The Pantone Color Institute has revealed PANTONE 17-1230 ‘Mocha Mousse’ as its Color of the Year for 2025. This rich, warm brown hue evokes a sense of indulgence and comfort, celebrating both natural simplicity and luxurious elegance. From interiors to fashion and beyond, Mocha Mousse is expected to define the global design narrative for the coming year.
A colour that captures global mood
Described as a “luxurious warm brown” reminiscent of chocolate and coffee, Mocha Mousse embodies a growing desire for comfort, authenticity, and a deeper connection to the natural world. “For Pantone Color 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,” explained Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.
This choice reflects the global zeitgeist, a collective yearning for balance between modernity’s demands and nature’s timeless beauty.
Nature & simple pleasures
Pantone emphasised the growing alignment between people and the natural world as a key factor in choosing this year’s hue. Taking to Instagram, the Institute wrote, “There is a growing movement to align ourselves more closely with the natural world. Characterized by its organic nature, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse honors and embraces the sustenance of our physical environment. Imbued with authenticity, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse finds harmony and balance between the demands of modernity and the timeless beauty of artful creation.”
The earthy tone is designed to evoke feelings of grounding, stability, and relaxation while being versatile enough to adapt to modern aesthetics.
Canva
Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director at Pantone Color Institute, highlighted the hue’s dual nature of being both elegant and down-to-earth. “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,” she noted.
This makes Mocha Mousse a perfect choice for both everyday use and special moments of indulgence, blurring the line between casual and refined.
Pantone describes Mocha Mousse as a “trend-led fashion color and a neutral rolled into one.” Its rich tone pairs beautifully with complementary shades like Cannoli Cream, Cream Tan, Safari, Sirocco, Chanterelle, Baltic Amber, and Chocolate Martini. Together, they create a harmonious palette that works across diverse applications, from home decor to wardrobe essentials.
On its official website, Pantone elaborates, “Authentic and approachable, rich and indulgent, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse is the perfect hue for ‘me moments’—however you define them. Redolent with the essence of cacao, chocolate, and coffee, this sophisticated brown offers an everyday escape, a well-deserved treat.”
Pantone.com
Mocha Mousse is not just a color-it’s a mood, a reflection of our collective desire for balance and indulgence in life’s simple pleasures. With its natural roots and modern appeal, it invites designers and consumers alike to create moments of luxury, whether in large spaces or intimate settings.
As 2025 unfolds, expect Mocha Mousse to take center stage in design, bringing its comforting warmth to everything from runway collections to cozy living spaces.
