Learning to Incorporate Pantone's Yearly Hued Decoration Ideas

Strategies for Incorporating Pantone's Yearly Color into Your Decor

Pantone's Color of the Year for 2025, referred to as Mocha Mousse, is a charming brown that's both stylish and inviting. It has the ability to make any room feel both rooted and refined, as long as it's utilized correctly.

However, incorporating brown isn't always an easy feat. You can't simply slap it on a wall and call it a day. Luckily, with some expert advice and a touch of innovation, you can effortlessly introduce this delightful shade into your home. Are you ready for a dash of mocha enchantment?

Alyssa Anselmo, an architect and the creator of Studio Anva
Jan Sikora, founder of Sikora Interiors
Bailey Li, founder of Bailey Li Interiors

What Is Mocha Mousse?

Pantone's Color of the Year program serves to demonstrate how global events can be translated into the "unspoken vocabulary" of color. As such, the chosen hue is intended to address the world's emotional and practical requirements, rather than mere trends.

So why Mocha Mousse? The subtle color was selected to symbolize the need for increased harmony. Much like the comfortable, soothing sensation one experiences when savoring whipped chocolate, this color provides an immediate sense of comfort. It also evokes the culture of small joys—those little, everyday delights that contribute a touch of sweetness to our lives.

Begin With a Neutral Foundation

According to Alyssa Anselmo, founder of Studio Anva, the secret to integrating Mocha Mousse is to treat it as a fundamental earth tone. "Start with your largest pieces—sofas, armchairs, or rugs—and let its neutral character create visual breathing space for more vibrant accents," she suggests.

If you're unsure, Anselmo suggests starting small: "Introduce Mocha Mousse through accessories like a comfy knit blanket, a ceramic vase, or even a framed picture." The goal is to allow the color to generate a tactile, cozy atmosphere.

Refresh Your Walls

Mocha Mousse is the ideal wall color for creating an instant sense of comfort and tranquility. Bailey Li, an interior designer known for her hand-painted murals, recommends experimenting with a textured treatment. “It’s a simple way to add depth and a luxurious feel to any space,” she says.

Transform Your Bathroom

If you’ve imagined transforming your bathroom into a luxurious spa, now's your chance—Mocha Mousse adds both luxury and tranquility to this space. By simply incorporating light brown towels, a bath mat, or even a shower curtain, you can bring that spa-like serenity right into your home.

Develop a Restful Retreat

According to Anselmo, Mocha Mousse isn’t just a color—it’s a whole mood. You can bring that energy into the bedroom too, turning this space into a soothing, nature-inspired sanctuary. It's as straightforward as changing your linens.

“Blend neutral tones with soft accents,” suggests Anselmo. Her preferred pairing? Sheet Society’s Biscuit flat sheet in combination with Tekla’s Hopper Stripes percale duvet. If you want to go all out, you can even revamp your headboard with Pantone's Color of the Year for a truly harmonious appearance.

Pair It With Lighter Tones

Mocha Mousse has numerous merits, according to Li. It’s versatile, soothing, and warm, making it a suitable choice for various spaces. However, it's not without its drawbacks. “In rooms with poor lighting, it can feel a bit weighty, and might make the space seem smaller or darker,” she warns. Balance the appearance by pairing it with lighter tones or reflective surfaces to allow the color to shine.

Upgrade Your Backsplash

As we bid farewell to millennial grey and white subway tiles, Anselmo advises embracing Mocha Mousse for a more inviting kitchen. “It's where we gather and create memories, so make it a space that feels cozy and unique,” she encourages.

To add more dimension, Anselmo suggests incorporating a patterned backsplash or floor tile. “Experiment with shapes and coordinating tones," she suggests. “Consider a copper backsplash paired with luxurious walnut cabinets."

Add Cool Accents

For a layered, personalized palette, Anselmo recommends combining Mocha Mousse with cooler tones like a dusty lilac. “Visualize a Mocha Mousse sofa with powder lilac cushions or a delicate, lilac ceramic lamp—it’s the perfect calming contrast," she says. The harmony of warmth and coolness will foster a laid-back and stylish atmosphere.

Use It in Upholstery

You can always attempt upholstering an armchair or ottoman in the calming hue. For maximum impact, Li recommends materials like mohair velvet, silk-wool blends, or leather. “This shade pairs exceptionally well with these textiles, bringing a sophisticated touch to accent furniture—or even headboards,” she says.

Pair It With Green

Anselmo suggests pairing Mocha Mousse with olive green or sage for an appearance that’s as effortlessly chic as it is surprising. She specifically mentions Pantone PMS 4179 C or Pantone Kale 18-0107 TCX. Think of it as the perfect blend of cozy and cool, like a warm coffee on a crisp morning.

If you want something a bit more classic, soft whites and creams are a solid choice as well. These understated shades will help maintain balance, and allow the brown tones to truly shine.

Accessorize With Metals

Incorporating metallic tints, such as brass or antique gold, can instantly enhance this hue, injecting a hint of subtle elegance into your surroundings. Decorative elements like light fixtures, picture frames, mirrors, and ornamental trays are all excellent methods to introduce a hint of sparkle.

Anselmo is a fan of incorporating such minute, premium aspects to spruce up a room. Her secret weapon? Swap out drawers' handles and knobs for a quick, unobtrusive update. "Opt for brushed bronze as your metallic accent - it blends wonderfully with those deep tones," she suggests.

Establish the Ambiance with Curtains

According to Jan Sikora from Sikora Interiors, this color is incredibly versatile, blending earthy, down-to-earth hues with the depth of coffee, giving your space a polished, sophisticated aura. Sikora recommends hanging Mocha Mousse curtains in your living area or bedroom to easily create a cozy atmosphere.

Li proposes an additional layer of finesse by suggesting a gracefully falling sheer drapery from the ceiling. She demonstrated this technique on a recent job for a client. "It produced an otherworldly atmosphere - both soothing and dramatic," she remarks.

Introduce Intense Colors

Achieving a luxurious appearance doesn't always necessitate a substantial investment. Anselmo advises mixing Mocha Mousse with Pantone 1817-C Burgundy and Pantone Dark Sea 19-5025 TCX for a balanced combination that's as lavish as it is sophisticated. "This duo injects a polished impact while maintaining perfect harmony," she notes.

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Martha Stewart, the famous home and lifestyle expert, has shared her thoughts on how to incorporate Pantone's Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, into home decor, suggesting it can be used as a neutral foundation for vibrant accents.
Home Garden News featured an article by Jan Sikora, the founder of Sikora Interiors, discussing the versatility of Mocha Mousse in home design, suggesting it can be used in various spaces, including the bathroom and living area, and blending well with intense colors like Burgundy.
In an issue of Home Design Decor, interior designer Bailey Li from Bailey Li Interiors proposed using Mocha Mousse in upholstery, such as armchairs or headboards, in conjunction with textured materials like mohair velvet or silk-wool blends for a sophisticated appearance.