The colour of the year for 2025 is… brown

This time of year sees a flurry of trend forecasts for the next 12 months, with a host of experts weighing in on what shade you’ll want to paint your walls or what colour sofa you might choose to buy.

While some of these predictions seem, at best, tenuous, the one that tends to be the most influential is the Pantone Color Institute’s “colour of the year”, which covers fashion and beauty, as well as architecture and home design. However outlandish it might appear at the time (and it often does), it usually turns out to be uncannily prescient. So it comes as something of a surprise that the shade Pantone’s “global colour experts” have predicted will set the mood for 2025 is one it calls Mocha Mousse. In other words, brown.

It’s not a colour that makes waves or inspires controversy, unlike some previous Pantone predictions. Indeed, the past decade has seen a rash of colours of the year that seemed to get more unlikely each time. Ultra Violet (2018), an extremely strong purple; Illuminating (2021), a bright yellow, and Viva Magenta (2023) all produced perplexed reactions from many within the design industry at the time, but gradually filtered through into the mainstream, appearing in nail bars, knitwear and paint charts alike.

The colour for 2024, Peach Fuzz, will have reminded some of a certain Body Shop shower gel, whose super-sweet fragrance was not evocative of anything remotely chic. However, it has proved a remarkably versatile colour – and the peach-hued ’80s interiors revival is already underway.

But all these were, at least, definite statements, as opposed to brown, which is, by comparison, something of a non-colour. Perhaps this, though, is its secret weapon. Unusually for Pantone’s colour prediction, it is a shade that’s already out there, too. In fact, The Telegraph’s fashion editors have already flagged brown as a hot colour for this season, due to its universally flattering effect; likewise, it’s easy to imagine it featuring in your home (if it doesn’t already).

The Pantone Color Institute’s executive director, Leatrice Eiseman, describes Mocha Mousse as “sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic”, which is “infused with subtle elegance and earthy refinement”.

While deep browns have already been on the rise in furniture thanks to the trend for warm, neutral colours in place of cold grey, what some might struggle with is its drab, somewhat dowdy reputation. Eiseman claims it is “aspirational and luxe”, but it’s a colour that isn’t always associated with glamour and sophistication.

Sophie Baker, senior designer at Soho House, agrees that brown is having a moment: “It’s a new way of doing a neutral,” she says. “Neutrals [have gotten] so washed-out over the years; chocolate brown is a whole new take on it. It’s really elegant – it reminds me of fur coats in the ’90s and that whole era of fashion. It lost its coolness, but now it’s had this resurgence. I don’t think it’s too trendy either – it’s such a classic colour, I don’t think it will ever date; it’s just been rediscovered.”

As with so many things, the name of the colour is key: Mocha Mousse conjures up images of an indulgent dessert. Rebrand plain old brown as caramel, cocoa or truffle and it instantly feels more appealing.

The question, for those not entirely on board with the look, is how to do it in a way that doesn’t make your house look dated, stuffy, or like a 1970s throwback (unless, of course, that is your thing).

This time around, the way to make chocolate brown look sophisticated, rather than boring, is to consider what you mix it with.

Think texture

“I’ve been using brown in slightly different applications, which I think gives it that modern edge,” says Baker. “Lately, we’ve been using it in lacquer form on architectural elements and it gives such a rich darkness to a space that’s super-modern. In upholstery, in a deep velvet or mohair, it makes a room feel like a jewel box. In a silk or a lacquer or a textured paint, it’s very striking and very modern.” She also advises adding elements of modern materials, such as brass, “which will really elevate and lift it”.

Designer Laura Hammett agrees that brown can be “a versatile colour that exudes warmth and sophistication” when used thoughtfully. “To avoid a retro ’70s aesthetic, it’s essential to focus on texture and balance,” she advises. “Pair rich chocolate tones with lighter neutrals, like warm whites or taupes, to create contrast and keep the look fresh. Incorporating materials such as marble or leather also adds depth.”

Team with fresh colours and on-trend patterns

Designer Sheila El-Hadery of Th2 Designs acknowledges that brown evokes a Marmite response. “The Victorians loved brown as they explored the ability to use paints and loved its natural earthy element,” she says, “but, unfortunately, this may have given the colour its drab association.” Her advice is to mix it with cream and softer colours, such as pale blue or pink, to keep it looking current.

“When you pair deep brown with lighter colours it gives it that really elegant, nutty palette,” says Baker. “I think you want to go tone on tone, and pair it with taupes and mushrooms that are within the same palette, so you get that warm, autumnal feeling. Putting it next to a taupe or a nude works, but it’s also really nice against black.”

“I love brown – it’s the colour of antiques, my favourite type of furniture,” says interior designer Henriette von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors. “I always enjoy integrating complementary colours, like those found in tapestries and antique fabrics, which help soften and enrich the overall palette.”

As for pattern, mixing a brown wall or sofa with a dash of leopard print on a cushion or accessory will help to bring it up to date. A brown-toned gingham or stripe will give a more earthy, rustic look.

Use natural materials

Layering is also key, believes Hammett. “Introduce chocolate brown in a few different elements, such as an armchair, a cabinet or accessories like throws and cushions,” she says. “Balance these with natural textures to maintain a sense of modernity.”

Paints to try

Several paint companies are already ahead of this trend – Graham & Brown has named its own colour of the year for 2025 as Elderton, which it describes as a timeless shade inspired by nature (specifically, the colours of the leaves of an Elder tree). Another British paint brand, Little Greene, released a palette of colours last year called Sweet Treats, with delicious-sounding shades straight from the patisserie or gelato bar, including Affogato, Mochi and Ganache – again, so much more appealing-sounding than mere brown, and further evidence of this previously dated shade having had a thoroughly modern rebrand.