Pantone have unveiled their Colour of the Year for 2025. Introducing Mocha Mousse.
A beautiful creamy brown, according to the Colour Institute, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse “nurtures us with the suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort.
“With its sophisticated, earthy elegance, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse can stand alone or serve as a versatile foundation, enhancing a wide range of palettes and applications—from minimalist to richly detailed designs—across all colour-focused industries.”
We’ve had reaction from brands across the homes & interiors sector, with the earthy hue proving popular with most.
Tracey Hague, founder of eclectic interiors brand Where Saints Go, said: “I love the Mocha Mousse colour. I am a BIG fan of brown and it is an excellent choice for a neutral tone. It’s warm and inviting, yet sophisticated, which makes it feel like a more modern evolution of traditional neutrals like beige or grey.”
Victoria Yardley, founder of eco paint brand Victory Colours, said: “Mocha Mousse brings a timeless elegance to any space. Browns have long been overlooked in favour of greys and beiges, but this shade offers a refreshing alternative—it’s soft yet luxurious, warm yet versatile. It reflects a shift towards creating nurturing, cocoon-like spaces in our homes, especially as we prioritise well-being and slower living.
“Mocha Mousse taps into our collective desire for timelessness with a modern twist. It bridges the gap between contemporary and traditional aesthetics, making it a flexible choice for a wide range of interiors.”
Millie Heppell, from heating and bathroom specialists Renaissance at Home, is a big fan. She said: “I think Mocha Moose is an excellent choice, steering away from cooler tones and bringing warmth into the home.
“Almost a soft, warm beige, it will help create the perfect cosy and inviting atmosphere.”
Anne Puukko, Co-founder of Nordic interiors brand Feathr, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Mocha Mousse to the world of wallcoverings.
“The colour provides a backdrop that is both grounding and luxurious and its warm neutrality makes it an ideal partner for other colours and materials.
“We think the shade will also shine in patterns, where it pairs perfectly with complementary tones such as soft blush, deep olive, and warm metallics like brushed gold. These combinations will enhance interiors to feel layered and luxurious.
“We see Mocha Mousse used both as a standalone shade for minimalist elegance or as part of a bold scheme with patterned wallcoverings and finishes. Its earthy tone also has a strong connection to nature, a theme that remains central to contemporary interiors as sustainability and biophilic design continue to influence trends.”
Wallpaper designer Fiona Howard said: “It makes me feel nurtured, cocooned, in touch with nature. It is both contemporary and traditional, sitting comfortably on the fence between the two, both at home with antique furniture and fabrics, and creating harmony in contemporary spaces.”
Piyush Suri, founder of Handmade in Britain, said: “I think the choice is quite safe, and understandably so. Mocha Mousse offers a sense of calm, stability, and simplicity, which resonates with the need for balance in today’s complex world. It also aligns with the minimalist approach many are gravitating towards, both in design and lifestyle.
Nicole Greenhalgh, Creative Manager of rucomfy, said: “Mocha Mousse is a sophisticated and versatile choice that perfectly complements cosy, relaxed living spaces. Its rich, earthy tone resonates with the current cultural craving for warmth, stability, and timeless elegance, making it an ideal fit for casual yet stylish interiors.”
Lynette Pym, founder of Black by Design, said: “The rich, chocolatey hue is versatile, bringing warmth and depth to spaces, whether used in wall finishes, upholstery, or accents. Its natural appeal complements materials like wood, leather, and stone, aligning with an increased focus on organic and sustainable design.”
Brian MacShane, Creative Director at coastal-inspired art studio Beach House Art, said: “Mocha Mousse is a stunning combination of muted earthy tones with a touch of luxury.
“This rich, versatile hue evokes the warmth of the sand and the depth of the ocean, making it perfect for coastal-inspired interiors.
“It will complement a wide range of existing colour palettes, from cool blues to warm neutrals, and will effortlessly elevate any space.
“Whether you're aiming for a minimalist aesthetic or a more eclectic look, Mocha Mousse is a colour that can adapt to any style, while creating a relaxing space that allows you to unwind and indulge.”
However, some are a little more sceptical.
Richard Haley, Creative Director of By Haleys, said: “Brown has undeniably been a dominant force in fashion recently, so Mocha Mousse felt like a natural prediction.
“That said, I’m not entirely convinced this specific shade will establish itself as a flagship colour in its own right. Instead, I think the lasting impression will be that 'brown' will define the colour of the year, rather than Mocha Mousse.”
Olivia Crosher is an interior designer for Naturewall, doesn’t like it that much:
“The story behind Mocha Mousse would have made this warm brown a great trend-focused choice for 2025. However, I would have liked to have seen a richer tone to really nail the “little treat” reference, as it currently sits as a very middle-ground colour. I think a saturated, deeper hue would have encapsulated that small piece of your day that brings escape and indulgence perfectly.”
John Warburton, Founder of homes & interiors pr agency jwc, said: “While Mocha Mousse is undoubtedly a warm and rich shade, it feels like a step backwards in terms of innovation.
“It risks blending into the background rather than making a statement.”
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