Color Connection: Dunn-Edwards Caramelized and Pantone’s Mocha Mousse

Pantone released their highly anticipated 2025 Color of the Year, and we had to do a double take. Pantone's 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse (17-1230), shares striking similarities with Caramelized (DET687), Dunn-Edwards 2025 Color of the Year.

As we prepare to step into 2025, these two soft brown shades capture the essence of the year ahead. At their core, both hues are warm, grounded tones that nod to the global societal shift toward tranquility and a deeper connection to nature.

Mocha Mousse vs. Caramelized

Pantone's Mocha Mousse is a rich, warm brown that represents relaxation and serenity. In their 2025 Color of the Year announcement, Pantone described the hue as "a mellow brown infused with a sensorial and comforting warmth." Their team of color experts conducted research that led them to the growing desire for peace in a post-pandemic world and the connection that people feel to nature and its colors. Mocha Mousse isn't a fleeting trend; it's a timeless, inviting shade.

Image Courtesy of Pantone

Similarly, Dunn-Edwards Color of the Year, Caramelized, is a warm terracotta brown, reminiscent of sunbaked clay. This earthy hue not only captures the same sense of warmth and comfort as Mocha Mousse but also represents nature's beauty. Caramelized speaks to the soft, grounded tones of natural landscapes. Our Lead Color Expert, Lauren Hoferkamp, says, "Caramelized emerged as a clear representation of the new year—an effortlessly versatile hue that pairs well with various styles, from vintage-inspired interiors to contemporary spaces."

Nature's Influence

It's clear that both Caramelized and Mocha Mousse tap into the world of nature. Consumers across the globe are increasingly seeking colors derived from the earth, from sunbaked terracotta to rich browns.

Image Courtesy of Pantone

In a world where technology and fast-paced lifestyles take precedence in society and in the media, both Pantone and Dunn-Edwards recognize the importance of welcoming color schemes that offer serenity. Caramelized, with its soft, earthy feel, and Mocha Mousse, with its comforting warmth, both serve as a balance to the chaos that occurs in modern life.

For those drawn to Mocha Mousse's inviting warmth and looking to bring that feeling into their homes with a paint color, Dunn-Edwards Caramelized offers a similarly comforting, versatile hue. Whether an interior or exterior project, consider bringing Caramelized into your home with Dunn-Edwards Paints to create a sense of nature and tranquility. Embrace the timeless appeal of these natural tones to transform your home into a soothing sanctuary.