Styling Hardware with 2025’s Pantone Colour of the Year: Mocha Mousse

Warm, grounded, and quietly luxurious—Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2025, marks a rich departure from cooler neutrals. This velvety cocoa-inspired hue wraps interiors in a sense of softness and sophistication, balancing timeless comfort with modern refinement.

While a strong colour like Mocha Mousse anchors the palette, it’s the smaller, thoughtful details—like cabinetry hardware—that complete the story. “Hardware isn’t just functional,” says Rosanne Spagnolo, interior designer and Castella hardware specialist. “It’s where form meets personality, adding that final, intentional layer to tie a design together.”

From finishes that deepen its warmth to textures that introduce dimension, the right hardware can elevate Mocha Mousse to its full potential. Here’s how to pair this versatile shade with hardware that inspires interiors both modern and enduring.

Warm Metallics: Quiet Luxury Meets Timeless Appeal

Warm metallic finishes—like aged brass, brushed gold, and oil-rubbed bronze—perfectly complement Mocha Mousse’s golden undertones. They amplify the colour’s warmth and richness, creating a palette that feels cohesive, sophisticated, and effortlessly luxurious.

“When you’re working with a colour as rich as Mocha Mousse, warm metals are a natural choice,” Rosanne shares. “Aged brass and brushed gold work beautifully for clients who want to lean into a classic, refined aesthetic without it feeling too formal.”

Pairing aged brass bar pulls with timber cabinetry or brushed gold knobs on a Mocha Mousse island can introduce subtle glamour while maintaining balance and warmth.

Textured Finishes: Adding Depth and Artisanal Character

Hardware with texture—like hammered brass, ribbed details, or sand-cast finishes—introduces a handcrafted quality that pairs beautifully with Mocha Mousse’s soft, grounded appeal. These finishes celebrate imperfection, adding dimension and a sense of artistry to cabinetry and furniture.

“Textured hardware feels authentic and tactile, which complements Mocha Mousse’s natural warmth,” says Rosanne. “It’s perfect for spaces where you want hardware to tell a story, rather than just blend in.”

For a timeless pairing, sand-cast bronze pulls or hammered brass knobs can transform a simple cabinet into a statement piece.

Polished Chrome and Nickel: A Crisp, Modern Contrast

For spaces with a contemporary edge, polished chrome and nickel finishes provide a striking contrast against Mocha Mousse. Their reflective surfaces add energy and light, offering a crisp, tailored aesthetic that feels clean and modern.

“Cooler finishes like polished nickel are ideal when you want to sharpen the edges of a warmer palette,” Rosanne explains. “They bring balance and clarity, which works especially well in modern kitchens or bathrooms.”

Sleek chrome T-bar handles or polished nickel pulls can elevate cabinetry, creating a refined, modern interplay of colour and shine.

Natural Timber: Organic Warmth and Earthy Harmony

Mocha Mousse is inherently connected to nature, and natural timber hardware enhances this organic sensibility. From pale Tasmanian oak to rich walnut, timber handles and pulls seamlessly bridge the gap between colour, materiality, and texture.

“Natural timber handles pair beautifully with Mocha Mousse, offering a soft, organic touch,” Rosanne says. “It’s a pairing that feels fresh, timeless, and completely effortless.”

Light timber handles lend a Scandinavian simplicity to cabinetry, while dark-stained timber introduces contrast and a touch of depth. Both options embrace the calming influence of nature within interior design.

Matt Black: Sophistication with a Modern Edge

Matt black hardware provides a sleek, sculptural contrast to Mocha Mousse’s softness, adding drama without overwhelming the palette. The matte finish absorbs light rather than reflecting it, creating a grounded, architectural statement.

“Matt black is a go-to when you want hardware to add definition without stealing focus,” Rosanne advises. “It’s modern and bold, but still understated enough to let the rest of the design shine.”

Lip pulls or bar handles in matt black can highlight clean lines and offer balance in spaces that lean minimalist or monochromatic.

Muted Gunmetal: Tonal and Subtle

For a quieter, more tonal option, muted gunmetal and pewter finishes pair beautifully with Mocha Mousse. These understated greys add depth and sophistication, enhancing the warmth of the palette while maintaining a sense of restraint.

“Gunmetal is perfect when you want subtlety,” Rosanne shares. “It softens the look while still adding a modern edge. It’s a finish that works particularly well in home offices and built-in cabinetry.”

Mocha Mousse’s grounded, versatile nature makes it a natural canvas for creative design. With the right hardware—be it the artisanal textures of sand-cast bronze, the elegance of brushed gold, or the quiet sophistication of gunmetal—this trending hue becomes a foundation for spaces that are enduring, luxurious, and beautifully intentional.

As Rosanne puts it, “When the colour and the details align, that’s when a space really comes to life.”