use the dark surface to reflect warm light for atmosphere.
Styling Tips for the Full Living-Room Makeover
1. Start with the floor and walls
Choose a rug with subtle texture (jute, wool-blend) in a neutral tone to anchor the earthy palette. On walls, instead of bold festive wallpaper, opt for wall-candles in black matte or brass, or a gallery of framed botanical prints to echo the green and wood furniture.
2. Add greenery and nature-inspired décor
Bring in sprigs of eucalyptus, fir, or holly — place one in a tall ceramic vase on the sideboard, and smaller sprigs tucked into the legs of the coffee table. Natural materials (wooden trays, woven baskets) complement both the Arundel and Darwin finishes.
3. Layer lighting
Your furniture gives you structure; lighting gives you ambience. Use warm-white LED fairy lights (3000 K or lower) around the TV cabinet, sideboard and coffee table. Add a floor lamp with a dark steel base (ties in with metal legs of furniture) and a soft linen shade.
4. Choose accent colours wisely
With a base of oak, anthracite and green-grey, your accent colours should enhance, not dominate. Good choices: deep berry red (for cushions or vases), burnt orange (for throws), brushed gold (for small ornaments). This keeps the palette grounded and festive without being over the top.
5. Storage meets function
Since both ranges emphasise storage (Arundel advertises “thoughtfully arranged shelves and spacious drawers” Darwin brings “practical storage” alongside style, make full use of it. Hide away wrapping paper, extra flickering candles, mugs and supplies in your sideboard drawers before guests arrive. Use open shelving to showcase your green-and-wood décor.
Quick Checklist for Your Christmas Living Room
- ✅ Upgrade your TV/MEDIA unit: choose an Arundel or Darwin piece at your size.
- ✅ Sideboard for storage + display: go with Darwin for green & oak combo.
- ✅ Coffee table or nest of tables: Arundel works beautifully.
- ✅ Decorate with natural materials: wood, wicker, greenery.
- ✅ Accent colours: berry, burnt orange, brushed gold.
- ✅ Layer lighting: fairy lights, lanterns, floor lamps.
- ✅ Declutter: use hidden storage drawers for clean surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will these furniture ranges still work after Christmas?
Absolutely. Both Arundel and Darwin are built around natural colours and modern design — they’re not just “seasonal” pieces. Your living room will look stylish in January, April or September, not just during December.
Q: How do I choose between Arundel and Darwin?
If you love a warm oak-centred look with anthracite contrast, go Arundel. If you prefer a slightly deeper mood, with green-grey tones and oak accents, the Darwin range is for you. Think what suits your walls, floor and existing décor.
Q: How much storage can I expect?
Both ranges emphasise storage: Arundel mentions “spacious drawers” and adjustable shelving. Darwin highlights “practical storage” in its design. So you’ll get furniture that looks good and works hard — ideal for living rooms that double as family spaces.
Q: How do I balance the festive décor so it doesn’t feel cluttered?
Pick one or two feature pieces (like your sideboard and TV unit) to style for Christmas, then keep other décor minimal. Use consistent colours (greens, woods, subtle metallics) and avoid too many competing themes. The base furniture colours do a lot of the heavy lifting.
