The Pantone Colour of the Year program engages the design community and colour enthusiasts in a conversation around colour, highlighting the relationship between colour and culture. Pantone selects a colour each year that captures the global zeitgeist – the Colour of the Year express a global mood and an attitude, reflecting collective desire in the form of a single, distinct hue.
For 2025, the Pantone Color Institute selects PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, 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.
“For Pantone Colour 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.” – Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Colour Institute
Versatile
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.
A versatile shade infused with inherent sophistication and earthy refinement, PANTONE 17-1320 Mocha Mousse creates a strong chromatic foundation, complementing diverse applications, both minimalist and richly decorated, across design and all colour conscious industries. Pantone created five unique colour palettes featuring PANTONE 17-1320 Mocha Mousse, each conveying its own distinctive feeling and mood. Within each of these five colour stories are also included four suggested colour harmonies which you can download and share using Pantone Connect.
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“Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence. Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.” – Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Colour Institute
Dominant
Richard Haley, Creative Director of ByHaleys, 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’ (in its many forms) will define the colour of the year, rather than Mocha Mousse.
“It feels more like a reflection of a mood or cultural sentiment than a precise colour trend. Its success might lie in the broader resurgence of earthy tones, rather than its individuality.”
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.
“There’s a growing trend toward creating grounded and comforting spaces, and Mocha Mousse reflects that perfectly. It speaks to the desire for warmth and depth in interiors, moving away from stark minimalism while still keeping things versatile.
“The colour feels cosy and grounded. It evokes a sense of calm but with added sophistication.
“It’s versatile enough to work in both contemporary and traditional settings. In contemporary spaces, it can be paired with bold accents or contrasting textures to create a chic look. In traditional spaces, it feels timeless and complements natural materials like wood and stone beautifully.
“You could use it anywhere in the home. This shade would be perfect in living rooms or bedrooms where you want a warm, restful atmosphere. It’s also a great choice for accent walls or furniture, creating a sense of depth without overwhelming a space.
“For a contemporary look, pair it with muted blues, earthy greens, or metallic accents like brass or copper. To create a classic feel, combine it with off-white, cream, or darker wood tones. Textures like linen, velvet, or even rattan would enhance its warmth and depth.”
Piyush Suri, founder of Handmade in Britain, said: “I think the choice is quite safe, and understandably so. Neutral colours often become a natural preference during times of unpredictability and global challenges.
“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.
“While Mocha Mousse isn’t my personal favourite, it works well as a neutral tone and provides versatility. I would pair it with complementary colours like indigo blue, ivory, terracotta, and sage green to create depth and balance while keeping the palette cohesive and elegant.”
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.
“Mocha Mousse pairs beautifully with creamy neutrals for a soft, cohesive look or bold accents like mustard or muted teal for a pop of modern contrast. Whether used in living rooms, bedrooms, or chill-out spaces, this shade adds a sense of calm, comfort, and effortless sophistication to any setting, enhancing the cosy appeal of soft furnishings.”
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