Brown..Again? | Thoughts on Pantone Colour of the Year 2025 - Mocha Mousse

What is the Pantone Colour of the Year?

Every year, the Pantone Colour Institute selects a shade they believe encapsulates the cultural and creative mood of the time. The Pantone Colour of the Year serves as a forecast—a way of saying, "This is the colour that will define the year ahead." It influences trends in design, art, fashion, and even socio-economic sentiment.

For 2025, Pantone has unveiled PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, describing it as "a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort."

My First Reaction: Brown? Again?

When I heard the announcement, my immediate reaction was, "Brown? Haven’t we been here before?" Over the last few years, brown has dominated our wardrobes, bedrooms, and interiors. I remember brown making its big comeback in late 2019—I even did a brown velvet Christmas tree moment that year, which felt ahead of the curve back then.

Fast forward to today, and brown is absolutely everywhere. From suede accents to leather furniture, earthy tones have taken over design trends. That’s what surprises me most about Pantone’s choice. Isn’t the Colour of the Year supposed to lead us into what’s next? Choosing brown feels more like playing it safe or jumping on a bandwagon that’s already in motion.

This Video on Tiktok by Camille Moore perfectly describes what I mean; Tap Below

A Look Back: Pantone’s Obsession with Pink and Purple

Over the past decade, Pantone has leaned heavily into pinks and purples. Remember Radiant Orchid (2014) or Very Peri (2022)? These colours were bold, fresh, and culturally significant at the time. But it seems like their 2024 pick, Peach Fuzz—a soft, peachy hue—didn’t get the response they hoped for. Perhaps that’s why they’ve gone ultra-safe with Mocha Mousse, a colour that’s already thriving in design and fashion. Visionary or reactive? That’s the question.

Cultural Reflection: Why Brown, Why Now?

One creator I follow mentioned that brown feels like conformity—a sign we’ve been stuck in a beige-and-brown loop for too long. That critique made me pause. Is brown’s popularity a reflection of where we are culturally?

Historically, colours in fashion and design have mirrored the times. In the early 2000s, during the Great Financial Crisis, stark greys and clean whites dominated. These colours felt structured and secure, which helped people feel like they were keeping it together amidst uncertainty. On the flip side, during periods of prosperity like the 1980s, bold, extravagant colours like neon dominated, reflecting an attitude of abundance.

Brown today feels like a craving for stability—a need for something grounding. But unlike the cold stability of grey, brown offers warmth and cosiness. It’s like being wrapped in a soft blanket on a rainy day. Perhaps this is a holdover from the pandemic years, when comfort became a priority.

Mocha Mousse and the "Food as Luxury" Trend

What really intrigues me is the name Mocha Mousse. It’s not just brown; it’s indulgent, rich, and edible. This taps into a broader trend: food as the new luxury. With big-ticket spending feeling out of reach for many, people are finding joy in small indulgences—specialty coffees, artisan doughnuts, and gourmet treats.

This reminds me of the “red lipstick” trend during World War II. Back then, women bought red lipstick as a small luxury in a time of scarcity. Today, it’s coffee and dessert culture offering those little moments of joy. Mocha Mousse captures this zeitgeist perfectly.

Check out Joel Bjarni’s Video below;

Alternative Colours for 2025

While brown makes sense, I can’t help but think another colour might have been more inspiring for 2025. My top pick? Yellow. Traditionally associated with “get well soon” flowers, yellow is a cheerful, hopeful colour. It’s not the easiest to incorporate into interiors or fashion, but it reflects a sense of optimism and forward momentum. Yellow says, “Better days are coming.”

Alternatively, I could see a combination of blue and red making an impact. Blue conveys stability, while red adds passion and energy. Together, they symbolise balance and tradition. Many national flags feature these colours, making them timeless and universal. However, with today’s divisive political climate, perhaps Pantone avoided these shades due to their anxiety-evoking connotations.

Final Thoughts

Mocha Mousse isn’t just a colour; it’s a reflection of our current moment. It speaks to our need for stability, comfort, and small indulgences. But I can’t help feeling underwhelmed. Shouldn’t the Colour of the Year push us forward instead of reminding us of what’s already saturated the market?

As we head into 2025, I’m curious to see how Mocha Mousse evolves in design and culture. Does it have staying power, or will it blend into the background of an already brown-dominated landscape? Only time will tell.

I hope this post sparks some thoughts about how colour reflects our world. And if you’re curious about what’s next, stay tuned for my upcoming 2025 trend prediction blog post. Let’s dive into the future of design together. What do you think—did Pantone get it right, or was it a missed opportunity? Let me know in the comments!