Scientists claim that our perception of color is affected by our individual physiology as well as our cultural upbringing. We can all agree that sometimes “we see what we want to see.” Or worse, we don’t see what we do not want to see.
Such is the case with Pantone’s choice for 2025. As the self-proclaimed global curators of color, Pantone traditionally uses their choice of Color of the Year to express trends in fashion and interior design. But this year, they are reaching farther. This year’s choice captures “a Global Mood of Connection, Comfort, and Harmony” that is more magical thinking than measurable mood.
For 2025, the Pantone Color Institute selected PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort.
Perhaps this choco-licious choice is meant to sooth our frazzled nerves after a divisive couple of years. Pantone’s choices may be closer to the color we need to see and not the colors we are actually seeing. Their aggressive choice for 2019 (PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral) was prescient given that year was the birth of COVID-19. They compensated nicely in 2020 with the safe and soothing PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue. If that is the case, then, yes, I am all-in for a year of Mocha Mousse. It may not help my waistline. But it certainly soothes my soul.
To read all about it, visit Pantone’s site.