Pantone's 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse – How to Use It in Interior Design

Pantone has declared "Mocha Mousse" as the color of 2025 — a warm chocolate-coffee tone that creates an atmosphere of comfort and elegance. The shade combines the soft depth of chocolate with light coffee notes, enhancing space without overwhelming it and making it more expressive.

Together with Igor Krasnov, founder of the interior design studio KRASNOV, we explore how to use "Mocha Mousse" in interior design to make it stylish rather than just another brown.

Igor Krasnov, Designer, Founder of Interior Studio KRASNOV
Where Can You Use the Color of the Year?

"Mocha Mousse" doesn’t shout, but transforms space — like a drop of cappuccino in the morning ritual. The color works well with various styles: from Scandinavian minimalism, which often lacks warm accents, to classic interiors where it enhances material depth.

Walls

If you want to create a relaxing atmosphere, paint one wall in the living room or bedroom. This adds depth without overburdening the interior.

Design: Daria Ermak
For bolder choices, you can paint all walls in this color, but it's important to add contrast: white or beige trim, light curtains, mirrors with thin metal frames. These help the shade look rich but not dark.
Design: Daria Ermak

Furniture

Imagine a velvet or matte leather sofa in the color "Mocha Mousse" — it creates the feeling of a cozy cinema or lounge bar.

Design: Anara Berkalieva
On the kitchen, cabinet doors in a coffee tone look great with brass or copper hardware. Combined with wooden countertops or marble inserts, they look especially stylish.

Kitchen and Dining Room

Kitchens are often seen only as workspaces, but "Mocha Mousse" adds restaurant-style flair. You can paint the wall behind the dining table in this color, and choose a table with a wooden or stone texture.

Design: Vera Nikolaenko
Textiles in cream or milk tones — tablecloths, napkins — highlight the depth of the main shade and add lightness.

Decor

If you don’t want dramatic changes, help comes in the form of details: cushions, throws, curtains, lampshades in the color "Mocha Mousse".

Design: Olga Dolidze
A good idea is to use decorative vases or wall hangings with coffee accents. They blend well into the interior without overloading it.

What to Pair with Mocha Mousse?

• Light neutrals (milk, cream, beige) refresh the space and create a light contrast. Especially relevant in small rooms.
• Cold tones (blue, light green, ashen gray) add a modern touch, particularly in lofts and studios.
• Metals (gold, brass, copper) make the interior more noble. For example, gold candleholders or copper elements in furniture highlight the depth of the coffee tone.
• Natural textures (wood, stone, linen, wool) enhance the natural character of the color, creating a cozy atmosphere in country homes.

Design: S-style Studio
How to Avoid Mistakes?

• Add textures
  Walls painted in the same dark color can look flat. Textured wallpapers, wooden panels, or woven rugs add volume to the interior.
• Plan lighting
  Inadequate light can make "Mocha Mousse" appear dark. Warm lamp light emphasizes its cozy character.
• Create accents
  Add details: green cushions, vibrant plants in stylish pots — this prevents the interior from looking monochromatic.
• Use prints
  Geometric or botanical patterns on curtains, rugs, and decorative panels add dynamism and individuality.

Design: Igor Krasnov
"Mocha Mousse" is versatile: it can highlight soft furniture shapes or become a striking accent in a light interior. The key is to complement it with textures, lighting, and expressive details. Then it will shine in all its beauty and bring joy every day.

Photo on cover: pantone.com and Daria Ermak project