Mocha Mousse: Pantone’s Color of the Year

The Pantone Color of the Year has been announced annually since 2000, influencing visual culture across various industries worldwide. This tradition has become a significant event in the design world, shaping trends in fashion, interior design, and graphic arts.

The Selection Process

The selection of the Color of the Year is not a simple task. It involves a continuous conversation among a group of color-attuned experts at the Pantone Color Institute, rather than a single meeting. The color is chosen based on global influences from various sectors, including the entertainment industry, fashion, travel, socio-economic conditions, new technologies, materials, textures, social media, and major sporting events.

Historical Significance

Over the years, Pantone’s Color of the Year has reflected the zeitgeist of each era. For instance, 2023 saw Viva Magenta (PANTONE 18-1750), a carmine red symbolizing strength and optimism. In 2022, Very Peri made history as the first new color created specifically for the forecast. The year 2021 featured a duo: Illuminating (bright yellow) and Ultimate Grey, representing hope and stability during challenging times.

By now, you’ve probably heard that Mocha Mousse is the Pantone Color of the Year for 2025. If you haven’t, then now you know. So, what should you do with this colorful news? Not many people will rush to the paint store, buy a few gallons, and repaint a room just to showcase their adherence to the trend. So, why not enjoy a cup of mocha while you read on?

In 2025, the Pantone Color of the Year is Mocha Mousse (PANTONE 17-1230), a warming, rich brown hue. This choice marks a transition from the previous year’s Peach Fuzz (PANTONE 13-1023), which was aimed at promoting community and connection.

The Pantone color experts describe Mocha Mousse as “a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort.” Sounds amazing, right?

First of all, what is this “Color of the Year” concept? Similar to major paint companies, the Pantone Color Institute’s color experts choose one shade to highlight for the upcoming year, giving it 12 months to shine. This fun tradition encourages people to experiment with new colors they might not otherwise consider and aims to spark creativity in interior design across the country.

You might think it takes a complete home redesign to incorporate this rich color into your space, but that’s not the case. While a full redesign is one option, you can also use Mocha Mousse in various creative ways throughout your home. Here are some ideas for incorporating this 2025 color trend:

featured wall using pantone's color of the year

“Having trouble selecting the right color for your home? I provide in-home color consultations to help you find the best color to refresh and renew your space.”Sandy Schuster, Rooms By Sandy

Focal Feature Wall

To make your room stand out without being overly colorful, consider painting one wall with Mocha Mousse. This deep, cozy hue creates a rich focal point that brings a sense of peace and tranquility, even in the busiest households. Pair it with lighter neutrals like cream or light gray for a soft contrast, or choose a brighter color for a bolder look. Mocha Mousse is a versatile shade that works well with a variety of other colors.

Mocha Mousse in Your Home

Incorporating Mocha Mousse into your interior design can create a warm, inviting atmosphere. This rich brown hue can serve as a grounding element in various rooms, from living spaces to bedrooms.

Incorporating Mocha Mousse in Different Rooms

In the living room, Mocha Mousse can be used for accent walls or larger furniture pieces like sofas. In the bedroom, it can create a cozy, cocoon-like atmosphere when used on walls or bedding. For kitchens and dining areas, consider Mocha Mousse for cabinetry or dining chairs to add depth and sophistication.

Lighting Considerations for Mocha Mousse Spaces

When working with Mocha Mousse, lighting plays a crucial role. Natural light can bring out the warmth in this color, while artificial lighting should be carefully chosen to enhance its rich tones. Warm LED lights or soft incandescent bulbs can complement the color beautifully, creating a welcoming ambiance.

Cozy Sofas and Chairs

If painting isn’t your preference, there are plenty of alternatives to enhance your space. One excellent option is to invest in furniture. After a long day, there’s nothing better than sinking into a sofa in shades of chocolate or coffee. Brown sofas or armchairs serve as a great foundation for various home decor styles. This neutral color pairs well with numerous aesthetics, making it an easy way to stay trendy without creating a disjointed look in your home.

Neutral Throws and Décor

Brown is a perfect addition to your house because you can use it all year — it matches the colors of all the seasons if used intentionally. One way to disperse this hue gracefully is through comfortable elements and décor. Add texture and warmth with throws and cushions in Mocha Mousse, hang up brown painted frames and place neutral candle sticks on your mantel. Whatever you can do to make the space more inviting while also scattering this color throughout is a win.

Cultural and Psychological Impact of Mocha Mousse

The choice of Mocha Mousse as the Color of the Year reflects broader cultural trends towards comfort, stability, and connection to nature. Psychologically, this warm brown hue can evoke feelings of security and groundedness, which are particularly appealing in uncertain times.

stylish throws using pantone's color of the year

What Colors to Pair with Mocha Mousse?

Generally, you don’t want to introduce a new color without first knowing if it will work with the existing shades. Lucky for you, Mocha Mousse matches so many colors, making it the perfect hue to add to your palette. And to make your choices easier, Pantone created five unique color combinations to complement their shade of choice for the new year: Relaxed Elegance, Floral Pathways, Uniquely Balanced, Deliciousness, and Subtle Contrasts. You can see them at www.pantone.com

Sustainability and Mocha Mousse

Eco-friendly Paint and Textile Options

As sustainability becomes increasingly important in design, many manufacturers are offering eco-friendly paint and textile options in Mocha Mousse. These products often use natural pigments and low-VOC formulas, aligning with the earthy, nature-inspired essence of the color.

Comparing Mocha Mousse to Previous Colors of the Year

Transition from Peach Fuzz (2024) to Mocha Mousse (2025)

The shift from 2024’s Peach Fuzz to 2025’s Mocha Mousse represents a move from soft, nurturing tones to richer, more grounding hues. This transition reflects a changing global mood and aesthetic preference.

Ready to transform your space with Mocha Mousse? Contact Rooms By Sandy today for personalized design solutions that embrace this beautiful color and elevate your home’s aesthetic!

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