Painting the Future: How to Use Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year in Construction and Home Design

When Pantone announces its Color of the Year, interior designers, architects, and design enthusiasts around the globe eagerly take note. This annual selection sets the tone for upcoming color and design trends, influencing everyone from interior design professionals to DIY renovation enthusiasts. 

For 2025, Pantone has crowned Mocha Mousse (PANTONE 17-1230) as the Color of the Year. Warm, versatile, and elegant, this rich brown hue embodies comfort and sophistication. In this article, we’ll look at how Mocha Mousse can be creatively incorporated into both home interiors and construction projects to create stylish, timeless spaces that perfectly display the beauty of Pantone’s 26th Color of the Year.

About Mocha Mousse: Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year

Mocha Mousse is a warm, medium-toned brown reminiscent of indulgent chocolate mousse or the rich tones of a latte. Its comforting nature evokes feelings of coziness and intimacy, making it a perfect addition to spaces where relaxation and connection are key. Compared to the soft, playful vibes of the 2024 Color of the Year (Peach Fuzz), Mocha Mousse feels more grounded and sophisticated.

According to Pantone Color Institute’s executive director Leatrice Eiseman, the color is purposefully comforting; a hue that allows appreciators to be reminded of a delicious sensation they will always look for, something they will always want a piece of. 

“It’s something you absolutely want to dip your spoon into and taste,” she said.  “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?”

This hue is a chameleon in design, complementing earthy palettes, pastel combinations, and even bolder, vibrant accents. Whether you’re leaning towards neutral schemes or experimenting with contrasting colors, Mocha Mousse can seamlessly tie everything together.

How to Use Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year “Mocha Mousse” in Home Design

Living Rooms

Bring sophistication and warmth into your living room with Mocha Mousse. You can use this color for an accent wall or choose furniture pieces like armchairs or coffee tables in this color. 

If you still feel a little iffy coloring your living room a shade of brown, you can choose a safer way by using throw pillows or curtains in this tone, bringing in a cozy atmosphere. Pair these items with neutral shades such as cream or beige, and sprinkle in gold accents for a touch of luxury.

Bedrooms

Since warmth and tranquility are almost always expected in bedrooms, Mocha Mousse is most certainly a natural fit in these arrears. To incorporate Mocha Mousse in your bedroom, look for bedding, rugs, or curtains in this shade so you can create an inviting retreat you can visit daily. 

For a softer, more romantic ambiance, pair it with light blue or dusty rose. These combinations strike the perfect balance between calm and stylish while preserving the warm vibe of the mocha mousse.

Kitchens and Dining Areas

Infuse modern elegance into kitchens and dining spaces by incorporating Mocha Mousse in cabinetry, backsplashes, or dining furniture. It pairs beautifully with stainless steel appliances and white marble countertops, creating a sleek yet inviting environment. 

Mocha mousse can make kitchens feel cozier without compromising their contemporary appeal.

Adapting Mocha Mousse in Construction Projects

Exterior Applications

Mocha Mousse offers a sophisticated, earthy aesthetic for building exteriors. Whether used for facades, trims, or accents, it exudes timeless elegance. Pair it with lighter neutrals, such as beige or cream, or add stone finishes to enhance the grounded look.

Commercial Spaces

In commercial settings, Mocha Mousse exudes a professional yet approachable vibe. It works beautifully in office interiors, retail spaces, or hospitality projects, creating an environment that is both welcoming and refined.

In retail stores, you want to avoid creating an atmosphere that feels overly relaxing. Instead, opt for bolder colors that energize and captivate. Pair Mocha Mousse with brighter hues to achieve a lively and balanced design.

Paint Your Way To Comfort

Mocha mousse is a versatile color that brings warmth and style to any space, year-round and beyond 2025. It blends effortlessly with a variety of palettes, making it a wonderful choice for both home and construction design. Transform your space into a warm, stylish haven with the calming tone of Mocha Mousse!

References:

Arch Daily. (n.d.). Pantone Announces Mocha Mousse as Color of the Year 2025. Arch Daily. https://www.archdaily.com/1024436/pantone-announces-mocha-mousse-as-color-of-the-year-2025

CTV News. (n.d.). Pantone names its colour of the year for 2025. CTV News. https://www.ctvnews.ca/lifestyle/pantone-names-its-colour-of-the-year-for-2025-1.7135079

Davis, A., D, A., & Mineo, A. (2024, December 6). 12 Mocha Mousse Beauty & Fashion Finds in Pantone’s Color of the Year. WWD. Retrieved December 9, 2024, from https://wwd.com/shop/shop-fashion/pantone-mocha-mousse-fashion-beauty-products-1236752136/

Good Housekeeping. (n.d.). The Story Behind Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year — and Quest for a ‘Mocha Moment’. Good Housekeeping. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/a63070582/pantone-color-of-the-year-2025/

PhilStar. (n.d.). The best colors to pair with Pantone’s Mocha Mousse, according to stylists. PhilStar. https://philstarlife.com/style/256488-colors-to-pair-with-pantone-mocha-mousse?page=4

Schultz, P. K. (2024, December 6). Spinning the 2025 Pantone Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse. Spin Off magazine. Retrieved December 9, 2024, from https://spinoffmagazine.com/spinning-the-2025-pantone-color-of-the-year-mocha-mousse/