When the hotly awaited colour choice for 2025 hit our social feeds, we weren't jumping with joy. Widely criticised, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse said it chose the brown shade to match the growing movement to align “more closely with the natural world.” Here’s how to elevate a very beige-looking brown, says style director Louise Hilsz.
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The colour authority Pantone started celebrating a single shade annually to engage consumers in the silent language of colour; for 2025, a mellow takes top honours, a hue the brand says is sensorial and comforting. “That warmth extends further into our desire for comfort and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others,” says Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute. Who adds this shade, which underpins our desire for everyday pleasures and expresses thoughtful indulgence? 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 embracing aspirational and luxe.” So, how does Pantone come up with a winning shade year after year? A global team looked at new technologies, social values, art collections, and travel destinations and assessed the overall mood or feelings designers and consumers felt throughout the year. “There are reasons why people gravitate to certain colour families when they do. For us, it is zeroing in on a colour family that we see bubbling up across all areas of design and then drilling it down into the colour we see,” said Pressman. This murky hue hasn’t set our world on fire; however, we are warming to it once paired with pink, blue, and cool green. Read on to see more.
MOCHA & PINK
Blush to bubblegum, pink, and Mocha Mousse can be delicate yet daring pairings. This combination can be used for bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms. It adds femininity, warmth, and freshness without overwhelming the space.
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MOCKA & BLUE
Navy, indigo, or cobalt create a striking contrast with the richness of Mocha Mousse. Blue is not only a popular interior shade. Its coolness balances the warmth of brown, elevating this neutral colour to add sophistication and timelessness to any space.
MOCHA & GREEN
Earthy greens, such as sage or olive, are on-trend decor shades and are a superb pairing with this Pantone Colour of the Year. There is no better colour scheme to bring a sense of nature into any space. They work harmoniously, especially the more muted tones. They help create a grounded and organic vibe in your home.
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