Colour trends in interior design can often be just that: trends, which fade into irrelevance once new shades come to the fore. But this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year, Mocha Mousse, seems set to flip that notion on its head, with a reassuring neutrality perfect for a long-lasting allure.

“Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace the aspirational and luxe,” says Pantone executive chairman Leatrice Eiseman of the brown shade.

Laurie Pressman, vice-president of the Pantone Colour Institute, notes the hue’s “inherent richness and sensorial and comforting warmth”. Indeed, Mocha Mousse conjures the reassuring air of chocolate and the satisfying tactile experience of soft textures, creating a good addition to homes for those seeking a comforting, snug atmosphere.

Space by space

For instance, Mocha Mousse is an excellent option for a warm and welcoming space in the living room. It can be incorporated into upholstered furniture, such as couches and armchairs, or used to provide depth to accent walls. The colour’s sophisticated vibe can be increased by combining it with softer textiles, brass accents and lighter wood tones.

Jay Liu, art director at interior design firm Right Angle Studio, says Mocha Mousse “looks great as a neutral tone to create warm, welcoming spaces”. “Consider pairing it with cream-toned artworks, furnishings, or subtle textures like stucco or micro-cement for a sense of visual harmony.”

Over in the bedroom, Mocha Mousse can also be used in drapes, bedding and feature walls. The brown tone conveys a sense of warmth and peace, making it a great fit for the most intimate, private space in one’s home. For tinier spaces, the colour can be applied to accessories like lampshades, small rugs and velvet draperies.

In the kitchen, Mocha Mousse can add a contemporary yet classic look to kitchen islands, backsplashes and cabinets. The calmness associated with the colour can ground the usually busy and sometimes frenetic energy one feels in the heart of the home. Pair it with white quartz countertops and matte black hardware for a well-balanced and modern appearance.

To add a contemporary touch, use Mocha Mousse as a focal point on a kitchen island or lower cabinetry while maintaining a soft cream or mushroom colour scheme for the top cabinets. This dual-toned scheme with adequate contrast can help maintain a sense of openness.

Aesthetic range

Dennis Cheok, founder and creative director at interior design firm UPSTRS_, notes that Mocha Mousse’s range is dependent on how it is used in a space. “Mocha Mousse is a colour tone with distinct duality,” he says; in other words, it can be adapted to suit various aesthetics and themes.

Citing as an example a recent client whose clinic incorporated the colour, he says that his team dialled down “considerably on the rich chocolate hue, to arrive at a lighter, monochromatic palette”.

“Here, the organic, earthy tones — such as sand and clay — harmoniously courted to achieve spatial lightness. The cohesive, soothing theme created the perfect sanctuary for psychological comfort and ease, empowering staff and patients. We also used natural materials such as oak, clay, and woven textiles to complement this theme.”

For those not too keen on a complete home makeover just to incorporate Mocha Mousse, the colour can also be added in small increments, notes John Au, head of projects at The Carpenter’s Workshop. “If you are not so daring, you can apply Mocha Mousse in smaller items such as cushions, rugs or curtains as a start,” he says. “You need not go the whole hog.”

On the other hand, a bold brush of Mocha Mousse is also an option for those willing to go all out. “If you’re feeling bold, you can paint a feature wall with this hue and then complement it with furnishings sporting soft white colours or any wood finishes,” says Au. “The colour is warm, versatile and forgiving.”

Key considerations

As with everything in interior design, Right Angle Studio’s Liu points out that balance is key when using Mocha Mousse. “Using the colour sparingly can help prevent visual fatigue — just enough to elevate the space without overwhelming it.”

To create that sense of tonal equilibrium, layer Mocha Mousse with similar colours that provide just a touch of difference; consider dusty terracotta, creamy off-whites, muted greens, or gentle blush hues. These lighter touches maintain warmth while mellowing the mood.

Tan Yue Wei, principal designer at YWA Studio, points out that Mocha Mousse “will work well with taupe or beige undertones” because of its warm, rich attributes. “I would use this colour as a prominent accent on carpentry pieces painted with neutral textured paints like cream, beige, or off-white to create a wabi-sabi appearance. Having lovely, large, leafy indoor plants would also enhance the colour.”

Ebenezer Yoon, creative director at MynMyn Studio, adds that one can also play around with contrast when working with Mocha Mousse. “Don’t be scared to add visual interest by combining warm golds, dusty pinks, or deep blues with the earthy, cosy, inviting tone,” he says.

Texture stacking is another essential factor that makes Mocha Mousse feel purposeful and elegant, rather than heavy. Choose natural materials in the above contrasting colours, such as in linen beds, wool throws, and boucle cushions, to provide a feeling of softness and tactile texture.

Lighting is also essential. “Think fabric shades, wall sconces and dimmable LED lights,” suggests Los Angeles-based interior designer Jake Arnold, who suggests warm, ambient lighting with mocha tones. In bedrooms, for example, such lighting setups are great for creating a cocoon-like ambience.

Gentle, diffused lighting sources, such as pendant lamps with amber or champagne-toned glass or linen shades, can also bring out the colour’s depth without creating an unnatural contrast. “The trick to make this colour pop is to use the correct lighting, such as warm LED lights, to elevate its mood and sophistication,” says The Carpenter’s Workshop’s Au.

Simply put, when used well, Mocha Mousse can be a powerful tool in creating interiors that combine a contemporary atmosphere with timelessness and ease. On the whole, its adaptability, neutrality and ease of application make it a steady option for interiors that will stand the test of time. From inviting living rooms to cosy bedrooms and calm kitchens, the colour is an easy fit in any space in one’s home.

Check out the latest stories on Interior Inspiration