For more than 25 years, the annual ceremony of selecting a color that reflects the global zeitgeist has become a highly anticipated event in the design calendar. This year’s choice was inspired by a collective yearning for comfort, indulgence, and shared joy, according to Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute. “We look to a mellow brown hue whose inherent richness and sensorial and comforting warmth extends further into our desire for comfort and the indulgence of simple pleasures,” said Pressman in a statement.

PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse is earthy and elegant, but it does signify a definite departure from prior years. 2024’s Peach Fuzz, and 2023’s Viva Magenta evoke different feelings, but this may simply come down to personal preference as much as industry-wide trends. However, Pantone® experts have made their selection.

The executive director of the Pantone Color Institute Leatrice Eiseman elaborated on the color’s appeal: “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, it extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.”

Pantone® claims that Mocha Mousse captures the essences of wellness and personal luxury, and promoting indulgences such as savoring a rich cup of cappuccino, or taking a stroll along a beautiful garden path. They believe this hue invites feelings of connection and time for reflection.

Pantone’s annual selection process draws from extensive research across fashion runways, interior design trends, cultural moments, and psychological insights. Since its inception in 1999 with Sky Blue, the Color of the Year has consistently captured the essence of each era. As we step into 2025, Mocha Mousse hopes to embody a harmonious synergy of sophistication and comfort, as it invites us to savor life’s simple pleasures while embracing a sense of thoughtful indulgence.