The 'fridgescaping' trend: Here's why people are decorating their refrigerator
A novel trend, dubbed "fridgescaping," is gaining traction on social media platforms. This trend involves users decorating and organizing their refrigerators as if they were another room in the house. The practice has elicited a range of reactions online, with some finding the concept charming while others deem it unnecessary given the infrequent visibility of fridge interiors.
'Fridgescaping': A closer look at the trend
"Fridgescaping" typically involves placing fruits and vegetables in an aesthetically pleasing manner, often using items like colored vintage butter dishes and glass pitchers for storage. The ultimate aim is to make the contents of the fridge look as visually appealing as possible. Some enthusiasts even incorporate themes inspired by popular TV shows, replacing regular items with decorative pieces such as picture frames and figurines.
'Fridgescaping': The origin and evolution
Contrary to popular belief, "fridgescaping" did not originate on social media. The term was first coined by Kathy Perdue, a retired designer and former lifestyle blogger, in a 2011 blog post, according to CNN. Perdue's approach to fridgescaping was modest compared to the current trend on platforms like TikTok or Instagram. She simply tidied her fridge before grocery shopping and stored produce in attractive containers.
'Fridgescaping': A divisive trend sparks debate
The trend of "fridgescaping" has sparked debate among social media users, with some finding it impractical and unnecessary. This controversy was highlighted after videos by a user named Lynzi Judish about fridgescaping appeared on Reddit. One user shared a story about his wife's fridge-decorating habit, which he found silly, leading to an emotional fallout that underscores the divisive nature of this trend.
Benefits of fridgescaping
Fridgescaping, while primarily an aesthetic trend, offers practical benefits as well. By incorporating produce into your design—like asparagus in a mason jar or fruit in a wicker bowl—fridgescaping helps reduce food waste, as it makes food more visible and accessible. Additionally, it can make cooking more exciting, as seeing beautifully arranged ingredients encourages creativity in meal preparation. Regularly redecorating your fridge also promotes cleanliness leading to a tidier and more organized space that's easy to keep up with.
How to start fridgescaping
There's no right or wrong way to decorate your fridge. Start by emptying and thoroughly cleaning it. As you return items to the fridge, carefully choose their placement. This is also a good opportunity to clean and prep any produce you wish to display. Finish by adding accessories like a framed photo, a vase of flowers, mirror work, or other elements that enhance your fridgescaping style.
