It’s official—chocolate brown is the shade of the moment. The rich, decadent sister of Pantone colour of the year 2025, Mocha Mousse, it’s a hue that speaks to comfort, nostalgia, and quiet luxury. Once the darling of 70s interiors, the shade is back with a vengeance, lending its moody depth to contemporary spaces. It’s a reaction against the stark minimalism of recent years, a shift towards warmth, tactility, and indulgence. Brown, in all its variations, is painting a new vision of modern interiors—one that feels grounded yet sophisticated.

We’re seeing it everywhere: espresso walls enveloping boutique hotel lobbies, caramel-toned sofas that beckon you to sink in, and lacquered walnut dining tables anchoring monochrome spaces. Even kitchens are embracing the depth of the shade, with dark wood cabinetry, matte ceramic dinnerware in shades of coffee and cacao, and bronze hardware that glows under soft lighting. Designers are leaning into the hue’s versatility, layering textures—velvet, leather, and polished timber—to create spaces that feel both intimate and refined.

Of course, brown has never truly disappeared. It dominated the bohemian interiors of the late 60s and 70s, appearing in shag rugs, rattan furniture, and plush velour seating. In the maximalist 90s, it was paired with deep jewel tones and heavy drapery. Now, its return feels fresh, reimagined through sculptural furniture, organic ceramics, and burnished metal finishes.

This latest iteration leans into the sensuality of the shade. Think Ellison Studios' modular Float sofa in a chocolatey hue or the warm, earthen finish of Kaneko Kohyo’s ceramic bowls. Below, we’ve rounded up the best pieces to bring the trend home—whether it’s a coffee-hued rug, a hand-thrown jug, or Tom Ford’s decadent Ébène Fumé candle, these are the pieces defining the season.

ELLISON STUDIOS Float 3 Piece Modular Sofa

KANEKO KOHYO Giyaman Urushi Ceramic Serving Bowl

FLEUR STUDIOS Beau Walnut Side Table

YURO CUCHOR Zuza Ceramic Jug in Chocolate Brown

ARMADILLO Eden Rug in Chestnut

OUR PLACE Cookware Duo in Espresso

HKLIVING Ceramic Vase in Coffee

FERM LIVING Pebble Grinder, Dark Brown

THE CONRAN SHOP Brown Luna Dipping Bowl Set, 4 pcs

TOM FORD Ébène Fumé Candle

Feature image: one, two.