In 2025, the world of kitchen interiors is embracing a rich palette of colours that blend warmth, vibrancy, and elegance.
Darren Watts, Showroom Design Director at Wren Kitchens, shares his kitchen ideas for incorporating Pantone’s and Dulux’s Colours of the Year, making it a stylish and inviting space in your home.
Pantone Colour of the Year: Mocha Mousse
For neutral lovers, Mocha Mousse is described as, “a flavourful brown shade” that nurtures with its sensorial warmth. This trend-led neutral is ideal for creating a cosy yet sophisticated kitchen environment.
Darren shares, “As we move away from light grey and beige kitchens, 2025 will see earthy tones like Mocha Mousse take centre stage in cabinetry, backsplashes, and seating.
Earth tones are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of textures and finishes, such as Japandi-style wood grains or sleek, contemporary materials.”
Backsplashes.
Darren elaborates, “For backsplashes, using Tek walls or thin wooden panelling in a Mocha Mousse shade can beautifully mimic natural wood grains. These options bring a warm, organic touch to traditional kitchens with shaker cabinetry and add texture to sleek, handleless designs.”
Cabinetry.
Cabinetry in Mocha Mousse creates a moody, sultry aesthetic that feels sophisticated yet inviting. “For those looking to brighten their space, pairing mocha cabinetry with off-white sinks, backsplashes, or worktops strikes the perfect balance of depth and light,” says Darren.
Subtle touches.
Darren adds, “If you prefer more subtle touches, you can introduce mocha tones through statement lampshades, bar stools, or dining furniture. Another trend to consider is incorporating Mocha Mousse through open shelving, which provides functional yet stylish kitchen storage. Thoughtfully designed open shelving allows homeowners to showcase curated kitchenware while adding visual interest to the space.”
Dulux Colour of the Year: True Joy
True Joy, an uplifting yellow, brings a burst of creative energy, optimism, and pride to interior spaces. Perfect as a statement colour or an accent, True Joy complements maximalist design trends, which embrace bold patterns, eclectic prints, and vibrant textures.
“Yellow is one of the most visible colours in daylight and has a unique ability to brighten and energise any room,” says Watts. “It’s light-reflecting properties make it particularly effective in small or dimly lit spaces, and its appetite-stimulating qualities are ideal for kitchens.”
Pairing with neutrals.
As true Joy is a bold colour, Darren suggests to pair with neutral colours, such as grey, brown, or white shades to make it more palatable within the home.
Grey.
“When paired with grey, yellow cabinetry combined with grey granite countertops creates a striking balance of boldness and elegance. This pairing exudes sophistication while remaining warm and inviting,” says Darren.
Browns.
“If you lean toward natural elements, yellow cabinetry works wonderfully with timber worktops, complemented by soft furnishings like jute placemats and linen napkins. These textures temper yellow’s vibrancy, creating a harmonious and balanced kitchen environment.”
White.
“For a more contemporary feel, white accents are an excellent choice to neutralise the intensity of yellow while preserving its brightness. A crisp, white tiled backsplash alongside yellow cabinetry can offer a fresh and modern aesthetic. Alternatively, yellow and white bar stools can lend a cheerful yet polished look to your kitchen.”
For more inspiration, visit Wren Kitchens kitchen design page.