Every year, Pantone releases a “color of the year“. This color is based on trends in various industries, like fashion, interior design, and graphic design. In previous years the color has been:

  • 2024 – Peach Fuzz
  • 2023 – Viva Magenta
  • 2022 – Very Peri
  • 2021 – Illuminating and Ultimate Grey (joint COTY)
  • 2020 – Classic Blue

You get the point. House Beautiful, quoting the VP of the Pantone Colour Institute, notes the following regarding how the Color of the Year is chosen:

[There’s] a misconception that we gather a bunch of colour influencers in a room one day and emerge with the decision. [Rather] It is one long, continuously flowing conversation among a group of colour-attuned people.

In other words, the color of the year is chosen as a result of an ongoing conversation between those who are in-touch with current trends and color influences.

What is the color of the year for 2025?

Pantone recently announced that the color of the year for 2025 is “Mocha Mousse”. Why did they choose Mocha Mousse? Here are several quotes taken directly from their announcement:

Infused with a sensorial warmth that comes through in soft touch weaves, buttery leathers and suedes, cushy velvets, cashmere, angora and shaggy, and furry knits that envelope and embrace, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse transports our senses into the pleasurable comfort it inspires and invites.

And again:

A soft brown whose warming glow awakens the inherent radiance of individual skin tones across a wide variety of undertones, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse highlights the desire for unpretentious authentic beauty and minimalist looks tied to simplicity.

When you think of Mocha Mousse, what comes to mind? You probably think of the rich taste of coffee and mocha, combined with the creamy and sweet texture of mousse. This is the essence of what Pantone is trying to convey with their choice for the color of the year 2025 – warmth, comfort, and authenticity.

Using Picsart with the color of the year

Picsart’s color tools make it easy to use Mocha Mousse in your designs. Using the color picker tool, you can select 2025’s color of the year to use in your designs (Hex code: #9e7a68). 

You can also use the Picsart color wheel to build color palettes to use in your designs. You can use the hex code for your primary color and the drop-down menu to find that color’s:

  • Complementary colors – Pairs of colors that are opposite of each other on the color wheel and provide strong contrast
  • Monochromatic colors – All the colors of a single hue
  • Analogous colors – Groups of colors that are next to each on the color wheel and are of similar hue
  • Triadic colors – Three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel, providing both balance and contrast
  • Tetradic colors – Four colors that form two complementary pairs

If you want to find out the meaning behind different colors, check out our color meanings guide. For example, if you select the color lavender, you’ll learn things like the meaning of the color lavender, the psychological traits it exhibits, and the symbolic meaning of the color.

You can also find out the meaning of the meaning of the color of the year for 2025. [INSERT LINK TO PAGE]

Where and how to use Pantone’s color of the year for 2025

So how can you use Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025? There are many different ways you can employ it, including:

Interior Design

Incorporate Mocha Mousse into your home decor through paint, furniture, and accent pieces. This color can add a sense of warmth and coziness to any room.

Use it as the main wall color in living rooms or bedrooms to create a calming and inviting atmosphere. Pair it with neutral tones like cream or beige, or contrast it with darker hues like deep charcoal or black for a more dramatic effect.

Upholstery and textiles, like throw pillows, blankets, or curtains in this warm brown shade, can also bring a sense of elegance without overpowering the space. Additionally, Mocha Mousse complements natural materials like wood, stone, and leather beautifully, adding depth and texture to your decor.

Fashion and Beauty

Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025 is also a great choice for fashion and beauty trends. Mocha Mousse can be incorporated into your wardrobe through clothing, accessories, or makeup.

For clothing, this rich brown shade is perfect for fall and winter seasons as it pairs well with other warm tones like mustard yellow, burnt orange, and deep reds. You can opt for a statement piece in Mocha Mousse, such as a coat or sweater, or incorporate it into your outfit through smaller details like shoes or scarves.

In terms of beauty, this color is versatile and flattering on various skin tones. For a subtle look, use it as an eyeshadow or lip color, or go bolder with a mocha-toned smoky eye. You can also incorporate it into your nail color for a classic and chic look.

Graphic Design

Graphic designers can utilize Mocha Mousse in their designs to create an organic and earthy feel. This color works well as a background or accent color in various marketing and digital materials.

For example, in logos and branding, Mocha Mousse can bring a sense of warmth and approachability to the overall design. It can also be used in web design as a background color for a clean and modern feel.

In print materials like brochures or flyers, this color can add a touch of sophistication while still maintaining a warm and welcoming vibe. It pairs well with other natural colors like greens and blues, creating a cohesive and visually appealing design.

In social media posts, Mocha Mousse can be used as a background color for text or graphics, helping them stand out and catch the viewer’s attention. It also works well in product packaging design, giving off a luxurious and high-quality feel.

Color pairings and complementary palettes

Mocha Mousse can be used in conjunction with many other colors. For example:

  • With earthy tones like olive green or burnt orange for a warm and natural color palette.
  • With cool shades like light blue or lavender for a softer and more feminine feel.
  • With bold colors like mustard yellow or deep red for a striking contrast.

In terms of complementary palettes, Mocha Mousse pairs well with:

  • Neutral colors like ivory, beige, and gray for a timeless and elegant look.
  • Metallics like gold or copper for a touch of glamour and sophistication.
  • Bright pops of color such as coral pink or teal to add energy and playfulness to the design.

Conclusion

Mocha Mousse, the color of the year for 2025,  is a versatile and sophisticated color that can elevate any design. From fashion and interior design to branding and marketing materials, this warm and approachable shade adds a touch of elegance and warmth. Experiment with different pairings and palettes to find the perfect combination that fits your style and brand aesthetic.