Pantone has revealed its Color of the Year for 2025: PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warm, sophisticated brown that radiates grounded elegance. This versatile color offers endless possibilities for print designers looking to create captivating branding, marketing materials, and more. Mocha Mousse isn’t just a shade; it’s a canvas for creativity that invites emotional connections and makes a lasting impact.
The Emotional Power of Color
Color is one of the most powerful tools in print design, capable of evoking emotions, shaping perceptions, and influencing decisions. It creates an immediate connection between the audience and the design, often conveying messages more effectively than words alone. Warm tones like reds and oranges ignite energy and passion, while cooler hues like blues and greens instill calm and trust.
Rich neutrals, such as Mocha Mousse, evoke feelings of warmth, stability, and authenticity. By thoughtfully selecting colors that align with the intended mood and message, designers can create print pieces that not only capture attention but also resonate deeply with audiences, leaving a lasting impression.
Incorporating Pantone’s COY into Your Next Design Projects
- Branding and Identity
Mocha Mousse works beautifully in logos and corporate identity systems. Use it as a core brand color for companies wanting to convey sophistication, or as an accent shade to complement brighter or cooler tones. Paired with greens, terracottas, or soft blues, it adds depth and balance to visual identities. - Signage and Wayfinding
This rich brown can serve as a sophisticated background color for signage, especially when paired with crisp white or metallic lettering. It creates an inviting, polished look that’s perfect for wellness clinics, cafes, or professional offices. - Mailing and Packaging
Mocha Mousse can bring a premium feel to direct mail and packaging. Think elegant envelopes or boxes paired with soft creams or gold foils for a luxurious touch. For eco-conscious brands, combine it with natural textures like kraft paper to emphasize sustainability while maintaining a modern aesthetic. - Corporate Apparel and Merchandise
This warm brown complements a wide range of skin tones, making it a perfect choice for corporate uniforms or promotional wear. Pair it with lighter tones like beige or cream for a refined, monochromatic look, or with pops of brighter colors for a fresh twist on branded merchandise. - Event Materials
From invitations to programs, a neutral palette adds sophistication to event collateral. Use it for weddings, conferences, or galas by pairing it with metallics, such as rose gold or copper, for an upscale vibe. - Posters and Large-Format Printing
Mocha Mousse can create bold, impactful posters, particularly when paired with complementary colors from Pantone’s suggested palettes. Add layers of typography or textures to maximize its visual appeal. - Point-of-Sale Displays
This versatile color is perfect for highlighting products, offering a sense of reliability, comfort and warmth to consumers. Pair Mocha Mousse with lighter pastels for spring collections or darker jewel tones for fall displays.
Versatility in Color Palettes
In Pantone’s five newly created color palettes, Mocha Mousse thrives as a foundational hue, making it an ideal addition to a designer’s toolkit. For example:
- Bold Pairings: Combine Mocha Mousse with bright oranges, reds, or yellows for high-energy designs that still feel grounded.
- Soothing Combinations: Pair it with soft, muted tones like sage green, pale lavender, or dusty rose for calm, balanced designs.
- Elegant Contrasts: Use Mocha Mousse with metallics like gold, bronze, or silver for a luxurious effect.
- Nature-Inspired Blends: Match it with mossy greens and deep blues to create organic, earthy aesthetics.
Color is more than a design element—it’s a storytelling tool. Whether you’re reimagining a modern brand, creating impactful signage, or adding a touch of sophistication to event materials, a palette of evocative hues provide a foundation for connection.
Are you ready to embrace the power of color in your designs? Start experimenting and let Mocha Mousse inspire your creativity. Tag B&B Print Source on Instagram, Facebook etc. and show us what brown is doing for you.