Mocha Mousse: Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year
New Year, New Color
The Pantone Color Institute, a global authority on color trends and leader in color expertise, has unveiled its Color of the Year for 2025: Mocha Mousse (17-1230). This inviting, versatile hue blends soft browns with earthy taupe, offering a rich, comforting tone that evokes both luxury and nature. After selecting vibrant, bold colors in recent years — like 2024's Peach Fuzz, 2023's Viva Magenta, and 2022's Very Peri—Pantone’s 2025 choice marks a subtle shift towards deeper, more grounded shades. This move signals a growing preference for colors that feel both raw and natural as well as polished and luxurious.
Why Mocha Mousse?
The name“Mocha Mousse”alone conjures images of indulgence — a velvety dessert or a decadent espresso martini. This color reflects the current design trends moving away from cool, minimalist grays and toward deeper, rustic palettes that bring a sense of calm and coziness into the home.
Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, perfectly captures the essence of this shade:
“For Pantone Color of the Year 2025, we look to a mellow brown hue whose inherent richness and sensorial and comforting warmth extends further into our desire for comfort, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others.”
Image courtesy of Pantone Institute of Color
Applications in Architecture + Interior Design
In architecture and interior design, Mocha Mousse brings a refreshing shift back to the brown color family — a tone that has been somewhat absent in recent years. While we may not see this shade dominating walls or tiles, it’s a perfect choice for furniture upholstery, drapery, and other interior accents. The subtle, natural tone adds depth and intimacy to modern homes, balancing cooler shades that have become popular in contemporary interiors.
This versatile hue works beautifully in a variety of settings:
Living Spaces: Upholstered sofas, armchairs, sectionals, loveseats, and ottomans in Mocha Mousse add warmth and elegance to neutral spaces, especially when paired with textured throws and cushions (see Joybird X Pantone collaboration).
Bedrooms: Incorporate this shade through bedding, curtains, or even a feature wall for a cozy retreat that feels grounded and serene.
Kitchens + Dining Areas: Think wooden cabinetry, open shelving, or small decor items like placemats and table runners to that echo the hue’s richness, complementing natural stone or brass accents.
Entry Ways: Welcome guests with a console table or area rug to set an inviting tone.
Bathrooms: Add touches of this hue through towels, bath mats,soap dispensers, or vanity accents for a spa-like ambiance.
Art + Decor: Invest in wall art, vases, candles, or decorative bowls to subtly tie a room’s design elements together.
Moreover, Mocha Mousse effortlessly pairs with other natural tones like olive greens, soft sages, terracotta, and creamy whites–creating a harmonious balance inspired by nature.
Image courtesy of Pantone Institute of Color
Mocha Mousse, Here to Stay
Mocha Mousse offers more than just a trend — it's a return to comfort and sophistication, grounding your home in a sense of timeless elegance. Whether you incorporate it into your furniture, accessories, or overall design scheme, this rich shade promises to be a stylish addition for years to come. As design professionals, we encourage you to explore how this color can compliment your spaces with the enduring appeal of nature-inspired tones. Reach out to our designers today for an initial consultation to further discuss personalized insights and ideas to bring Mocha Mousse to life in your next project. With our years of expertise in custom architecture and interior design, we can help you seamlessly integrate this elegant color into your home or workspace.