In my chocolate-brown era

Posted on February 17, 2026
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My hair, eyes, and skin are brown, so to be fair, my whole life feels like my chocolate-brown era. However, the worlds of interior design and fashion are embracing chocolate-brown as a new neutral for the first time in a long while.

Design has been dominated by grey for some time now. Chances are you drive a grey car, wear charcoal grey suits to important meetings, and if you’ve purchased a brand-new apartment, the decorators probably played it safe with grey tiles and a light shade of grey on the walls. Even celebs stayed in the colourway, wearing black and white to the Grammy Awards this year.

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While fifty shades of grey offered a great deal of cool and classy looks to elevate the everyday, the pendulum finally seems to be swinging the other way. Social media feeds have been warming up with natural-nude shades; cosy-coffee colours; and now, rich, decadent, dark chocolate brown.

Pantone

Pantone, the international colour trend forecaster, made the move official by favouring a shade they dubbed Mocha Mousse in 2025. Of course, with the upper echelons of the design world now in their winter, dark chocolate brown is centre stage.

Trend

South African retailers offer everything from chocolate-coloured bags and shoes to chic office wear. The current trend leans toward a deep, rich shade of brown, heavily relying on textures. Think velvet dining chairs, leather couches, satin slip dresses, and suede high heels.

Anchor

Brown is a tried-and-tested neutral. Our grandmothers carpeted their entire homes in this colour, so if you’re looking to incorporate it into your living space, remember that it makes a great anchor, whether as a large area rug; solid, wood table or a sofa.

Manicure

In your wardrobe, a beautiful silk blouse will give you an edge. Your ‘arm charm’ this season must be chocolate brown, whether in leather or ostrich. I would be cautious about the chocolate manicure, though. Consider matte or metallic nails to keep the look polished.

Contrast

The colour contrasts with sky blue, burgundy, navy, lime, pink and orange. Remember that this colour looks great in a monochromatic composition but pairs well with golds and creams. It’s likely to transition to a cognac colour next season, so keep it classy.