It’s that exciting and highly expected time of the year when the Pantone Colour Institute unveils its chosen shade to express the global zeitgeist. Drum roll, please…

Say hello to Mocha Mousse (Pantone 17-1230), Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2025 – a rich, warming brown.

In 2024, we’ve seen the resurgence of the love for decorating with indulgent browns – from retro 70s looks to the latte interiors trend. And, it’s predicted to continue to be a big influence in 2025, too.

Perfect for creating a cocooning atmosphere, these sumptuous shades are reminiscent of scrumptious chocolate and creamy coffee. I don’t know about you, but I love the sound of that!

“Mocha Mousse is more than just a colour. This earthy tone speaks to a desire for warmth, comfort, and a connection to nature, as seen in the rising popularity of ‘chocolate neutrals’ in interior and garden design,” explains Alex Bridgman, CEO of Bridgman.

Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2025 is versatile and can suit a range of styles – from traditional to modern. Plus, you can use it on its own or as a blank canvas for your redesign. “This timeless shade can be incorporated into various design elements, from paint and furniture to textiles and accessories, allowing homeowners to embrace its comforting and grounding energy,” says Alex.

So, if you’ve been wanting to welcome warm browns into your home but don’t know where to start, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite decorating ideas…

Mocha-coloured interiors

In the kitchen, you can bring in brown tones through natural wood cabinetry, painted furniture, and sand-coloured stone surfaces. Mocha Mousse, for example, can be easily paired with lighter neutrals and off-white, pale peach and rich terracotta, dusky pink or sage green, as well as darker, earthier hues such as taupe and umber.

“It is an inviting and stable colour that creates a welcoming partnership with all of nature’s shades, from sage to terracotta; it adds drama to contemporary colours by creating a theatrical backdrop to let them shine. It is a chameleon colour that can be sophisticated yet cosy, depending on the mood,” says Paula Taylor, head stylist and trend specialist at Graham & Brown.

Warm browns are also ideal for elevating your bedroom design. Oozing a calm and cosy feeling, why not use sumptuous browns to drench your sleep space? From the walls (ceiling included) and floors to soft furnishings, you can create a cocooning atmosphere you’ll crave to retreat to at the end of the day.

Lastly, if you want your bathroom to feel like a relaxing sanctuary, then Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2025 and similar brown tones are perfect for transforming your space into a spa-like retreat. “Introducing this colour through soft furnishings like towels, bath mats, or accessories is a simple yet effective way to refresh your bathroom without committing to major changes,” says Rikki Fothergill, bathroom style expert at Big Bathroom Shop.

“For a more striking approach, Mocha Mousse is an excellent option for feature walls or painted furniture, offering a modern, yet timeless, statement,” adds Rikki. Scroll down to get your moodboard going…

Inspiration gallery

Get the look

For a quick and easy kitchen update, add a touch of brown through waffle tea towels, brown leather placemats, or coloured crockery and glassware.

In your bedroom, decorate with patterned cushions, tactile stools, and mood lighting. Or, if you are looking to truly make a statement in your bathroom, why not swap your sanitaryware with colourful solutions?

Enjoyed this post? Click here for more ways to embrace brown

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