RuPaul's kitchen is sleek and sophisticated thanks to this unexpected cabinet color
RuPaul's black kitchen cabinets are undeniably bold, yet have a surprisingly soothing effect that get the expert stamp of approval


As a drag queen-turned-creator of the drag queen reality competition show, RuPaul knows a thing or two about making bold and/or unexpected style choices. The RuPaul's Drag Race host is known for his outlandish outfits and quick wit, and it turns out that this translates to his interior design preferences.
Ru often reveals corners of his home on his social media page (followers will have been privy to his luxe home bar and opulent entryway), but we were delighted to recently discover a new area of the superstar's home: the kitchen, featuring a surprising paint color.
In a reel posted by Ru recently, wherein he makes chocolate 'FondRu,' the drag maven is seen standing in front of black cabinetry accented by white borders and glass fronts. The bold color is contrasted by a white, marble countertop, tied together with black flecks, as well as some signature glamor with gold cabinet handles.
A post shared by RuPaul (@rupaulofficial)
A photo posted by on
While undoutedbly a statement color, experts say that when exploring black kitchen ideas, the paint color black can be a surprisngly versatile in the home, with some hidden benefits.
'Decorating with black paint requires a thoughtful approach, but the rewards are well worth the effort,' says designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'By selecting the right rooms, understanding the moods black can evoke, and implementing design strategies to balance its intensity, you can create stunning, sophisticated spaces that feel both contemporary and timeless.'
In addition to making a sleek and modern ambiance, black paint actually can be just as calming as a soft neutral hue.
'Black paint isn’t always the obvious choice of paint,' says Kate Duckworth, interior and trends expert at Swift Direct Blinds. 'But here’s the thing: black has a grounding effect that can enhance feelings of security and even improve sleep quality.'
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
She continues, 'Black paint has a surprising ability to create an illusion of spaciousness. By absorbing light rather than reflecting it like lighter colors, black minimizes visual clutter and blurs boundaries, making the space feel bigger.'
Ru's space definitely benefits from the black paint color in making it feel expansive, as well as the vertical storage.
Finally, Duckworth recommends decorating with black paint beyond the kitchen, as its calming properties can benefit practically any other space in the home.
'There is also an element of drama,' she says. 'Whether in a bedroom or bathroom, black paint makes a statement. It radiates confidence and style, turning an ordinary room into something stylish. So, if you are looking to add a touch of drama and sophistication to your home, painting your bathroom or bedroom black might just be the perfect choice for you.'
We recommend black paint to anyone who is looking to elevate their space. While unpainted cabinets can provide a rustic charm, and white cabinets look clean and simple, black cabinets are undeniably chic and contemporary.

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.
Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.
-
How to grow a nutmeg tree – professional gardeners reveal the secrets behind cultivating the tropical evergreen for treasured spice
You can get two highly-prized spices from one tree if you live in a warm climate
-
Salvador Dalí's '60s terrace embodies the Spanish landscapes that inspired a generation of modern artists – now, Mediterranean gardens are trending again
Archival images of the surrealist painter's terrace show the cypress trees, olives, and limestone that exemplify the Costa Brava – it will never go out of style
-
Josh Brolin's kitchen doesn't have upper cabinets – instead, he saves space using the decorative storage solution everyone should replicate this year
Open shelving is having a 'decorative moment' in 2025 – it is proof that this simple display idea is as beautiful as it has ever been
-
Stephen and Ayesha Curry's streamlined vertical cabinets make use of 'dead' space in their kitchen – experts say their storage works twice as hard
The Golden State Warriors star and restauranter have a kitchen that maximizes space for their family – and it's all thanks to this clever cabinet style
-
Khloe Kardashian's 'outdated' kitchen cabinet color is back and better than ever for 2025
Kardashian chose the most popular kitchen cabinet color for its enduring style, versatility, and the color’s timeless appeal
-
Kathy Hilton's kitchen cabinet color scheme is a deep-toned marvel that will be trendier than ever in 2025
This unexpected shade of blue is predicted to be the biggest kitchen color trend this year
-
Anne Hathaway’s unexpected kitchen cabinet color will take over our homes in 2025, say experts
Like a gentle summer breeze, this alluring pale green hue is refreshing and uplifting...
-
Henry Cavill's outdated kitchen cabinet color is set to make a comeback in 2025 – experts say it is the 'most versatile neutral' in the world
Gorgeous gray kitchen cabinets can transform a home's design, adding character, individuality, and timeless elegance
-
Dolly Parton's personal twist on a centuries-old storage method taps into a design trend that will be huge in 2025 – it makes her space cozy and rustic
The singer's dining room is elevated by a gorgeous china storage method – it brings personality and on-trend style to her space
-
Lainey Wilson uses 'sophisticated' vertical storage to make use of unexpected space in her kitchen – the designer-approved feature translates to every home
The singer makes intelligent use of every inch of her kitchen – the expert-approved technique hides items while looking sleek and stylish