Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025, Mocha Mousse, is a beautiful brown that’s stylish and approachable. It’s a color that can make any room feel both grounded and sophisticated—as long as you know how to use it.
After all, brown isn’t always the easiest shade to incorporate, and you can’t just slap it on a wall and call it a day. Luckily, with some designer-approved guidance and a little creativity, you can easily bring this delicious hue to life in your home. Ready for a splash of mocha magic?
What Is Mocha Mousse?
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According to Pantone, its Color of the Year program shows how global events can translate into the “silent language” of color. Its chosen shade is therefore meant to speak to the world’s emotional and practical needs—not just what’s trending.
So why Mocha Mousse? The subtle color was chosen to reflect the need for greater harmony. Indeed, much like the warm, cozy feeling that comes with enjoying whipped chocolate, this color offers a sense of instant comfort. It also hints at culture of small pleasures—those little, everyday delights that add a touch of sweetness to life.
Start With a Neutral Base
According to architect Alyssa Anselmo, founder of Studio Anva, the key to incorporating Mocha Mousse is to treat it as a foundational earth tone. “Start with your largest pieces—sofas, armchairs, or rugs—and let its neutral quality create visual breathing room for more vibrant accents,” she says.
If you’re on the fence, Anselmo suggests starting small: “Add Mocha Mousse through accessories like a cozy knit throw, a ceramic vase, or even a framed photo.” The goal is to let the color create a tactile, cozy mood.
Refresh Your Walls
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Mocha Mousse is the ultimate wall color for instant comfort and calm. Bailey Li, an interior designer renowned for her hand-painted murals, recommends experimenting with a textured treatment. “It’s a simple way to add depth and a luxurious feel to any space,” she says.
Transform Your Bathroom
If you’ve dreamed of turning your bathroom into a luxury spa, now’s your chance—Mocha Mousse adds both elegance and tranquility to this space. Simply add light brown towels, a bath mat, or even a shower curtain to bring that spa-like serenity right into your home.
Create a Restful Retreat
According to Anselmo, Mocha Mousse isn’t just a color—it’s a whole mood. You can bring that energy into the bedroom too, transforming this space into a tranquil, nature-inspired retreat. It’s as simple as switching up your linens.
“Mix neutral tones with soft accents,” says Anselmo. Her favorite combo? Sheet Society’s Biscuit flat sheet paired with Tekla’s Hopper Stripes percale duvet. If you want to go bigger, you can even give your headboard a Color of the Year makeover to really tie the look together.
Pair It With Lighter Tones
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Mocha Mousse has plenty of perks, according to Li. It’s versatile, calming, and warm, making it a great choice for a variety of spaces. But it’s not without its drawbacks. “In rooms with poor lighting, it can feel a bit heavy, and might make the space seem smaller or darker,” she says. Pair it with lighter tones or reflective finishes to balance the look and let the color shine through.
Upgrade Your Backsplash
As we wave goodbye to millennial grey and white subway tiles, Anselmo suggests embracing Mocha Mousse for a more inviting kitchen. “It’s where we gather and make memories, so make it a space that feels cozy and special,” she says.
To add more dimension, Anselmo encourages adding a patterned backsplash or floor tile. “Play around with shapes and coordinating tones,” she says. “Consider a copper backsplash paired with rich walnut cabinets.”
Add Cool Accents
For a layered, personalized palette, Anselmo recommends pairing Mocha Mousse with cooler tones like a dusty blue. “Picture a Mocha Mousse sofa with powder blue cushions or a delicate, blue ceramic lamp—it’s the ideal calming contrast,” she says. The balance of warmth and coolness will create a laid-back and stylish feel.
Use It in Upholstery
You can always try upholstering an armchair or ottoman in the calming hue. For maximum impact, Li recommends materials like mohair velvet, silk-wool blends, or leather. “This shade pairs perfectly with these textiles, bringing a sophisticated touch to accent furniture—or even headboards,” she says.
Pair It With Green
Anselmo suggests pairing Mocha Mousse with olive green or sage for a look that’s as effortlessly stylish as it is unexpected. She specifically points out Pantone PMS 4179 C or Pantone Kale 18-0107 TCX. Think of it as the perfect balance of cozy and cool, like a warm coffee on a crisp morning.
If you want something a bit more classic, soft whites and creams are a great go-to as well. These understated shades will keep things balanced, and let the brown tones really shine.
Accessorize With Metals
Adding metallic accents in shades like brass or antique gold can instantly elevate this color, bringing a touch of quiet luxury to your space. Light fixtures, picture frames, mirrors, and decorative trays are all a great way to infuse a little shimmer into the mix.
Anselmo loves using these small, high-quality details to breathe life into a space. Her go-to tip? Swap out drawer pulls and knobs for an effortless, low-commitment refresh. “Choose something like brushed bronze as your metal accent—it pairs beautifully with those rich tones,” she says.
Set the Mood With Curtains
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“This color is a total chameleon,” says Jan Sikora of Sikora Interiors. It brings together earthy, grounded tones with the richness of coffee, giving your space a stylish, sophisticated feel. His suggestion? Add Mocha Mousse curtains to your living room or bedroom to effortlessly establish a warm mood.
Li takes it a step further and suggests a sheer drapery cascading from the ceiling. She tested this idea on a recent project for a client. “It created this surreal atmosphere—both calming and striking,” she says.
Incorporate Rich Colors
Achieving a luxurious look doesn’t have to break the bank. Anselmo recommends mixing Mocha Mousse with Pantone 1817-C Burgundy and Pantone Dark Sea 19-5025 TCX for a combination that’s as rich as it is refined. “This pairing brings a sophisticated vibe while keeping everything in perfect balance,” she says.
