Pantone’s Pick and Its Impact on Design
Courtesy of Pantone
Each year, Pantone’s Color of the Year ignites excitement and inspires creativity across design, fashion, and cultural landscapes. For 2025, the choice is a sumptuous, grounding shade that feels as comforting as it does indulgent: Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. This warm, mellow brown invites us into a world of connection, quiet luxury, and understated sophistication. Already, it’s making waves in interiors, fashion, and beyond. The question is, are they good waves?
A First in Pantone’s History
Mocha Mousse stands out as a groundbreaking choice—the first brown to claim the coveted title in Pantone’s 25-year tradition of selecting a Color of the Year. This isn’t just a color; it’s a cultural statement. It reflects a broader movement, one that celebrates grounding while reaching for the aspirational.
Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone’s Executive Director, explains it best: “Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.” It’s a transformation that feels timely. In a world craving both stability and indulgence, this rich hue offers a sense of both.
But there’s more. Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, calls it a “foundational shade.” It’s the kind of color that serves as a bridge, harmonizing with both neutrals and bold statement tones.
While Pantone has offered us several years of…. Unexpected colors over the last 5 years, many people are finding themselves with mixed feelings regarding Mocha Mousse.
What Inspired Mocha Mousse?
Everyday pleasures. Sensory indulgences. The little luxuries we savor. Mocha Mousse draws from these, evoking the richness of chocolate, the comfort of a steaming cup of coffee, and the serenity of quiet moments.
For Pantone, this isn’t just a color—it’s an experience. Eiseman describes it as an invitation to enjoy “thoughtful indulgence,” a way to infuse life with personal luxury. Pressman adds that it’s about wholeness, connection, and nourishment—qualities that feel grounding in a world constantly in flux.
Mocha Mousse in Design: Versatility and Elegance
Mocha Mousse’s versatility makes it a standout choice for a wide range of applications. Whether as a supporting character or a bold centerpiece, this color shines in diverse settings:
Courtesy of Pantone
Interior Design: The warm brown works beautifully with natural materials like wool, leather, and suede, adding depth and elegance to any space. It’s also striking against white walls for a high-contrast, yet welcoming effect. The color also pairs wonderfully with marble textures for a quietly luxurious look.
Fashion: On the runway, Mocha Mousse has proven to be a seasonless, gender-neutral hue. It complements everything from vibrant pastels to rich jewel tones like deep rose and mahogany. Its understated elegance allows it to transition seamlessly across seasons and styles.
Products and Branding: Companies like Motorola, Post-it, and Joybird are already incorporating Mocha Mousse into their product lines, showcasing its adaptability in tech, home goods, and furniture.
Curated Color Palettes Featuring Mocha Mousse
Pantone has curated a range of palettes showcasing Mocha Mousse’s adaptability. Each one tells a unique story:
Relaxed Elegance: A cozy mix of Mocha Mousse, Cannoli Cream, and Baltic Amber. It focuses on comfort.
Floral Pathways: Soft mocha meets pastel tones like Cornflower Blue and Rose Tan—a serene nod to nature.
Deliciousness: This palette indulges the senses with Winery, Caramel, and Mocha Mousse—this one is for people who want indulgence and sensuousness in their homes.
Subtle Contrasts: A sophisticated blend of Buffed Beige, Coffee Quartz, and Mocha Mousse, redefining neutrals.
Uniquely Balanced: Bold contrasts like Blue Curacao and Spicy Mustard, grounded by the steadying presence of Mocha Mousse.
How to Incorporate Mocha Mousse at Home
Mocha Mousse offers endless possibilities for creating spaces that feel both grounded and luxurious. Here are a few ideas to inspire you as you look around your home:
Accent Walls: Transform a space with a single Mocha Mousse wall. Pair it with white for a modern look or soft creams for a cozier feel.
Furniture and Decor: Think suede throw pillows, wool rugs, or a mocha-toned couch as a statement piece.
Kitchen Accents: Warm up your kitchen with Mocha Mousse cabinetry or a backsplash that complements natural wood tones.
Outdoor Spaces: Combine Mocha Mousse with lush greens and natural textures for a patio that feels like a retreat.
These are the spaces that we think this color will not only work well but also where it fits. Unlike previous colors of the last few years, we feel like Mocha Mousse is going to be a color that ends up being limited only by our creativity. It is a neutral color that isn’t so bland that it is without character, but it’s also not so one-note that you are unable to stand it for more than a year.
Pantone’s Mocha Mousse isn’t just a color; it’s an embrace of life’s simple luxuries, a reflection of our desire for connection and comfort. Its rich warmth and quiet elegance make it a versatile choice for any space or wardrobe.
And as you reimagine your home with this stunning hue, remember: a well-maintained home is the key to true comfort. Our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to ensure your appliances are running smoothly, so you can focus on creating the space of your dreams.