Pantone's Color of the Year is more than just an annual announcement—it's a worldwide design event that ripples through industries like fashion, interior design, and entertainment. To select this coveted color, the Pantone Color Institute's experts dive deep into global trends, from entertainment and art to fashion and socio-economic shifts. 

For 2025, Pantone has chosen "Mocha Mousse," a rich and inviting brown that oozes warmth and comfort. This rich brown shade is described as soothing and warm, chosen to bring about harmony in a world experiencing political turmoil and conflict. Think of the indulgent, creamy hue of a mocha dessert—it's smooth, velvety, and exudes a feeling of cozy authenticity. 

With its earthy brown base and subtle reddish undertones, Mocha Mousse offers a perfect blend of neutral versatility and comforting warmth. It’s a color designed to ground and soothe, providing a sense of peace and harmony.

Color swatch of Mocha Mousse by Pantone® 17-1230

Mocha mousse predictions

Pantone chose Mocha Mousse as the 2025 color of the year to reflect society’s collective desire for stability, comfort, and authenticity amidst global uncertainty. Inspired by natural and earthy elements, this rich brown tone aligns with cultural shifts toward grounded living and a deeper connection to the environment. 

The broader societal trends influencing this choice include the rise of sustainable design, biophilic influences in architecture, and a return to organic, neutral palettes in fashion and interiors. Its timeless appeal speaks to a cultural preference for enduring values over fleeting trends, making it a color that resonates deeply in a time of transformation and introspection.

The comforting power of Mocha Mousse

Mocha Mousse, with its rich, earthy tones, has a unique psychological impact that resonates with both calmness and warmth. This color evokes feelings of comfort, stability, and security—ideal for creating spaces where people can relax, focus, or even rejuvenate. Explore how the 2025 Color of the Year can influence mood and emotions.

Monstera plant in mocha mousse color

The soothing effect

Mocha Mousse’s warm, brown base brings about a sense of tranquility and grounding. When introduced into interior design, it can evoke a comforting environment where people feel safe and at ease. Mocha Mousse can be especially beneficial in spaces where relaxation or focused work is essential, such as hotels or offices. 

A connection to nature

The color’s earthy vibe connects it to natural elements, like rich soil and wood, evoking feelings of connection to the outdoors. Being surrounded by nature—whether through greenery, wooden textures, or earthy tones like Mocha Mousse—can provide psychological benefits such as reduced stress and improved mood. This connection to nature is at the heart of biophilic design, which emphasizes incorporating natural elements into indoor spaces to help improve overall well-being.

Inviting and welcoming

On a psychological level, the color of the year can help encourage social interaction. Its inviting nature makes people feel welcomed and at ease. It’s the kind of color that feels approachable yet refined, so it’s often used in spaces where people gather, like restaurants or social lounges. The color sets a tone that is neither too formal nor too casual, striking a balance between sophistication and warmth.

Design and decor with Mocha Mousse 

Mocha Mousse, Pantone's 2025 Color of the Year, is set to significantly impact interior design trends. This rich, earthy brown with subtle reddish undertones offers versatility and sophistication. Its ability to create a soothing, calming environment makes it a perfect choice for various sectors, including retail, offices, hospitality, and healthcare.

Couch in mocha mousse color in living room

Retail spaces

In retail spaces, Mocha Mousse can elicit feelings of comfort and trust, which are key for attracting customers and encouraging prolonged engagement. It pairs well with natural wood finishes, greenery, and organic textures to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages shoppers to linger. Ambius can help retail environments use Mocha Mousse effectively by incorporating plants and biophilic design elements that complement the color’s earthy tones. 

Office buildings

Mocha Mousse brings a grounding influence, which is ideal for workspaces where focus and productivity are essential. It fosters an atmosphere of calm and reliability, helping employees feel centered and less distracted. In collaboration with Ambius, office spaces can integrate Mocha Mousse through strategic plant placements, such as indoor plant arrangements, living green walls, or plant displays that soften the space and create a calming, natural atmosphere. These elements, combined with Mocha Mousse’s earthy tones, can help reduce stress, boost mood, and improve air quality, fostering a productive and inviting work environment.

Hospitality

The color of the year is a natural fit for hospitality spaces like hotels and restaurants. Its warm and inviting tones can transform lobbies, guest rooms, and dining areas into spaces of relaxation and luxury. Ambius can enhance this color by incorporating lush greenery, artfully placed plants, and decorative elements that bring a touch of nature indoors. 

Bringing Mocha Mousse to life: How Ambius can enhance your space

Ambius is ready to help you incorporate Mocha Mousse into your design plans with our expert knowledge and wide range of interior and exterior plant design services. From custom installations to creating the right mood through color and texture, we’ll work with you to create a space that feels both timeless and perfectly aligned with your brand and vision. Let us help you use the power of Mocha Mousse to create an environment that promotes comfort, wellness, and productivity.

Contact us today to get started!