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Pantone picks Mocha Mousse as its 2025 Colour of the Year
Earlier this month, colour experts Pantone unveiled its 2025 colour of the year to the world — Mocha Mousse.
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And after seeing various shades of brown take centre stage in interiors this year, most of the design industry certainly wasn’t surprised to see that “this warm, rich brown imbued with a delectable quality of cacao, chocolate and coffee” make it to the finish line.
Described as “a mellow mocha shade infused with subtle elegance and earthy refinement,” this isn’t the ‘70s brown we remember.
Far from the low-key, more masculine and at times, even lacklustre perception of the colour, Pantone chose a versatile brown that is chic, yet not pretentious, grounding and aspirational at the same time.
It is also worth noting that in the 26 years that the global colour experts have been forecasting the colour of the year, this is the first time a brown hue has been selected.
In addition, the colour is chosen as a reflection of the current needs of the world as opposed to a forecast of what’s on trend.
In making the announcement, Pantone refers to statistics stating that currently, the Global Peace Index in 2024 counts 56 conflicts in the world — the highest since World War II. “The overarching driver behind our selection of Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse as our Colour of the Year was the quest for harmony in our lives,” says Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute.
“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.”
With that in mind, through the silent yet powerful language of colour, the soothing shade reaches into “our desire for comfort, wellness and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others.
In the home, Mocha Mousse is a highly versatile colour. It is a foundational shade that creates a base upon which to combine with other colours. At the same time it works well as the centerpiece to any room.”
Designer Evelyn Eshun agrees, “Mocha Mousse envelops so many aspirations for our interiors. It is a natural, organic colour that has range. I can apply it to any interior, the walls, a bedroom, an office — it offers a quiet kind of chic that enhances any space.”
If you want to add some warmth to your home in the new year, Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert recommends that “soft browns such as Chowning’s Tan CW-195 and Birchwood 1161 are quite versatile and a great option for any interior space that you want to imbue with warmth.”
If you embrace maximalist interiors, Grech advises to pair the colour with crisp white and cooler teals or blues like Stained Glass CSP-685 or Blue Nova CC-860.
If you veer more towards a minimalist approach, a soft brown can still include colour however, with more restraint such as soft pink Tissue Pink 1163 or a green grey like Paris Rain 1501 and a creamy white like Glacier White OC-37.
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