Why are people putting flowers and antiques in their fridges? It's called fridgescaping

Fridgescaping, a trend that turns the interior of refrigerators into meticulously styled spaces, has sparked a mix of fascination and controversy across social media platforms. This trend goes far beyond simple organisation, incorporating elements such as flowers, antiques, string lights, and even artwork to transform the refrigerator into a visually stunning display.

While some see it as a whimsical and creative outlet, others criticise it as impractical and excessive, especially in a world where food insecurity remains a pressing issue.

How did ‘Fridgescaping’ come about?

Fridgescaping, though it may seem like a product of social media culture, has roots that predate the rise of platforms like TikTok. The term was first coined in 2011 by Kathy Perdue, a retired design consultant based in Brentwood, California. In a blog post, Perdue introduced the concept as a riff on “tablescaping,” advocating for a more aesthetically pleasing arrangement of food items inside refrigerators.

“Why not put your everyday food items in pretty containers and have something pretty to look at when you open the door?!” Perdue wrote. Her version of fridgescaping was simple and practical, more akin to the “fridge restocking” videos popular on Instagram, where groceries are arranged in visually satisfying yet functional displays.

However, what started as a straightforward idea has since evolved into a trend that blends home organisation with interior design, driven by influencers and lifestyle bloggers.

Lynzi Judish, a 37-year-old lifestyle blogger from Hopewell Junction, New York, is one of the most prominent figures in this space. Judish’s fridgescapes are elaborate, themed displays that reflect her artistic sensibilities and love for decor.

Her refrigerator, at 37 degrees Fahrenheit, has become a canvas for creativity, featuring setups like an “enchanted forest” with fairy figurines and fresh flowers, or a “Fridgerton” theme inspired by the Netflix series Bridgerton. For the latter, Judish swaps out regular condiments and unsightly cartons for decorative items such as picture frames, porcelain busts, and even figurines.

Judish first gave fridgescaping a try a few months ago after being inspired by other fridges she had seen on TikTok. Now, it’s a hobby that reportedly brings her satisfaction.

The trend of fridgescaping sits at the intersection of home organisation and interior design. It involves displaying fruits and vegetables prominently in decorative bowls, rather than hiding them in Tupperware, and turning drinks into part of the décor.

Leftovers and practical items like condiments are often tucked away in the back, out of sight. Videos showcasing these curated interiors have a niche but dedicated audience on TikTok, where they garner thousands, if not millions, of views.

What is the controversy about?

Fridgescaping has sparked a polarising debate, with some hailing it as a fun and creative outlet while others view it as an unnecessary and even frivolous activity. Critics argue that the trend is out of touch with reality, especially in a time when many people struggle to afford basic groceries.

The impracticality of fridgescaping is another point of contention. Critics argue that turning a fridge — a space meant for food storage — into a display piece undermines its functional purpose.

Judish herself acknowledges that fridgescaping “maybe sounds excessive,” and admits that it is not a practice suited for everyone. Her first fridgescape took hours to complete, involving deep cleaning, preparing the produce, and even lead-testing all of her food storage containers before placing them in the fridge.

Some have raised concerns about the safety of fridgescaping, particularly when non-food-safe items are introduced into the fridge. Judish advises others to be cautious, especially when using antique items that might not be lead-free. “If you tend to leave meat in your refrigerator, uncovered, you can easily contaminate fruit if you also have it [in the open]. Something like that always needs to be packaged,” she warns.

The trend has even made its way into a popular Reddit forum where users share their disagreements and ask others to weigh in. One Reddit user shared a story about telling their wife that her fridgescaping hobby was “stupid,” leading her to remove all the decor from the fridge and become emotionally distant. This incident highlights the divisive nature of the trend, with some embracing it as a form of self-expression and others dismissing it as unnecessary.

Does fridgescaping impact your health?

Despite the criticisms, fridgescaping has had a noticeable impact on the lifestyles of those who practice it. Judish claims that her fridgescaping hobby has motivated her to eat healthier by making her more aware of the produce she has on hand. “I’ve never felt healthier, which is a very unexpected side effect,” she said.

By organising her fridge in a visually appealing way, she finds herself more inclined to use up ingredients before they spoil, leading to less food waste.

Judish’s approach to grocery shopping has also changed due to her fridgescaping activities. She curates her grocery list around her fridgescape themes, which means she’s cooking something new every week.

Tiffany Bishop, another influencer whose fridge-related content has gone viral with over 900,000 views, draws parallels between fridgescaping and the concept of “dopamine dressing,” where people dress in colors and patterns that elevate their mood. She suggests that having a fridge that one actually enjoys looking at could inspire healthier eating habits and reduce the temptation to order takeout.

“Yes, we should all smile just [because of the fact that] there’s food in the fridge. But also what would create that extra dopamine hit when you open the fridge door?” she asks.

Doesn’t this trend portray food insecurity?

While some embrace fridgescaping as a fun and creative project, others question its practicality and the message it sends in a world where not everyone has access to enough food.

Ellen Marie Bennett, founder and chief brand officer of Hedley & Bennett and host of Kitchen Glow Up, a kitchen makeover show, is skeptical about the trend. “I think [fridgescaping] is a really funny, bizarre trend, but I don’t think it’s a trend by people that cook,” she told Food & Wine. “I think it’s a trend by people that maybe decorate and want to make their house look cute, but are by no means trying to bring function to their home.”

However, Bennett also acknowledges that fridgescaping could inspire people to cook more by making them more mindful of the contents of their fridge. “The irony of it all is this will make people cook more,” she noted. Wanting to use up the contents of a beautifully arranged fridge isn’t so different from choosing produce from the farmers market based on its looks, she explained.

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