Pantone's Color of the Year 2025 'Mocha Mousse' is a warming 'mellow brown' that's a timeless anti-trend shade

Global color authority Pantone has today revealed its much-anticipated Color of the Year for 2025 as Mocha Mousse, a warming shade of brown that feels comfortable and liveable.

Reminiscent of the rich brown tones associated with the sweet pleasures of chocolate and coffee, Mocha Mousse pivots from the more lively nature of Peach Fuzz, its 2024 Color of the Year, offering a harmonious and grounding shade that has an understated feel to it.

Brown has emerged as a major color trend this year, and the news of Mocha Mousse proves this isn't short-lived. Far from it, the warming, comforting appeal of brown is set to endure, shifting from harsher neutrals like white and black to something much more forgiving.

Pantone's Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse

Many interior design trends favor brown – from quiet luxury to mid-century modern – and Mocha Mousse feels versatile to translate to many homes and decorating styles. Whether used in large volumes or as an accent color, warming brown tones are incredibly timeless – making this Color of the Year announcement one that feels beyond quickly passing trends.

'Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence,' says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute.

'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 the aspirational and luxe. Infused with subtle elegance and earthy refinement, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse presents a discrete and tasteful touch of glamour. A flavorful brown shade, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse envelopes us with its sensorial warmth,' says Leatrice.

Beyond the visual appeal of earthy brown, there's something to be said for its calming quality too. Colors like Mocha Mousse nod to the natural world with their warming, relaxed tones, and when used in our homes, that can translate to a comfortable environment in place of saturated tones that stimulate. Below, Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute explains how the theme of harmony was central to this year's color selection:

'The everlasting search for harmony filters through into every aspect of our lives including our relationships, the work we do, our social connections, and the natural environment that surrounds us. Harmony brings feelings of contentment, inspiring a positive state of inner peace, calm, and balance as well as being tuned in with the world around us. Harmony embraces a culture of connection and unity as well as the synthesis of our mental, spiritual and physical well-being.'

'With that in mind, for Pantone Color of the Year 2025, we look to a color that reaches into our desire for comfort and wellness, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others,' adds Laurie.

Moving away from loud shades that demand attention to those that provide balance to our homes, there's much to love about this versatile and warming brown. If you're feeling set to incorporate similar shades into your own home, we have lots of decorating with brown ideas to give you some inspiration.