The Gate 39 design team always looks forward to Pantone Color Institute’s annual Color of the Year announcement. Last year, I shared my thoughts on Peach Fuzz, a soft and soothing shade chosen to evoke belonging, recalibration, and a sense of nurturing. For 2025, Pantone has selected PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warm, earthy tone that feels right at home in today’s design trends. It’s not the kind of color that’s going to shout for attention—it’s more about subtly owning its space, offering personality without being overwhelming.

What is Mocha Mousse?

According to the Pantone Institute:

“PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse [is] 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.

With its sophisticated, earthy elegance, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse can stand alone or serve as a versatile foundation, enhancing a wide range of palettes and applications—from minimalist to richly detailed designs—across all color-focused industries.”

This color has a natural, human quality to it. It’s reminiscent of skin tones, earthy textures, and the rustic charm of brown paper bags at a farmer’s market. It feels familiar and approachable yet polished and intentional.

This color has a natural, human quality to it. It’s reminiscent of skin tones, earthy textures, and the rustic charm of brown paper bags at a farmer’s market. It feels familiar and approachable yet polished and intentional.

Branding Applications of Mocha Mousse

What I like about Mocha Mousse is that it fits seamlessly into so many spaces. It’s soft, earthy, and versatile in a way that doesn’t try too hard but still looks intentional. Unlike bold, attention-grabbing colors like orange (which, for the record, is my favorite), Mocha Mousse is more grounded and understated, making it a great choice for creating spaces that feel warm and inviting without stealing the spotlight.

• Interior Design: From wood accents to sleek leather furniture, Mocha Mousse blends sophistication with a grounded aesthetic.
• Fashion: As a neutral canvas, it complements bold patterns or accessories and works just as well in timeless, minimalist looks.
• Cosmetics: It’s perfect for minimalist, nature-inspired packaging. In fact, during a recent trip to Target, I noticed that many brands are already using similar muted tones. Take a look at my pictures below.