Pantone have announced their much-awaited Colour of the Year for 2025 and it’s… Mocha Mousse. The official line is that this is “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.” However, a quick poll on our Instagram Stories suggests people aren’t very impressed. ChatGPT gave it a roasting too: “Mocha Mousse looks like the leftover latte you forgot about and then microwaved, hoping it would somehow come back to life. But no, it’s just… there.”
Whether you love its understated charm or find it a little… safe, there’s no denying that this lovechild of brown and beige is super versatile in both your home and wardrobe. We think Mocha Mousse can be a great staple neutral, with more warmth than some of its less saturated buff-hued cousins. Scroll down to the end to read our full take.
To help you embrace this cosy tone, we’ve curated a Folksy gift guide featuring hand-crafted pieces and original art in the Mocha Mousse colour palette.
1. Handcrafted Ceramic Mugs – Perfect for Your Morning Brew
Mocha Mousse isn’t just a colour for walls or furniture: it’s the perfect shade to cosy up with your favourite beverage. Potters have long known how to create pieces that feel as comforting to use as they are functional. Look for stoneware or earthenware mugs with soft, earthy tones that reflect the warmth of Mocha Mousse. Hand-glazed ceramics with subtle texture or an speckled effect – think tones between deep brown to creamy beige – capture the essence of this colour in a more tactile way.
Gift Idea: A rustic, hand-thrown mug featuring a unique glaze can turn your morning coffee ritual into a moment of mindfulness. Pair it with a bag of small bag of gourmet Fairtrade coffee to make the perfect gift for that friend who appreciates life’s simple pleasures.
Shop Handmade Cups & Mugs on Folksy
2. Art Prints – Bring Mocha Mousse to Life on Canvas
For those who want to embrace Mocha Mousse on their walls, look no further than original art and prints. Choose a piece in pale earthy tones, find an abstract interpretation in mocha shades or a landscape in terracotta tones – or take it literally and go for an artwork that celebrates your love of coffee.
Gift Idea: If you have a coffee lover in your life, a print that nods to their caffeine habits could be just the ticket.
Original Art and Prints on Folksy
3. Soft Wool Shawls, Wraps & Ponchos – Wrap Up in Warmth
There’s no better way to embrace the warm, comforting tones of Mocha Mousse than with a hand-woven wool shawl, wrap or poncho. Perfect for wrapping up in on chilly days, a poncho in a deep mocha or lighter taupe provides both comfort and style. Hand-woven textures can add dimension to the soft brown tones, making them feel even more inviting.
Gift Idea: A handwoven wool poncho with a mix of warm browns, creams and muted golds will give you an instant snug-as-a-bug feeling. Look for knits and woven shawls made by skilled crafters, ensuring you’re supporting independent makers with every cosy.
Shop Handmade Shawls, Wraps & Ponchos
4. Leather Goods – Sophisticated Yet Practical
A beautifully crafted leather item is always a good investment. The rich, warm brown of a leather bag or wallet naturally complements almost any outfit, and also makes a luxurious and practical gift option too.
Gift Idea: Consider a hand-stitched leather bag in a rich mocha brown. The craftsmanship will be exquisite and it will only get better with age.
More Handmade Leather Goods on Folksy
5. Handmade Knitwear – Cosy Up with Comfort
Knitwear is the epitome of cosy and with Mocha Mousse’s warm, inviting tones, it’s the ideal colour for a hand-knitted scarf, hat or sweater. A piece made from natural fibres like merino wool or alpaca adds both softness and durability, making it a thoughtful and lasting gift.
Gift Idea: A pair of hand-knitted mittens can become your go-to accessory for cold days. Pair them with a matching hat for a functional, colour-coordinated gift set that will bring them stylish and snug vibes all winter long.
6. Handmade Jewellery – Accessorise with Natural Tones
Whether it’s polished gemstones in shades of brown and amber, or more unusual hand-crafted leather pieces, jewellery comes in a whole range of Mocha Mousse hues. Look for handmade earrings, necklaces or bracelets featuring natural materials like wood, or ceramic beads in warm mocha tones.
Gift Idea: For a really original, statement-making gift, seek out a hand-crafted ring with inlaid stones in deep browns or smoky quartz. Or go for a mocha-hued pendant on a gold or brass chain to suit their style.
Shop Handmade Jewellery on Folksy
7. Macramé Wall Hangings – A Nod to Earthy Boho Chic
Macramé wall hangings are a timeless way to add texture and warmth to any space, and their Seventies vibe is a perfect match for Mocha Mousse’s earthy roots. Whether it’s a large, statement piece or smaller and more delicate, a handmade wall hanging can transform a room from drab to fab in a flash.
Gift Idea: Choose a macramé wall hanging featuring a mix of mocha and beige tones and natural fibres for a boho-chic look.
Shop Macramé Wall Hangings on Folksy
8. Wooden Art Pieces – Natural Beauty for the Home
Hand-carved wooden objects bring an earthy, grounded feel to any space. Think candle holders, wooden sculptures and turned wood bowls that highlight the natural wood grain.
Gift Idea: A hand-turned wooden bowl in a rich walnut or mocha-coloured stain makes a beautiful and practical present – perfect for holding anything from fruit to jewellery… or even a handful of specially selected coffee beans for the full mocha experience.
The Folksy Take on Mocha Mousse
While Mocha Mousse may not have the bold vibrancy or excitement of some of the past Pantone colours – and at first glance feels inoffensive verging on uninspiring – in terms of usability, it’s probably one of the colours that will fit most naturally into everyone’s home. For crafters and anyone interested in sustainability, there’s also lots to love about this colour being the centre of attention, as it throws the spotlight on natural materials, like undyed yarn, stoneware, terracotta, wood and leather. Plus it’s the colour of meerkats, deer and cuddly bunnies.
We think it could grow on us. 🤎
