Pantone's 2025 Color of the Year Radiates Warmth and Comfort

The holiday season brings festive gatherings, snug evenings by the fireplace (or a virtual yule log), and—for paint and color enthusiasts—predictions for the color of the year. The annual Pantone Color of the Year reveal is always eagerly awaited, and this year’s choice feels particularly timely. Pantone has named Mocha Mousse as the 2025 Color of the Year, a soothing, warm brown that evokes the richness of a decadent drink, a tempting dessert, and plush velvet fabrics. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director, and Laurie Pressman, VP of the Pantone Color Institute, explain that the color embodies "sensorial warmth" and "thoughtful indulgence," drawing inspiration from a popular TikTok trend.

Over the past year, the phrase "sweet little treat" or "little treat" has gained traction among TikTok and Instagram creators. It’s often used to describe small indulgences, such as a coffee or pastry, whether as a reward, a mood booster, or simply for enjoyment. This "little treat" trend reflects a broader movement toward self-care and finding happiness in life’s small pleasures. While not the sole inspiration for Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, the ethos behind the trend resonates deeply with the reasoning behind selecting Mocha Mousse.

"The concept of little treat culture revolves around replenishing and nurturing ourselves," Pressman explains. "It’s about enhancing everyday life, finding joy in simple pleasures—whether it’s a sweet indulgence or a walk in nature—that tap into our innate need for comfort." Continue reading to learn more about Pantone’s soothing Color of the Year below.

Meet Mocha Mousse

As brown continues to trend in both fashion and home decor, Mocha Mousse strikes a balance between contemporary relevance and timeless appeal. This gentle, understated shade is more versatile than some of the deeper, richer browns gaining popularity. Depending on its application, finish, and lighting, the color can appear soft with warm pink undertones or exude a richer, earthy vibe.

While color of the year choices often follow cyclical trends (where the opposite of last year’s trend becomes the new focus), Pantone’s selection evolves rather than drastically shifts. Last year’s choice, Peach Fuzz, a gentle peach hue, symbolized peace, kindness, and community. As Pantone’s experts deliberated on the 2025 Color of the Year, Pressman noted, "We’re still in that mindset."

"The world remains complex, and we still crave nurturing to navigate it. We need to feel replenished," she elaborates. "Mocha Mousse embodies the idea of care, sharing, community, and collaboration, taking it a step further."

Incorporating Mocha Mousse into Your Home

Alongside the Color of the Year reveal, Pantone partnered with various brands to produce consumer goods in Mocha Mousse hues, making it simple to integrate the shade into your home. These collaborations feature wallpaper designs with Spoonflower and a diverse selection of furniture from Joybird in this warm, welcoming tone—ideal for any home improvement project.

When it comes to incorporating the color into your home, Eiseman remarks, "I can’t think of a single room where it wouldn’t work." She highlights the bathroom as an unexpectedly perfect space for this cozy shade. Whether you choose to paint the walls in Mocha Mousse or add warm wood tones and accents that complement the color, the choice is yours.

Even if you don’t use this exact shade in your home, you might feel inspired to bring more indulgence, comfort, and meaningful touches into your decor—after all, that’s the essence of Mocha Mousse.