How to Use Color of the Year Mocha Mousse in Your Decor

2025 Pantone Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse

I’m always excited for the release of Pantone’s Color of the Year because it gives me an excuse to refresh my home with something new, modern, and chic. Pantone didn’t disappoint with this year’s offering, Mocha Mousse 17-1230, a warm brown hue that feels like a hug in color form, making Mocha Mousse an excellent choice for use in home decor.

With its earthy elegance, this cozy color falls somewhere between the comforting richness of coffee and the indulgent warmth of chocolate. A versatile, neutral shade, it strikes a beautiful balance between classic brown and contemporary sophistication.

What is Mocha Mousse?

PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse Plastic Chip
Photo Credit: Pantone

Coming on the heels of Pantone’s 2024 pick, Peach Fuzz, Mocha Mousse 17-1230 is an earthy, warm tone somewhere between a rich chocolate brown and a light taupe. It’s a complex neutral that combines the depth of coffee browns with subtle undertones of warm gray. 

This sophisticated hue creates a sense of groundedness while maintaining an air of modern elegance. Its versatility allows it to serve as either a striking focal point or a complementary background element.

Pantone Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman explains that “Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence” and “presents a discrete and tasteful touch of glamor.” 

How to Decorate Rooms Using Mocha Mousse

Used well in your decor, Mocha Mousse warms and connects living spaces because it’s both cozy and elegant. The best thing about Mocha Mousse, I think, is that it can create whatever look you desire – from bold to warm and comforting. 

Eiseman calls Mocha Mousse “sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic.” Indeed, Mocha Mousse evokes a feeling of warmth when used on walls, flooring, decorative items, and natural materials like rattan, stone, wicker, wood, leather and linen. You can use Mocha Mousse in your home decor to foster warmth and connection, such as in dining areas and living rooms. 

Here are some room-by-room suggestions:

Living Room

Modern living room interior design with Pantone 2025 Colour of the Year Mocha Mousse
Photo Credit: PNPImages / Adobe Stock
  • Use Mocha Mousse as a wall color to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere
  • Incorporate the shade through larger furniture pieces like sofas or armchairs
  • Add textural elements with throw pillows and blankets in varying shades of the color
  • Consider a Mocha Mousse accent wall behind built-in shelving

Kitchen

This contemporary kitchen showcases a mocha mousse color scheme with elegant wood panels.
Photo Credit: evastar / Adobe Stock
  • Install lower cabinets in Mocha Mousse while keeping upper cabinets light
  • Choose countertops with subtle brown veining that complements the shade
  • Select backsplash tiles that incorporate the color in their pattern
  • Add wooden elements in similar tones for a cohesive look

Bedroom

the interior of the bedroom is made in a fashionable mocha mousse color
Photo Credit: Екатерина Абатурова / Adobe Stock
  • Paint a feature wall behind the headboard
  • Select bedding with Mocha Mousse accents
  • Choose curtains or drapes in this sophisticated neutral
  • Add an area rug that incorporates the shade in its design

Home Office

Modern office interior design with Pantone 2025 Colour of the Year Mocha Mousse
Photo Credit: PNPImages / Adobe Stock
  • Paint built-in shelving or cabinetry in Mocha Mousse
  • Select leather office furniture in similar tones
  • Use the color in artwork or wall decor
  • Incorporate it through desk accessories and organizational elements

Decorative Elements and Accessories

Interior of modern room with comfortable workplace
Photo Credit: Pixel-Shot / Adobe Stock Free / License

When paired with leather, wool upholstery, and suede, this hue oozes a sophisticated vibrancy. It also reflects our relationship with the natural world. So pair it with lighter wood tones and textures to make the most of its rustic charms.

Textiles

  • Layer different textures in similar tones: velvet, linen, wool, and silk
  • Mix patterns that incorporate Mocha Mousse: geometric prints, organic patterns, and traditional designs
  • Use the color in window treatments, throw pillows, and area rugs

Artwork and Wall Decor

  • Choose pieces that feature the shade as part of their color palette
  • Create gallery walls combining works with complementary colors
  • Consider wooden frames in similar tones

Natural Elements

  • Incorporate wooden furniture and decorative pieces in coordinating brown tones
  • Add ceramic vases and pottery in Mocha Mousse
  • Use dried flowers and natural materials that complement the color
  • Add candles on the dining table, baths, bedrooms, and other places where you want to add warmth

Design Factors to Consider

Lighting Conditions: Natural and artificial lighting can affect how Mocha Mousse appears in your space. Test samples in different lighting conditions before committing to large applications.

Balance with Contrast: While Mocha Mousse is beautiful, too much can overwhelm a space. Balance it with lighter neutrals and contrasting colors to create visual interest.

Layer Textures: Incorporate the color through different materials and finishes to add depth and interest to your design scheme.

Start Small: If you’re unsure about using Mocha Mousse in a big way, begin with smaller decorative elements like throw pillows or artwork before committing to larger pieces or wall colors.

Colors That Pair Well with Pantone Mocha Mousse

Limited Edition Pantone FHI Color Guide
Photo Credit: Pantone

The sophisticated brown hues of Mocha Mousse are pretty versatile, but they’re strongest with a few specific color combinations.                                             

Pantone suggests five Mocha Mouse color palettes that include combinations like caramel, party punch, and pink lemonade, as well as relaxed and elegant pairs like taupe, cream, and beige. We’ve got some more suggested pairings for you too:

  • Floral Tones: Mocha Mousse pairs beautifully with soft, floral hue and blush pinks to create a romantic, gentle aesthetic.
  • Shades of Green: Olive green uniquely complements Mocha Mousse – adding an earthy balance to the rich undertones. Other shades that go well with the chocolatey brown include soft sage green for a subtle feel and forest green to add a bold statement.
  • Soft Neutrals: Go for creamy whites, light taupes, and beiges to create a serene and sophisticated space. 
  • Earthy Tones: Tones like warm terracotta, rust, and burned sienna bring out the coziness of Mocha Mousse. Use these tones in textiles like cushions, rugs, or throws to add depth to reading nooks and living areas. 
  • Monochromatic Color Schemes: Blending two or more different tones of brown along with Mocha Mousse in a space makes a cohesive and delightful monochromatic look. 
  • Muted Teals and Soft Blues: Add freshness and subtle contrast to the grounding warmth of Mocha Mousse with cool tones like dusty blue and muted teal. It works best in art, decorative items like vases, curtains, or even in a statement armchair.
  • Metallic Accents: The comforting brown of Mocha Mousse gives a rich, luxurious look when used with brushed brass, copper accents, or antique gold. Consider getting 

Is Mocha Mousse to Your Taste?

Beyond enjoying the calm and coziness of this brown hue, the Color of the Year is going to ignite conversations, foster collaborations, and bridge art, commerce, and culture globally. I love how Pantone inspires a deeper appreciation of the way color connects us.                                    

Homes depict our personalities, but adding a new color can be challenging. Not with Mocha Mousse, though. If you’ve decided to use Mocha Mousse in your home decor but aren’t too sure how, call in a painting pro to help.

Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.

Main Photo Credit: Pantone, Mousse: LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS / Adobe Stock Free / License, created using Canva Pro

Farah Nauman

Farah Nauman is a freelance writer and an accountant. She spends most of her time combating the heat and being a mom to her three fluffy cats and a dozen little Aloe Veras in her house.