Have You Seen the 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse?

2025 color of the year

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The 2025 Color of the Year is Mocha Mousse, a rich, sophisticated brown that balances comfort and luxury.

Chosen by the Pantone Color Institute, this shade sets the tone for design and trends across industries. With its blend of warmth and elegance, Mocha Mousse is redefining perceptions of brown tones and opening up new possibilities for interiors, fashion, and beyond.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, describes Mocha Mousse as “thoughtful indulgence,” calling it “sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic.”

This sentiment captures the duality of the color: grounded and luxurious, classic yet modern.

Why Mocha Mousse Stands Out as the 2025 Color of the Year

Brown has long been associated with warmth and simplicity. In recent years, neutrals have dominated trends for their versatility and calming effect.

Mocha Mousse takes this a step further, moving from a functional background color to a statement of aspirational design.

Some see the choice as a continuation of the “sad beige” trend, where muted tones have become synonymous with minimalist aesthetics.

Others praise the shade’s depth and richness, viewing it as a sophisticated take on an earthy classic.

What does Mocha Mousse mean for your design choices?

It’s about elevating spaces while maintaining a sense of grounded comfort. Whether you’re designing a kitchen, a living room, or an office, this color offers endless possibilities for creating calm yet luxurious spaces.

Comparing Other Brand's 2025 Color of the Year

Pantone isn’t the only brand setting the tone for 2025. Other companies have also selected standout colors that complement this year’s trends.

Each of these colors reflects the broader theme of 2025: blending comfort with elegance.

From muted greens to spicy browns, the emphasis is on creating spaces that feel both personal and timeless.

2025 color of the year

Benjamin Moore's 2025 Color of the Year: Cinnamon Slate

A warm and spicy neutral, it pairs well with Decor’s Poised Taupe for a rich and inviting look.

2025 color of the year

PPG's 2025 Color of the Year: Purple Basil

This bold, earthy tone matches Decor’s Quixotic Plum, offering a deep, vintage-inspired accent.

2025 color of the year

Sherwin Williams 2025 Color of the Year: Quietude

A soft, nature-inspired shade that echoes Decor’s Quietude, perfect for serene spaces.

2025 color of the year

Behr Rumors: 2025 Color of the Year

This muted brown complements Decor’s Pueblo Brown, a versatile option for both modern and traditional designs.

2025 color of the year

Graham & Brown's 2025 Color of the Year: Elderton

A deep, moody color that aligns with Decor’s Ridge on White Rift Cut Oak, adding texture and depth.

How to Incorporate Mocha Mousse into Your Designs

Mocha Mousse is versatile enough to work across different design styles. Here’s how you can use it effectively:

  1. Cabinetry and Millwork
    Add depth to kitchens and bathrooms with cabinets in this luxurious shade. Pair it with natural wood tones or matte black hardware for a modern look.

  2. Accent Walls
    Use Mocha Mousse as a backdrop for lighter neutrals like cream or taupe. This creates contrast while maintaining a cohesive color palette.

  3. Textiles and Furniture
    Incorporate the shade through upholstered chairs, window coverings, and wallpaper. 

  4. Accessories and Decor
    Smaller elements like vases, frames, or rugs in Mocha Mousse add warmth without overwhelming the space.

  5. Contrast and Pairing
    Combine Mocha Mousse with metallic finishes like brushed gold or copper for an elegant touch. Pair it with crisp whites or soft blues for a more casual feel.

Kitchen Inspo: Mocha Mousse in the Heart of Your Home

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and Mocha Mousse offers endless potential to make it both inviting and elegant. This sophisticated brown can transform your kitchen into a space that feels warm, modern, and timeless. Here are some ways to incorporate the 2025 Color of the Year into your kitchen design:

2025 color of the year

Cabinets with Character: 2025 Color of the Year

Mocha Mousse is a versatile shade that works beautifully on kitchen cabinets. It adds depth and richness without overpowering the space. Here’s how you can use it effectively:

  • Full Cabinetry: Create a bold, cohesive look by painting all cabinets in Mocha Mousse. Alternatively, opt for wood cabinets in a warm stain.

  • Two-Tone Designs: Combine Mocha Mousse lower cabinets with lighter upper cabinets, like soft white or cream. This creates visual balance while keeping the space open and airy.

  • Accent Islands: Use Mocha Mousse for your kitchen island to make it the centerpiece of the room. Pair it with lighter perimeter cabinets to create contrast.

Open Shelving and Display Ideas for the Color of the Year

If you’re hesitant to commit to full Mocha Mousse cabinets, consider using it in smaller ways:

  • Paint open shelving in Mocha Mousse for a subtle pop of color. Display neutral or metallic dishware for added contrast.

  • Incorporate decorative elements like jars, bowls, or cookbooks in this shade to tie your color scheme together.

Why Mocha Mousse Works in Kitchens

Mocha Mousse’s grounded and warm characteristics make it a perfect choice for kitchens. It brings a sense of coziness while maintaining a sophisticated edge. 

Unlike brighter, trendier colors that may date quickly, this shade offers lasting appeal. Whether you prefer modern minimalism or a more traditional aesthetic, Mocha Mousse can adapt to your style.

Looking to incorporate Mocha Mousse into your kitchen?

Custom color matching ensures you can achieve the exact shade you want. Whether you’re updating cabinets, adding new ones, or blending with existing colors, this service helps you create a seamless look.

What do others think of the color of the year?

While some have expressed disappointment in the choice of a muted tone, Mocha Mousse reflects an enduring demand for colors that bring calm and balance. With its luxurious undertones, it elevates the neutral palette without overwhelming the senses.

For those craving a more vibrant option, consider pairing Mocha Mousse with bold accents. These combinations create dynamic spaces while maintaining a grounded base.

Looking Back: Peach Fuzz and Shifting Trends

Last year’s Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, was a soft, velvety peach that emphasized gentle optimism.

Compared to the lush sophistication of Mocha Mousse, it’s clear that the focus has shifted from ethereal lightness to earthy grounding.

This progression mirrors broader design trends. Homes are becoming spaces of refuge, and the colors we choose reflect a need for both comfort and aspiration.

Final Thoughts on the 2025 Color of the Year

Are you considering Mocha Mousse or any of the other 2025 trending colors for your next project? Whether you’re updating cabinets, repainting walls, or adding accents, custom color matching ensures that you can bring these shades to life with ease.

Think about how these colors align with your personal style:

  • Do you gravitate toward the calm elegance of Mocha Mousse?
  • Or do you prefer the boldness of Purple Basil and Rumors?

By incorporating these shades into your designs, you’re not just following trends — you’re setting the tone for spaces that resonate with your values and aspirations.

Explore how this year’s colors can inspire your designs. From warm neutrals to deep, moody tones, there’s a shade for every style and purpose.

What will you create with the 2025 Color of the Year?

Discover Your Dream Kitchen With Decor

Discover Your Dream Kitchen With Decor

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