After years of cool, clinical whites and icy gray tones dominating our interiors, the pendulum has shifted: warmth is back. Enter Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse, a velvety warm brown hue that mixes rich cacao and coffee tones for an elegant and comforting color. Imagine the creamy richness of a latte or the sweet bite of creamy milk chocolate — mocha mousse is about embracing life’s sweet comfort while evoking luxury and ease.

So why the shift from stark, sterile colors to something earthy and inviting? Blame (or thank) the pandemic. Spending more time in the home has sparked a desire for spaces that feel more intimate, more human. Mocha Mousse delivers what society craves: an effortlessly cozy, versatile shade that transforms a room into a calm, sophisticated and inviting space.

Ready for a refresh? Here’s how to infuse this hue into your home.

HOW TO PAIR MOCHA MOUSSE

Mocha Mousse isn’t your average brown; it’s a warm, rich and soft chocolate that is surprisingly versatile with various design aesthetics and colors. “It’s neutral that goes with everything, yet its own unique shade,” says Erin Lutz, lead designer at Fixture Studio in Grand Junction. “It’s easy to bring this color into your space without disrupting what you already have,” she says.

SO, WHAT DO YOU PAIR WITH THE 2025 COLOR OF THE YEAR?

Match Mocha Mousse with neutral tones like taupe, ivory, gray or navy for a timeless and elegant look. The result? A mature and modern palette that is understated yet effortlessly chic. Or choose earthy, desert-inspired hues like olive green, terracotta and rust. These shades amplify the natural warmth of Mocha Mousse while creating a grounded and organic vibe. Soft colors, like cream, dusty rose and sage green, evoke serenity and tranquility. They pair perfectly with a muted mocha that radiates connection.

Want a bit more drama in your interior decor? Lutz suggests pairing jewel tones such as emerald, plum or brick red with the light, muted brown for a luxe look. Whether you want elegance, comfort or boldness, Mocha Mousse adapts beautifully.

WHERE TO DECORATE WITH MOCHA MOUSSE

Mocha Mousse isn’t just versatile in theory; it’s adaptable in practice, too. Its warm, rich undertones make it perfect for almost any room. As a neutral that bridges the gap between light and dark shades, mocha mousse works beautifully in numerous applications.

Mocha satin sheets or an upholstered headboard create a tranquil retreat in the bedroom. This rich shade can also spark conversation and comfort in your living room, where it can be featured on a couch, oversized chair or accent wall. Alternatively, sprinkle in warmth with smaller accents like brown textured pillows, plush throw blankets, vases or a patterned rug.

TIPS FOR MASTERING MOCHA MOUSSE

Mocha Mousse is an easy hue to integrate into your home, but color is just one piece of the design puzzle. Pay attention to texture and materials to make this creamy milk chocolate hue really sing.

“Anything with a warm tone would pair beautifully with Mocha Mousse,” Lutz says. Vibrant woods such as walnut, maple, cherry or oak effortlessly meld with the mocha hue, while metallics like gold and brass shine.

Layering textures is key to creating depth and visual interest. Combining textures ensures the room feels dynamic and inviting rather than f lat and monotone. Lutz suggests mixing fabrics like satin, velvet, leather, wool and bouclé to boost a room’s personality and coziness.

WHY MOCHA MOUSSE DESERVES A PLACE IN YOUR HOME

Mocha Mousse is more than a color — it’s a mood. It evokes the rich warmth of a coffee on a cold morning, the grounding presence of the earth beneath your feet and the coziness of an oversized cardigan. This shade feels personal yet sophisticated, approachable yet elevated.

So go ahead, indulge in this rich hue. After all, your home deserves a little decadence.

Originally published in the Spring 2025 issue of Spoke+Blossom.

Mocha Mousse Is The Color Stealing The 2025 Spotlight