Every year, Pantone selects a Color of the Year that reflects cultural moods, design trends, and what many people are craving. For 2025, that color is PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a rich brown hue imbued with warmth, comfort, and an earthy elegance.
What makes Mocha Mousse special
Mocha Mousse is more than a shade of brown. It suggests the comforting richness of cacao, the smooth depth of coffee, and the cozy luxury of chocolate. It is both refined and approachable. It offers a sensory experience—soft, indulgent, and familiar. Pantone describes it as balancing modernity with timeless beauty, and sophistication without pretension.
Why Pantone chose this color now
There are several reasons this hue resonates with the moment:
A widespread desire for comfort, solace, and calm. In uncertain times, people are leaning toward designs and aesthetics that soothe.
An increased focus on nature, authenticity, and sensory experiences. Mocha Mousse taps into organic textures, earthy tones, and a longing for honest, tactile experiences.
The trend toward slow luxury, thoughtful design, and pieces (fashion, decor, etc.) that feel lasting rather than fleeting. This color supports palettes that are grounded, versatile, and emotionally satisfying.
How to use Mocha Mousse in design, fashion, and beyond
Here are ideas for applying this warm brown in creative and effective ways:
Interior Design: Accent walls, upholstery, throw pillows, rugs—all can benefit from Mocha Mousse. Pair it with creams or off-whites for contrast, or with muted greens and soft gold for a richer, layered look.
Fashion & Textiles: Leather or suede jackets, silk blouses, knitwear—this color works beautifully in both luxe and casual pieces. It has the power to feel both neutral and statement depending on texture.
Brand & Visual Identity: Use Mocha Mousse in logos or packaging when the brand wants to convey warmth, reliability, and a grounded elegance. Interacting it with lighter pastel tones or deep contrasting shades can make it pop.
The takeaway
Mocha Mousse isn’t just a color. It’s a reflection of what people are longing for: comfort, connection, simplicity, and the indulgence found in small pleasures. For businesses, creators, and designers, it offers a palette choice that feels rooted, soulful, and adaptable. It reminds us that style isn’t always about loud statements. Sometimes it’s about the warmth, richness, and subtle elegance of the tones that cradle us quietly.