How to Embrace Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s Color of the Year, with your Interior Design

Living Room painted in Mocha Mousse with cream furniture accents

For 2025, Pantone’s Color of the Year is Mocha Mousse, a soft brown blend of chocolate and coffee, described as a “warming, brown hue imbued with richness.” This versatile color is seen as a reflection of a desire for comfort, indulgence, and grounding in interiors. 

According to the Pantone Color Institute experts, Mocha Mousse is more than just a hue. It’s a statement of comfort and connection. Its earthy richness aligns with the growing desire to bring natural, calming elements into our homes, making it a must-have for 2025 design projects. It can be used in various ways, from creating a monochromatic look with soft neutrals to adding pops of metallics or earthy greens. 

Here’s a more detailed look at how Mocha Mousse can be incorporated into interior design:

Key Characteristics of Mocha Mousse

  • Warm and grounding: It evokes feelings of comfort, relaxation, and sophistication. 
  • Versatile: It can be paired with a wide range of colors and styles, from minimalist to richly decorated interiors. 
  • Inspired by nature: It draws inspiration from the natural world, with undertones of coffee and chocolate. 
  • Reflects a desire for indulgence: It embodies a desire for comfort, self-care, and moments of relaxation. 

How to Use Mocha Mousse in Interior Design

  • Walls: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere by painting accent walls, or even an entire room, in Mocha Mousse. 
  • Furniture: Use Mocha Mousse for sofas, chairs, or other furniture pieces to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. 
  • Textiles: Incorporate Mocha Mousse into textiles like curtains, pillows, and blankets for a soft and cozy feel. 
  • Accents: Add pops of metallics, like brass, gold, or copper, to complement Mocha Mousse and add a touch of luxury. 
  • Pairings:
    • Monochromatic: Use soft neutrals like creamy whites, warm beiges, or sandy tones for an understated look. 
    • Earthy greens: Incorporate sage, olive, or eucalyptus greens to bring out the natural warmth of Mocha Mousse. 
    • Blues and teals: Use muted blues or deep teals for a contrasting yet balanced look. 
    • Wood tones: Pair Mocha Mousse with lighter wood tones to honor the substance of the natural environment. 

Infusing Mocha Mousse into Rooms in the Home

1. Living Rooms: The Heart of the Home. According to Hommes Studio, Mocha Mousse can transform living rooms into inviting sanctuaries. Use this warm hue on accent walls to create depth and intimacy. Pair it with soft beige or cream sofas and introduce contrasting textures, such as a velvet armchair or plush area rugs. Metallic finishes in brass or bronze can add an elegant touch, tying the room together with effortless sophistication.

2. Dining Rooms: Earthy Sophistication. Mocha Mousse brings warmth and elegance to dining room designs, making it an ideal choice for creating inviting spaces. Use this rich hue on dining chairs, a statement dining table, or even wall accents to set a sophisticated tone. Pair it with light table linens and matte black fixtures for a modern, refined look, or incorporate natural wood finishes to evoke a rustic yet polished charm. This versatile color ensures your dining room feels both stylish and welcoming.

3. Bedrooms: Your Private Retreat. Create a serene oasis in the bedroom by incorporating Mocha Mousse in bedding, curtains, or even an accent wall. Layering this tone with soft, neutral hues like taupe or blush ensures a harmonious and relaxing space. Add warm lighting to enhance the calming ambiance.

4. Workspaces: Balance and Focus. A Mocha Mousse feature wall in a home office fosters concentration while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic. Pair it with light wood furniture, greenery, and black accents for a cohesive, stylish workspace.


Photo Credit: Liliia Lytvyn / Shutterstock.com