Move over Brat Green, chocolate brown hues are the new ‘it’ colour in town and it’s the stuff of your dessert-hued dreams, heralding a new era of cosy comfort and sumptuous sweetness.
Mocha Mousse, otherwise known as Pantone 17-1230, was even named the official colour of 2025, a dramatic contrast from 2024’s vibrant (and controversial) Peach Fuzz, suggesting a shift towards all things nurturing, warm and decadent.
In 2026, we’re taking things one step further by treating chocolate brown as a base neutral, helping guide our styling and texture choices. Just make it clear whether you’re going for a modern look or taking it back to the ‘70s with vintage accents. The colour pairs well with a variety of shades, so you can lean into earthy neutrals, or try jewel tones, oranges, yellows or reds.
For a decadent dose of choc therapy, shop our edit of trending brown decor and furniture that’s good enough to eat.
Shop the edit: Brown homewares and furniture
What you need to know about Mocha Mousse, the 2025 Pantone Colour of the Year
“For Pantone Colour of the Year 2025, we look 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,” said Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Colour Institute.
Texture also plays a role in the vibe of Mocha Mousse, with Pantone expressing the colour through imagery of whipped mousse, creamy gelato, melted chocolate and windswept silk.
In terms of interiors, we can expect to see luxe and sophisticated spaces drenched in warm, neutral palettes, like a reimagined ‘hygge’ for our frazzled, depleted souls.
Related Articles:
- The latest decor drops we’re loving right now
- These sage green homewares are the apple of our eyes
- White homewares that are anything but boring
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
