Pantone Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse
Each year, the Pantone Color Institute selects a Color of the Year, an annual tradition that dates back to 2000. This announcement is more than just a hue—it’s a reflection of trends in design, culture, and emotions. Designers, artists, and creatives worldwide eagerly anticipate this reveal, as it often shapes palettes and design choices across industries.
For 2024, Pantone has unveiled Mocha Mousse, a rich, warm brown with inviting undertones. According to Pantone, this color was selected for its ability to evoke warmth, comfort, and timeless sophistication. They describe it as “a grounding color that connects us to nature and offers a sense of stability in an ever-changing world.” It’s a versatile shade, equally at home in fashion, interiors, and branding.
As an artist and surface pattern designer, I had my own thoughts when I first saw the color:
1. My Initial Reaction: Brown?! Really?
When I first saw Mocha Mousse, my reaction was, “Brown! You have to be kidding me.” But then, as I studied the shade more closely, I began to appreciate its depth and warmth. This isn’t just any brown—it’s a luxurious, velvety tone that’s perfect for cozy, comforting aesthetics. I can already imagine it in cozy sweaters, scarves, or blankets, as well as high-end cosmetics packaging and the supple leather of luxury handbags. Mocha Mousse may be subtle, but it makes a statement when used in the right context.
2. The Emotional Power of Color
Colors aren’t just visual—they’re emotional. Mocha Mousse, with its earthy warmth, feels grounding and secure. It’s the kind of color that whispers calm and invites you to stay awhile. Browns are often associated with dependability and resilience, qualities that resonate in today’s fast-paced world. Mocha Mousse goes further, adding a touch of elegance to these dependable traits, making it an ideal choice for spaces or products meant to comfort and uplift.
3. Mocca Mousse in My Designs
I couldn’t resist experimenting with Mocha Mousse in my own designs. I recolored three of my patterns using this warm, grounding shade, and I’d love to know what you think! The color brought a sense of understated sophistication and depth to each piece, transforming the feel of the designs completely. Here’s a sneak peek:
Pattern 1: A menswear design where the motifs are very small and I included a soft blue.
Pattern 2: My lantern design - I included a darker shade of blue for contrast and lightened the mocha.
Pattern 3: A mirrored floral design in just two colors: mocha mousse and a soft off-white.
What Do You Think of Mocca Mousse?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Pantone’s Color of the Year. Does it inspire you? Where would you use it—in fashion, interiors, or art? Share your thoughts with me this Wednesday at noon pacific / 3pm eastern on my Facebook business page: Anne LaFollette Art and on my YouTube channel.
I can’t wait to see you there.
xo,
Anne
P.S. My 3-day LIVE Virtual Event: The Creative Business Blueprint starts on Dec 12th. Learn more and grab your ticket HERE.
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MEET ANNE
Hi…I’m Anne!
My creative inspiration comes from a lifetime of observation. I grew up in Paris on the Place St. Sulpice and walked to school through the Luxembourg gardens. And that was only the beginning… Learn more by watching the video on my About page.
