It’s that time of year when our social media feed is bursting with Pantone Colour of the Year content.
(Well, it is if design, trends, fashion or anything akin to these worlds tickle your fancy).
Every year, the Pantone Color Institute crowns a single hue as a forecast for the year to come.
This singular shade is not just about aesthetics, but rather a reflection of international trends, emotions, and aspirations.
The company has been the global authority for colour communication and inspiration since 1963.
Many industries, from fashion runways to design showrooms, await the release of the Pantone Colour of the Year to set the tone (literally) for upcoming releases.
But as a humble homeowner, should this carefully chosen hue even matter?
At Comfort Works, we believe in transforming your home in ways that suit your style — not just trends.
That’s why our custom slipcovers come in a variety of colours and fabrics, making it easier to explore styles you enjoy without committing to permanent changes.
Let’s take a closer look to determine if 2025’s pick deserves a place in your sanctuary.
Pantone Colour of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse
Remember Brat green — An energetic, practically radioactive colour which dominated 2024?
Meet its polar opposite: Mocha Mousse.
In the same calming vein as the 2024 pick (Peach Fuzz), Mocha Mousse feels neutral.
This shade is a warm, rich brown, reminiscent of cream and chocolate whipped into a foam.
It makes you think of nourishment — from your morning coffee and chocolate treat in the afternoon to the nature you spot on your afternoon walk.
Even the name, Mocha Mousse, gives off a sense of decadence and softness.
“Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute.
This shade lends itself to a sense of luxury, but not in an ostentatious or in-your-face way.
In fact, The Washington Post claims that this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year is a triumph for quiet luxury.
Over the last year, shades of brown and beige have come to be representatives of understated elegance.
They are reserved for those with buckets of money but refuse to be crass about it.
It brings to mind terms such as “old money” and “understated”.
“Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic,” adds Eisman.
“PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspiration and luxe.”
Is Mocha Mousse perfect?
What humble and grounded beginnings does Eisman refer to?
In terms of textiles, brown was the colour of the humble and lowly across Europe in the Middle Ages.
Brown vegetable-dyed cloths were cheaper to produce than colourful inks.
In more recent history, this particular shade of brown was often associated with being drab, or boring.
There are even Reddit pages debating whether this colour is worth their time, calling it “sad beige”.
In spite of this being Pantone’s chosen hue, designers have decided to opt for louder and more vibrant colours.
These Rebel Pantone Colour of the Year picks, so called by Forbes, range from burnt ochre and mustard gold to multiple shades of blue.
However, not all of us want loud and striking colours to fill our spaces. In a way, Mocha Mousse can bring balance — like a tame sidekick to a rambunctious lead.
Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, brings up how we search for harmony in our everyday lives.
“With that in mind, for Pantone Color of the Year 2025 we look to a colour that reaches into our desire for comfort and wellness, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others.”
Colour theory analysis: Does Mocha Mousse have potential?
Colour theory helps us understand how colours interact and influence emotions, making it a valuable tool when styling a shade like Mocha Mousse.
The impact of this chocolatey hue is depending on the palette you pair it with.
For instance, pairing Mocha Mousse with lighter neutrals like cream or beige creates a serene, harmonious look — ideal for spaces where you want to unwind.
But, ensure that the textures are all different or exciting to make it visually interesting. Without texture you may fall into the realm of drab and uninspired.
On the other hand, contrasting Mocha Mousse with bold accents like deep green or burnt orange can energise the room, making it feel vibrant and full of personality.
The balance can be tricky, and finding the right shades and quantities might require trial and error.
The finish and texture of Mocha Mousse elements can also influence its effect.
A matte-painted wall in this shade lends a cosy, grounded feel, while incorporating it through glossy ceramics or velvet fabrics adds a luxurious touch.
In rooms like the kitchen or bathroom, introducing this shade in small doses, such as tiles or accessories, can prevent it from overwhelming the space.
Ultimately, styling Mocha Mousse is all about balance.
Use it as a dominant colour for larger pieces like sofas or walls, and pair it with complementary hues for visual interest.
Alternatively, keep it as a subtle accent through smaller accessories to highlight other design elements.
Practical ways to integrate the Pantone Colour of the Year into your home
Start small with accents
If you’re not ready for a full-scale transformation, start with smaller touches:
- Throw pillows and blankets: Add a cosy layer of Mocha Mousse to your living room or bedroom with soft furnishings that can be easily swapped out.
- Slipcovers: Comfort Works offers slipcovers in a variety of shades, including neutral tones. Refresh your sofa or armchairs with a sleek new look that blends practicality with style. (Keep an eye on our social channels — next year, you’ll be slipping into the cosy charm of Mocha Mousse with Comfort Works!)
- Rugs and curtains: Frame your room with Mocha Mousse by choosing curtains or rugs in this shade. This will create a subtle backdrop for your existing decor.
- Decorative accents: From vases and lamps to picture frames, sprinkling this warm brown hue across your space ties everything together.
Go bold with walls or furniture
For those feeling adventurous, consider making a larger statement:
- Paint a feature wall: Transform an entire room’s vibe by painting a single wall in Mocha Mousse. Pair it with creams or off-whites for a clean, sophisticated contrast.
- Upholster your furniture: Revamp your dining chairs, ottoman, or even headboard with fabrics in Mocha Mousse to create a cohesive and luxurious feel. Or you can check if we can slipcover your furniture, so you can change your mind as often as you like.
Room-by-room inspiration
- Living room: Opt for a Mocha Mousse slipcover for your sofa, paired with light cream or terracotta cushions for balance.
- Kitchen: Introduce the colour through bar stool cushions, kitchen towels, or even Mocha Mousse crockery for a coordinated look.
- Bedroom: Use the hue in bedding or as a plush throw at the end of the bed to create a calming, grounded atmosphere.
- Outdoor spaces: Choose weatherproof slipcovers or outdoor cushions in Mocha Mousse to extend the trend to your patio or balcony.
Bonus tip: Pair Mocha Mousse with complementary colours
Mocha Mousse shines when paired with complementary tones:
Neutrals: Combine it with off-white, beige, or grey for a timeless look.
Bold Accents: Introduce burnt orange, deep green, or gold for a touch of luxury.
Textures: Play with different materials — think velvet, leather, or linen in Mocha Mousse to add depth to your decor.
In the end, should you care about colour trends like Pantone Colour of the Year?
Trends come and go, and are often as fleeting as sunshine in the United Kingdom.
Your personal style is what truly stands the test of time.
If Mocha Mousse feels lacklustre and boring, don’t use it. Opt for shades that bring you joy (yes, Marie Kondo’s axiom works with colours too).
If you have an affinity for this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year, use it and get inspired by it.
See it as an opportunity to experiment and express yourself in your space.
We all need a shake up in our routine and transforming your home with a few design choices can make all the difference.
Ready to reinvigorate your living space?