Pantone's 2025 colour of the year is.... brown, which, yeah, sounds about right
Hue seen by many as capturing the current cultural mood and setting tone for the year ahead
Pantone has unveiled its highly anticipated Color of the Year, and for 2024, the honor goes to Mocha Mousse, a warm, rich shade of brown. The selection, often viewed as a reflection of the cultural moment and a guide for design trends, has sparked a wide range of reactions.
Described by Pantone as "an evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires," Mocha Mousse evokes comforting imagery of cacao, chocolate, and coffee. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, highlighted the shade’s unique appeal in a statement:
"Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures ... Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence." She further praised the "flavourful brown shade" as a sophisticated, lush, and timeless choice, adding, "Mocha Mousse envelopes us with its sensorial warmth."
A Cultural and Design Statement
Pantone’s annual choice is more than just a design trend; it’s seen as a commentary on the collective mood. A writer for a design publication noted that the selection reflects "the moment we’re living in and the stories we want to tell." Mocha Mousse, they added, offers designers versatility as "a harmonious complement."
In the broader design world, shades of brown have been gaining traction. One interiors publication observed that earthy tones are trending, with designers incorporating them in everything from kitchens to bedrooms.
Mixed Reactions
While many welcomed Mocha Mousse for its lush, indulgent vibe, online reactions were far from unanimous. Some users celebrated its warmth, with one enthusiast on social media exclaiming, "Let’s go espresso martinis, caramel coffees, chocolate brown furs, and every variation of it!"
Others were less impressed, humorously likening the shade to less flattering comparisons. One comment quipped, "Not poopie brown," while another joked, "Looks like S." Despite the mixed reception, the announcement has certainly generated buzz.
A Legacy of Color
Since 2000, Pantone has selected a Color of the Year to capture the essence of the times. Its inaugural pick, Cerulean Blue, was described as reflecting "peace and relaxation" as the world entered a new millennium. More recently, 2023’s choice, Peach Fuzz, was celebrated as "a velvety, gentle peach whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul."
Whether embraced or critiqued, Mocha Mousse is poised to influence design palettes and conversations throughout the year ahead.
