International color authority Pantone has announced their Color of the Year for 2025. Mocha Mousse is a warm brown shade that Pantone describes as:
- Comforting: A color that evokes the comforting qualities of chocolate and coffee.
- Luxurious: A sophisticated and lush color that’s rooted in “quiet luxury.”
- Versatile: A bridge neutral that can be paired with many colors, including black, navy, olive, and grey.
- Authentic: A color that’s honest and real, and that Pantone sees in nature.
Should you care about Pantone’s Color of the Year? And what does it mean if you’re planning a move to a new office or home—or if you’re a multifamily investor planning upgrades to your properties? First, know you’re not alone if you’re not sure you like Mocha Mousse. It has been met with mixed reviews; although I can say it’s definitely growing on me. Second, Pantone’s pick is an indication that we really are finally moving away from gray. Third, remember that Mocha Mousse can be applied with a heavy hand or used as an accent—and it can be used as a dark, light, or medium tone.
Even when we want to avoid being trendy, consumer preferences are constantly changing and Pantone’s choices tend to forecast shifts that are already in progress. So, if you’re thinking about diving in, use the color distribution theory as a guideline for creating balanced and harmonious interior spaces.
Dark tones anchor and ground a room.
Deep hues like charcoal gray, navy blue, or deep green crease a sense of stability and permanence. They are typically used on furniture, accents, or flooring. These tones also add drama and sophistication, making them ideal for focal points such as a statement wall or decorative elements like lamps and frames. However, overusing dark tones can make a space feel heavy or claustrophobic, so they should always be counterbalanced with lighter shades.
Light tones, including whites, creams, and soft pastels, create a sense of openness and airiness.
These colors reflect light, making rooms appear larger and more inviting. Light tones are typically used for larger surfaces like walls and ceilings to establish a neutral, expansive backdrop. Light tones provide the perfect canvas for highlighting other colors in the room. They allow medium and dark tones to stand out without overwhelming the design.
Medium tones, like soft grays, tans, or muted blues, serve as the bridge between light and dark colors.
These hues create continuity and balance by preventing stark contrasts between the extremes. Medium tones are often used for upholstery, area rugs or cabinetry.
Follow the 60-30-10 rule.
To achieve harmony in color distribution—and balance the three tones—designers often (but not always) follow the 60-30-10 rule. This rule suggests that 60 percent of the room should consist of a dominant color (usually a light tone), 30 percent a secondary color (often a medium tone), and 10 percent an accent color (frequently a dark or bold tone). By carefully balancing dark, light, and medium tones, we can create spaces that are visually appealing.
*Republished with permission from Diana Mosher Associates, January 2025.
