Pantone’s Mocha Mousse is getting mixed reviews – but as a color editor I think it’s the perfect kitchen color to try in 2025

It's been just under one month since Pantone unveiled its much-awaited Color of the Year for 2025: Mocha Mousse. Since then, there have been mixed feelings about the 'mellow brown' – perhaps not bold enough amid a year largely defined by daring color trends.

Given the – by comparison – more adventurous nature of its 2024 offering, Peach Fuzz; Mocha Mousse takes on an unassuming form, but I am fully on board with it.

Liveable and grounding yet offering more warmth and depth than lighter neutrals; read on to learn why I think Pantone's Color of the Year 2025 makes a strong contender for a stylish kitchen color.

2024 saw plenty of 'new neutrals' ranging from plaster pinks to rich chocolate browns. But when it comes to designing a kitchen, often a costly and well-considered design project, I'm cautious of veering too far into the world of color trends.

For me, paint colors that fall into the Mocha Mousse camp: warming light browns and taupe shades, are a happy medium. They feel more interesting than predictable neutrals such as warm white paints, yet timeless enough to not feel too trendy.

Interior designer Andrew Griffiths, founder of A New Day Studio joins me in enjoying the understated quality of Mocha Mouse, adding that in addition to its calming feel, it's versatile enough to complement many rooms:

'I’m glad that this shade is being given its moment as it's part of a family of colors that I’m a big fan of. It brings both subtle warmth and a calming softness to a space, as well as being a really versatile color, playing well with different hues – both strong hits of punchy color but it’s also a balancing shade that blends with more subtle palettes of earthy tones.'

'I think this brings a comforting feeling to a room, something people are looking for more and more,' Andrew continues. 'The color is a natural evolution from the earthy pinks that have been popular for quite a while now, and I like this move in a slightly darker, earthier direction. For me, this color pairs extremely well with both dark and light woods and when paired with a soft off-white gives a feel of real sophistication and elegance.'

In this dining room designed by A New Day Studio, the beige walls demonstrate how colors similar to Mocha Mousse can create a soothing and stylish backdrop, without feeling overly trend-led.

If, like me, you're inspired by warm and earthy taupes as a color trend for the kitchen, why not try them out for yourself? Below, I've rounded up a few of my favorite Mocha Mousse-adjacent paint colors – if I were doing a kitchen decorating project myself, these would be on my list to try.

Looking for more color inspiration ahead of the new year? Take a look at the most popular paint colors of 2024 from the leading paint brands – from neutrals to bold hues.