A Sweet Welcome – Mocha Mousse
Design lovers, rejoice: Mocha Mousse has just been announced as the Pantone Color Institute’s 2025 Color of the Year! Unlike last year’s Peach Fuzz, which we weren’t entirely enthused about, this year’s pick is a color we can happily embrace
Leatrice Eisman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, has this to say about the hue: “Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures, Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence. Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.”
Indeed, our first thoughts went to cashmere. They were quickly followed by coffee, chocolate, and puppies. Well-worn leather. Teddy bears.
What do all these have in common? The ability to comfort and soothe. A sense of coziness. And a soft, warm familiarity. Indeed, says Pantone’s Vice President Laurie Pressman, “In 2025, we look to a mellow brown hue whose inherent richness and sensorial and comforting warmth extends further into our desire for comfort.”
In a world where warmth and comfort are in short supply at the moment, we welcome a color that brings into our homes the peace and connection that can be missing from everyday life. Mocha Mousse is a harmonious color, to say the least. It plays well with nearly every hue imaginable, from cornflower blue and rosy pink to lilac, mossy green, and even deeper sable. In fact, the ability of Mocha Mousse to mingle with other browns both lighter and darker makes it an especially nuanced and versatile pick, even when the aim is a monochromatic design statement.
We recognize that cynics could plausibly view Mocha Mousse merely as a slightly more exciting shade of beige. We, however, see it quite differently. To us, it feels elegant, luxurious, and even timeless. Mocha Mousse may be the shade of the moment, but we expect it to have enduring staying power.
Associate Designer
Ruthie describes her ideal home as one that’s small, with plenty of natural light and a beautiful view – and not too far from great food. Her actual home is classic and collected, but not too serious. “My dog is allowed up on any piece of furniture in the house, except the table,” she says.