Pantone Colour of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse - A Rich and Versatile Hue
Every year, Pantone’s Colour of the Year offers insight into the trends that will shape the year ahead. For 2025, Pantone has selected Mocha Mousse (17-1230), a rich, warming neutral that beautifully balances humility with luxury. This versatile hue has a soft, velvety brown tone with delicate pink undertones, making it perfect for creating calming, comforting spaces while still making a confident style statement.
As a designer, I’ve had the pleasure of incorporating Mocha Mousse into a variety of projects, and I must say, it’s one of those shades that seamlessly integrates into any interior design scheme. From alpine chalets to chic city apartments, Mocha Mousse proves its flexibility and timeless appeal, offering a grounding, earthy base and the ability to complement a wide range of colours and textures.
A Mood, Not Just a Colour
What makes Mocha Mousse so special is its ability to create mood. It’s both a soft and inviting tone that fosters a sense of peace, while simultaneously adding depth and sophistication to a space. Its adaptability allows it to fit comfortably within neutral palettes, making it the perfect choice for those looking to create a serene, harmonious environment.
In a recent project for an alpine chalet, I used Mocha Mousse across timber finishes, pairing it with beautiful paisley cushions from De Le Cuona. The result was a space that felt simultaneously warm and luxurious, with subtle hints of colour that didn’t overpower the natural beauty of the surroundings. I also incorporated leather accessories from my boutique collection, adding a tactile element to the room and reinforcing the sense of opulence.
Mocha Mousse as a Base Colour
In my St. James' project in London, I used a similar hue of Mocha Mousse as a base for the primary bedroom’s silk wallpaper. It provided an earthy, grounding backdrop that set the tone for a peaceful, restful space. This neutral shade complemented the softer tones of ivory and light lavender-grey, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
The beauty of Mocha Mousse is how it subtly supports other colours. It provides a rich foundation for softer hues to shine, while still maintaining an elegant presence in the room. The use of natural textures, such as the rock crystal table lamps in the St. James' bedroom, further elevated the space, ensuring it felt fresh and balanced.
Mocha Mousse as an Accent
While Mocha Mousse works beautifully as a base colour, its rich tones also lend themselves wonderfully to accents. In living spaces, this hue adds depth and warmth, without feeling overpowering. The soft pink undertones introduce a subtle sensuality, elevating the shade’s sophistication and making it perfect for spaces meant for relaxation or conversation.
Take, for example, the living room in our Hyde Park project. Here, Mocha Mousse was used in smaller accents, gently offsetting the bold shapes of the bespoke chandelier and vintage chevron floorboards. The subtle richness of the colour helped to balance the diversity of tones across the room, complementing both the warm and cool elements and creating a space that felt balanced and inviting.
Mocha Mousse in Architectural Finishes and Accessories
The versatility of Mocha Mousse extends beyond walls and furniture—it’s an ideal choice for architectural finishes, too. In our Marble Arch project, we applied this deep, luxurious hue to veneered cabinetry, flooring, and the dining table finishes. The combination of Mocha Mousse with commissioned pieces from my boutique collection further enhanced the space, making it feel both refined and grounded.
Its presence in architectural finishes helps create a cohesive and elegant environment, whether it’s used on doors, architraves, or joinery. Mocha Mousse is a perfect embodiment of simplicity and luxury, inviting us to savour the simple joys of life, from the subtle details of a well-crafted piece of furniture to the warmth and beauty of a thoughtfully designed space.
Elevating a Room with Accessories
For those looking to add a touch of Mocha Mousse to their home, accessories are a great place to start. This colour works wonders in items like vases, throw pillows, or even art pieces, offering an elegant warmth that elevates any room.
In our Hyde Park design, we incorporated Mocha Mousse into smaller details like throw pillows, accenting the space without overwhelming the more prominent elements. The rich, comforting tone balanced the room’s energy, creating an atmosphere that was both inviting and refined.
One of my favourite pieces to pair with this rich brown tone is the Orla Vases from my boutique collection. These handcrafted glass accessories, in a deep mocha tone, add dimension and sophistication, particularly in entryways where their luxurious presence makes a strong first impression. Their tactile quality further enhances the sensory experience of the space, adding both visual and physical warmth.
Mocha Mousse: A Colour That Warms and Inspires
Pantone’s Mocha Mousse (17-1230) is the perfect colour for 2025—a shade that balances timeless luxury with modern versatility. Whether you’re using it as a base for your design or as an accent to inject warmth and depth into your space, this hue brings a comforting and dignified presence that’s perfect for creating spaces that feel like home.
As we embrace this year's colour, I’m excited to continue exploring how Mocha Mousse will inspire new designs and continue to play a key role in shaping our interiors. It’s a hue that invites relaxation and sophistication, and I have no doubt it will find its place in many homes, offering an enduring elegance for years to come.