The Pantone Color Institute announced recently that PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse is the shade to watch across fashion, beauty, and interiors in the year to come. Dubbing it an “aspirational” brown, Pantone remarked on the hue’s richness and innately comforting quality, likening it to the delectable quality of cacao, chocolate and coffee.
While there is a lot of talk about the Color of the Year, most agree Mocha Mousse is better than last year’s COTY Peach Fuzz. The largest criticism is that Mocha Mousse is often represented as a range of shades instead of a single color which can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
Let’s face it, many people feel 2024 was a dumpster fire and the color experts at Pantone are dialed into that sentiment which is why they chose a color with the familiar comforts of coffee and cocoa. Mocha Mousse is meant to appeal to our desire for comfort.
“Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures, Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence.” Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of Pantone Color Institute
Combined with a classic blue such as Rhodonite, Mocha Mousse balances nostalgia with modern freshness.
Mocha Mousse can serve as a seasonless, gender-neutral base for a discrete touch of elegance and artfully creative interior. Pro tip: Use a suede paint finish for soft velvety walls that create a warm and inviting space.
For a warmer, earthier vibe look to combining Mocha Mousse with terracotta, ocher, and muted greens. These tones echo nature’s palette, fostering a sense of calm and connection to the outdoors. Using earthen materials keeps with the Biophilic trend of aligning ourselves more closely with the nature.
If you’re feeling adventurous, add accents of burnt orange, plum, or deep teal to inject vibrancy into the mix. These bolder shades contrast beautifully with Mocha Mousse’s grounded elegance, resulting in a dynamic and contemporary aesthetic. (Did you notice this pictures echos the colors from the beach scene?)
Are you feeling inspired by the delicious comforts of Mocha Mousse? If you need more inspiration, check out the five exclusive color palettes that have been created, incorporating Pantone Color of the Year 2025 Mocha Mousse. Each palette conveys different moods and sensations, and within these narratives, users can explore four suggested color harmonies, available for download and sharing through Pantone Connect.