A Closer Look At Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse

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Color is an instrumental component of great design, capable of evoking moods, establishing themes, and breathing life into a space. Designers and many homeowners evolve their color preferences yearly, and Pantone is the foremost authority on tracking and forecasting these changes. At the start of each year, Pantone, the international color expert, announces its highly anticipated Color of the Year. For 2025, the company has selected Mocha Mousse, a comforting and mellow brown.

Mocha Mousse is a sophisticated, warming hue that balances richness with subtlety. This light yet indulgent shade of brown creates a sense of calm and is ideal for home designers aiming to craft evocative yet serene interiors. 

Pantone’s meticulous process for selecting its Color of the Year underscores why designers should pay close attention to Mocha Mousse. The decision is informed by trends in interior design, high fashion, pop culture, and even human psychology, all focused on identifying a color that captures the collective zeitgeist of the year ahead. For those wanting to stay on trend, Mocha Mousse is a must-watch shade for 2025.

Although Mocha Mousse was only recently announced as this year’s signature color, many designers had already incorporated the hue into their work. Artefacto, a renowned Brazilian design firm with locations in Miami and Manhattan, has long embraced this palette. Known for its work on iconic properties such as NYC Cipriani in New York, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in the South of France, and Jumby Bay Island Resort in the Caribbean, Artefacto is equally celebrated for its luxurious furniture collections.

Artefacto’s latest high-end designs, showcased at its flagship location on Madison Avenue in New York City, prominently feature Mocha Mousse hues. Notable pieces include the Ayna bed, the Lian II/Left Arm sectional, and the Bamboo Silk Light Grey rug, all of which reflect the color’s timeless appeal. Artefacto’s designers have long recognized Mocha Mousse’s versatility and allure. 

“Neutral furnishings with warm, natural tones have always been at the center of our design ethos . . . Mocha Mousse—or similar shades—are extremely versatile, work well in any room, and can be used with a variety of textures, from wood to suede,” explains Pietro Bacchi, Co-CEO of Artefacto New York.

For homeowners eager to incorporate Mocha Mousse into their interiors, there are numerous ways to embrace the trend. Pantone offers items such as cotton and paper swatches and select lifestyle products tied to its Color of the Year announcement. Beyond Pantone, brands across industries release collections inspired by the chosen shade. This year, IPSY has partnered with Pantone to debut a Mocha Mousse-inspired cosmetics bundle and plans to release a limited-edition collection of makeup accessories in the hue this April. Meanwhile, home design companies are promoting products that align with this earthy tone.

To use Mocha Mousse effectively in home design, experts suggest treating it as a foundational, grounding color. Its warm, earthy qualities make it an ideal backdrop for serene and inviting spaces. For those starting small, consider incorporating the hue through furniture, accents, vases, or sculptures to subtly infuse your home with its chocolatey charm.