Pantone, the global authority on colour, have chosen ‘Mocha Mousse’ as their Colour of the Year for 2025. I am not surprised as it is trending in fashion and interiors worldwide, NZ included.
This isn’t just any brown; as it’s been described as an “unpretentious classic”. It’s a sophisticated, rich, warming shade that feels like a hug in a colour.
For Pantone to choose a brown for the first time in their 25-year history is a pretty big deal. As Harper’s Bazaar Australia notes, this trend reflects a deeper cultural desire for authenticity and timeless elegance. Hailed as the versatile, trendy alternative to black, it’s a vibe I’m already living and loving, and so is the rest of NZ, it seems.
My sneaker collection for summer 25/26 was fully inspired by this look too (had to pop them into our NZ mood board above) . I’ve also relegated my grey and black clothing to the back of my wardrobe unless they play well with my browns and mochas.
This trend isn’t limited to a fashion. The interior design world is embracing this earthy elegance. You can see it in head-to-toe tonal looks, or paired with gorgeous pastels like powder pink or butter yellow, as noted by House Beautiful UK.
I recently painted my kitchen bar in the beautiful Resene ‘Millbrook’, a complex and light brown beige that captures this exact mood.
So how does this trend extend to our New Zealand outdoor aesthetic? We’re all about blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living, and ‘Mocha Mousse’ is a colour that truly feels at home in our landscape. We’re moving towards warmth, texture, and a connection to the natural world.
This is why I am here to celebrate our beautiful Agora Coco fabric. This isn’t just a shade of brown; it’s the perfect embodiment of the ‘Mocha Mousse’ trend. It’s a rich, deep brown that looks absolutely stunning on our outdoor lounge suites. This tone pairs beautifully with our white and our bone-coloured lounge suite frames, creating a fresh, modern contrast that still feels warm and inviting.
These accents can be layered with complementary colours such as cream, taupe, or even muted blush tones for a sophisticated yet inviting look.
To add to that textural, warm vibe, I’ve curated a range of throw cushions in these gorgeous warm tones.
Layering them on our outdoor sofas adds depth and comfort, turning any deck or patio into a stylish extension of your home. It’s a simple way to update your outdoor space and make it feel incredibly inviting for the upcoming season. These outdoor throw cushions aren’t online- you’ll need to pop in and see them for yourself.
Link to love! You can check out our Agora Coco fabric featured on our Happy Hour Range here.
This ‘Mocha Mousse’ moment is all about creating spaces and lives that feel comfortable, authentic, and beautiful. I’m excited to see how you incorporate this gorgeous colour into your own homes and outdoor sanctuaries for this summer season and for many years to come.
Kerry is the co-owner of Outside Space NZ, offering a range of contemporary outdoor furniture for coastal living kiwis seeking premium quality products and design at achievable prices.
