Whether in the form of a morning walk, cup of coffee or piece of chocolate, we all search for simple moments of joy that keep us going throughout the day. This year, Pantone is honing in on those everyday pleasures we love to soak in. And there’s one color in particular that embodies that comfort: Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse.
The global color authority’s 2025 Color of the Year is a bit more mellow compared to last year’s pink-orange choice, Peach Fuzz. Mocha Mousse, marking Pantone’s 26th pick, exudes a sense of warmth and familiarity while simultaneously feeling sophisticated and lush, especially when it comes to interior design.
“It’s something you absolutely want to dip your spoon into and taste,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director, Pantone Color Institute. “What we describe this as is a mellow brown infused with a sensorial and comforting warmth. I mean, who doesn’t want to feel that way within the home?”
Thanks to Pantone’s partnerships with brands like Joybird, Spoonflower and more, Mocha Mousse can be easily integrated into any space for a classy yet unpretentious feel that welcomes all who enter to indulge in what Laurie Pressman, vice president, Pantone Color Institute, calls a “mocha moment.”
“What a mocha moment could be for you could be very different than it is for me, but we really like this whole idea,” says Pressman. “It’s just about reminding you to take that time, because it goes back to this quest for harmony and balance in our lives.”
Color experts at Pantone offer a variety of potential palettes where Mocha Mousse fits in seamlessly, ranging from more vibrant collections with bright purples and blues to more subtle ones with creams and tans. Regardless of your own interior design style, Mocha Mousse brings a touch of balance, stability and elegance to home design. Who could ask for more?
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com where she covered everything from entertainment news to product reviews to pop culture updates.
