Photo courtesy of the Pantone Color Institute

NEW YORK—The Pantone Color Institute recently announced that it has selected Mocha Mousse as its Color of the Year for 2025, setting a tone that will likely influence design trends across concentrations throughout the year. The Pantone Color Institute describes Mocha Mousse as “a warming, brown hue imbued with richness,” echoing the flavors of coffee and chocolate and offering a feeling of comfort. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, explained, “Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence. Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.”

In an announcement, the Pantone Color Institute characterized Mocha Mousse as leaning into a “growing movement to align ourselves more closely with the natural world.” The color offers harmony, balance and an earthiness that allows us to feel both grounded and sophisticated.

Mocha Mousse and similar earthy, brown shades will likely have a serious impact on design this coming year—from fashion to interiors and everything in between. This influence will make its mark on frame design, too—we just may see more brown frame designs, or a lean toward brown lenses on sunglasses. In the office, setting up a Mocha Mousse inspired wall with on-tone frames, or adding some earthy décor where possible, can be easy ways to lean into this fun trend.

 
 Photo courtesy of the Pantone Color Institute
Head over to Pantone’s Color of the Year digital experience to learn more about the shade, and to enjoy all it has to offer. Make sure to grab some inspiration where you can, and have some fun with this Color of the Year.