As soon as Pantone announced Mocha Mousse as the color of the year for 2025, ideas began to flow about how we could incorporate this hue into our interiors. Its warm, rich undertones are all about savoring the moments that make you feel good, and where better to indulge in delicious design than in the kitchen?
Aurora Espinoza, interior designer at Nobilia North America/Kutchenhaus USA, says: “As the trend for natural tones continues to grow, mocha could well become the dominant design color in the coming year.” As for why it would work particularly well in kitchens, she adds: “Its Soft tones have the ability to soften the harshness of materials such as stainless steel, creating a cozier atmosphere.”
Kitchen color trends are currently shifting from cool, open spaces to something more intimate and inviting – a more accurate representation of the space that is the heart of the home. Could this cozy chocolate brown be the next big trend in kitchen design? Let's discuss.
Why use mocha mousse in the kitchen?
Aurora Espinoza of Nobilia North America tells us: “With its combination of soft browns and grays, Mocha Mousse is a color deeply connected to the earth and nature, making it an ideal choice for creating warm and sophisticated environments .”
Nina Lichtenstein, interior designer at Nina's Home Design, says the announcement of the 2025 Pantone Color of the Year immediately made her excited about how she might incorporate the hue into the design world. Nina, who is known for her warm, inviting designs, says: “This rich neutral strikes the perfect balance between grounding and inviting, making it an instant contender for the next big color trend in the kitchen. It's extremely versatile and its earthy warmth creates a cozy atmosphere.” While this shade maintains an elegant edge unlike cooler neutrals, it adds depth without appearing sterile, making it ideal for spaces where people gather, cook and Establish contacts.
From contemporary and minimalist interior design concepts to more rustic farmhouse styles, Mocha Mousse's neutral nature means it can be easily combined with different colors and materials, making it a timeless option for the kitchen. Now all you have to do is plan how to create this shade in your space.
Buy Mocha Mousse Colors
Price: $5.95 (peel and stick sample)
Price: $5.95 (peel and stick sample)
How to style mocha mousse in the kitchen
(Image credit: Haris Kenjar, Heidi Caillier Designs)
It's no secret that brown is a classic neutral that's making a big comeback this year with the resurgence of '70s designs and nostalgic themes. However, it's Mocha Mousse's chocolate and taupe undertones that make it blend so beautifully with a variety of materials. From light and dark woods and stone countertops to brass and black hardware, the shade offers endless styling possibilities.
However, Nina warns that “its strength lies in balance. Too much of it could overwhelm smaller or darker spaces, so the key is to incorporate it wisely.”
“For a bold, modern look, use mocha mousse on lower cabinets, paired with off-white or soft beige upper cabinets to make the room feel bright and open. You can also color-infuse a breakfast nook or pantry by mixing walls, trim, and cabinets. “This lush tone creates a cocoon-like effect,” suggests Nina.
Love the color but want to find a way to buck the trend? Try mocha mousse as an accent—paint a kitchen island, backsplash, or even interior shelves this warm hue. Aurora adds: “A great way to incorporate it into the kitchen is with the cabinets. In combination with light worktops, a perfect balance of brightness and depth is created. Mocha mousse can also be applied to the walls to add warmth to the kitchen space, especially on an accent wall behind the kitchen island or sink area. From there, the colors that go with brown are endless.
Once again it's all about balance. You can complement the room with natural tones such as wood, green or cream to prevent the room from looking too dark, creating a balanced and harmonious contrast. “Pair it with natural materials like butcher block countertops, rattan bar stools, or matte stoneware dinnerware to highlight its organic charm,” says Nina.
Shop the look
Ludlow Lauren Ralph Striped Rug
Price: $323 (5' x 8'), Was: $462
Material: Flatwoven cotton
Rugs bring warmth to any room and this mocha mousse-inspired stripe is a stylish way to incorporate the new color of the year. Rugs can be an expensive purchase, so it's always worth snapping up a style that's on sale. Wayfair has a few different sizes of this rug in stock, so grab a deal while you can!
Munro chair made of woven leather and solid wood
Price: $215.61, Was: $254.57
Color: Walnut/Cognac
When I saw these dining chairs at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, I immediately thought of Mocha Mousse. They capture the warmth of the color perfectly and the mix of woven leather and wood creates such a chic texture. They come fully assembled and let's face it: everyone loves a dining chair with armrests.
Acacia wood bowl – Threshold™
Price: $25
Size: 10″ B
Decorative pieces are the easiest way to try out a new trend. A decorative bowl or tray is one of my favorite ways to decorate because it is both stylish and practical. Use it in your kitchen as a catchall or fill it with flowers and fruits for a festive decorating moment.
How will you bring mocha mousse into your kitchen this year?