It’s that time of year again. The time when the color experts at Pantone declare the color of the year 2025. The winner is: Mocha Mousse! It’s a rich, warm brown that reminds me of swirling chocolate. And what better time to indulge in some lush, warm gooiness than a cold, stark week in January?
Each Pantone Color of the Year is chosen based on societal trends and an overall mood that matches the era. For 2025, the experts looked to “a mellow brown hue whose inherent richness and sensorial and comforting warmth extends further into our desire for comfort, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others.”
This annual announcement gets fashion experts, home designers and others focused on how to look modern and on point with the color. That’s fun, but what really is the appeal behind this color? Let’s explore some meanings behind the color brown as we look at some art that highlights Mocha Mousse.
Earthy and Natural
Brown symbolized the richness and warmth of the natural world. It represents soil, wood, and organic materials. This image could be found in a forest, desert, or beach, the colors are so universally earth-based.
Stability and Reliability
Brown is stable and reliable. It reflects dependability, security, endurance, solidity, and strength. The subject of this piece looks like she would be capable of taking care of anything, including keeping your secrets.
Warmth and Comfort
Brown hues create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. They evoke feelings of safety, reassurance, and familiarity. I don’t know any of these people but I would love to jump onto the dance floor with them.
Groundedness and Practicality
Brown is practical and down-to-earth. It is used to symbolize a pragmatic approach to life, emphasizing practicality over extravagance and substance over style. The woman on her bicycle in Verona is not on an indulgent ride, but rather stopped perhaps during an errand.
Autumnal and Rustic Vibes
Many shades of brown are prevalent in autumnal landscapes and rural settings. Think rustic charm of fall foliage, weathered wood, and harvest scenes. The use of browns in this beach scene instead of blues brings us into a fall day along the shore.
Maturity and Sophistication
The color brown coveys a sense of wisdom and experience, like the aged patina of antique furniture or the weathered features of an elderly face. This little dog portrait against a brighter color might make him or her look more playful or mischievous, but against a brown backdrop highlights age of the gray muzzle.
Earth Spirituality
Brown is connected to the land and natural rhythms of life. It represents reverence for our earthly ancestors and the spiritual wisdom of nature. These swirls feel grounded to the earth yet open to something more within their depth.
Don’t worry about replacing all your wardrobe or home furnishings with Mocha Mousse in 2025, unless of course you are feeling really moved. But keep your eyes open to the possibilities of this color, and all the beautiful shades of brown.
What do you think about Mocha Mousse for 2025? Leave a comment below.
