Trends

Mocha Mousse: JJ Acuña’s Hot Take on Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year

Explore this delectable color through the expert lens of the celebrated Hong Kong and Manila-based concept architect and interior designer.

January 9, 2025

Hannah Haber

In a State of In-Betweenness

Mocha Mousse is a warm, earthy, rich, yet mellow shade of brown, imbuing our desire for daily comfort and pleasures. Pantone Color Institute Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman described it as something “sophisticated and lush” but has the ability to be unpretentious and grounded. Its sensorial characteristic and evocative power transports us to a state of blissful contentment and simple joys.

If we’re going to cite the recent 2025 Color of the Year announcements of global paint brands, Mocha Mousse is a very sensible choice. In this line-up, a few neutral and brown shades make the cut. Following that trend, it’s safe to say that there’s enough grounds to pick a hue from that color group.

But the founder and creative director of JJ Acuña / Bespoke Studio revealed that he didn’t see this pick coming at all. As someone fond of primary and secondary hues, Acuña initially thought of Mocha Mousse as “a really ugly color,” evoking a sad and perplexing feeling with a hint of political themes. He further dubbed this unexpected 2025 Color of the Year similar to a state of in-betweenness.

The interior designer additionally explained that standing your ground at this critical time is crucial. And Mocha Mousse alone can’t fully reflect that ideal as it recedes from attention and avoids confronting life.

“I think it’s a weird time in the world—with the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine and the downfall of a regime in Syria. So, it feels like the kind of colour that I feel would be appropriate for 2025 is something that can lift up the energy of the world. But to me, Mocha Mousse is similar to not picking a side. Are we optimistic or pessimistic as a people?,” Acuña expressed.

Mocha Mousse in Every Interior Design Aspect

Even with its cautious stance, Acuña concedes to Mocha Mousse’s innate versatility. As a distinct neutral color embodying richness and depth, this color stands out among other shades of brown. The designer furthermore emphasized that it’s not about bright and flashy gestures. Instead, it inspires care, quiet, and solitude. So, it should be treated with due prudence.

“I think people will be more mindful about their choices. Hopefully, Mocha Mousse will make people slow down and be more intentional about what they collect or acquire for their home and space,” Acuña posited.

The Perfect Interior Styles

Beyond its association with the aromatic and velvety beverage, Acuña sees the 2025 Color of the Year directly related to nature, particularly to earth and sand. He guarantees that any concept celebrating natural materials would go perfectly with this hue. This mainly includes Wabi-Sabi, Scandinavian, Normcore, Rustic, Bohemian, and Coastal interior styles.

Mocha Mousse as a Base Color

Moreover, due to its earthy foundation, Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year also works as a dominant base color, where concepts can take many forms. Acuña advises that the smartest way to begin is by integrating them in materials that usually take the most space in interiors. These are commonly woods, fabrics, and metals.

For metals, in particular, he suggests opting for bronze in case you’ll go for a tonal or monochromatic approach. But he also cautions about utilizing brass and copper as they might compete with Mocha Mousse’s shade.

Building 2025 Color of the Year Palettes

In terms of color combinations, Acuña recommends black as one of the ideal shades to establish a good contrast. Meanwhile, tans, taupes, and beiges with gray undertones might require some finessing as they may or may not generate a visually pleasing result. Creams, cherry and tomato reds, and hunter or any kind of green can complement it well.

Mocha Mousse on Patinated Finishes

Textures also enhance Mocha Mousse’s subtlety. Think of applying it on surfaces with plastering or a lime wash effect. With the finishes’ natural variations combined with the color’s inherent depth, it creates a sense of authenticity and dimension that adds character to the space.

Treatment in Small Amounts

But if you want to use this color in minimal amounts, a curtain or throw pillow accent in linen or natural cotton is a classic choice. It would also look good in anchor pieces such as couches in a brushed velvet or leather.

Designing 2025 with an Intentional Color of the Year

Crafting signature designs through frequent use of wood, Acuña is no stranger to energetically and delicately utilizing brown—including Mocha Mousse. But because it’s a complete shift from the previous bright and lively Pantone Color of the Year, people might view it as dull or understated.

If taken at surface level, it could easily be dismissed as just another shade of brown, overlooking its subtle complexities. Even so, the interior designer hopes that people will take time to appreciate its nuances and encourage a more thoughtful engagement with the color.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the defining characteristic of Mocha Mousse, and why was it chosen?

Mocha Mousse is a warm, rich, and earthy shade of brown that evokes the sensory qualities of chocolate and coffee. According to Pantone, it was selected to reflect a desire for comfort and simple pleasures, offering a grounded and unpretentious aesthetic that contrasts with the high-energy colors of previous years.

What was designer JJ Acuña’s initial reaction to Mocha Mousse?

JJ Acuña initially described the color as a “weird” pick, noting that it felt like a state of “in-betweenness” that avoids taking a clear optimistic or pessimistic stance. He expressed reservations that such a receding hue might not provide the energy needed to uplift the world during turbulent times, though he acknowledges its immense versatility in design.

Which interior design styles pair best with this color?

Because Mocha Mousse is deeply rooted in natural elements like earth and sand, it perfectly complements styles that celebrate raw materials and simplicity. Acuña recommends it for Wabi-Sabi, Scandinavian, Rustic, Bohemian, and Coastal interiors, where it can highlight the beauty of natural textures.

How should Mocha Mousse be applied as a base color in a home?

The most effective way to use it as a base is through large-scale materials like wood, fabric, and specific metals. Acuña advises using bronze for a monochromatic look, as it shares the color’s tonal depth, while cautioning against brass or copper, which may compete with or clash against the specific brown undertones of Mocha Mousse.

What specific colors and textures complement Mocha Mousse?

For striking contrast, Acuña recommends pairing it with black, while cherry reds, creams, and hunter greens serve as excellent complementary accents. Texture-wise, applying the color via patinated finishes like lime wash or plaster adds dimension and authenticity, preventing the shade from looking flat or dull.

The Quiet Power of Everyday Details

Many people only notice good design when it is absent. A faucet that splashes too far, feels awkward in the hand, or sits slightly out of alignment can disrupt a routine in ways that are subtle yet persistent. These are small irritations, but they reveal a larger truth: the objects used every day often have […]

Art Deco: Modernity and Design at the National Museum

Running from November 27, 2025, to May 31, 2026, the exhibition traces how Art Deco moved from global design movement to localized expression through Philippine architecture, furnishings, fashion, and everyday life. The National Museum of Fine Arts’ Art Deco: Modernity and Design in the Philippines 1925-1950 explored the history of the Art Deco style in […]

How Large-Format Tiles Create Seamless and Luxurious Interiors

Flooring can profoundly influence how a space is experienced. Long before furniture and finishes are introduced, the floor establishes a visual field that shapes movement, light, and proportion. This is where large-format tiles are particularly effective. By reducing the number of grout lines across a floor or wall, they create a more continuous surface. The […]

Micaela Benedicto on Designing Homes Built to Last

Since setting up her design firm, MB Architecture Studio, in 2007, Ar. Micaela Benedicto has built a diverse portfolio of architectural projects. Her works, whether residential or commercial, showcase a distinct spatial quality, “I like to create things that can go from something static to something that is alive and reactive,” Benedicto states. “In creating […]

Building Third Spaces: 4 Kapitolyo Cafés as Community Hubs in Pasig

Located in Pasig City, Kapitolyo is a small village that is known for its food and beverage scene. From karinderyas to local bistros, the area is a popular hub for young professionals and families. The cafés in the neighborhood reflect the dynamic community they serve, offering more than just a cup of coffee. What Makes […]