In recent times, social media has been abuzz with a fascinating trend that brings an artistic touch to an everyday household item. This trend, known as “fridgescaping,” has captivated the attention of many and has become a popular topic of discussion. Despite its current popularity, fridgescaping is not a novel concept; it has roots that trace back over a decade.
The Origins of Fridgescaping
Fridgescaping, a term coined by design consultant Kathy Perdue from Brentwood, CA, has recently gained traction, but its inception dates back to more than ten years ago. Perdue introduced the concept on her blog, drawing inspiration from the idea of “tablescaping.”
“I thought about how many times a day we open the fridge and how it should be pleasant to the eye. I suggested using pretty bowls and decanters to put our daily items in,” explains Perdue. Her idea was to transform the refrigerator into an aesthetically pleasing space, much like how a beautifully set table enhances the dining experience.
For a long time, Perdue’s concept remained relatively obscure until it caught the attention of Food and Wine, who interviewed her about this ingenious idea. “I had no idea about the social media trend,” Perdue admits. “Once I looked into what influencers were doing, I was so surprised. They took it to a level of creativity that is something I would have never thought of.”
The Rise of Social Media Influencers
Social media influencers have embraced fridgescaping with enthusiasm, sharing their creative and visually stunning refrigerator designs with millions of followers. Their innovative takes on fridgescaping have been featured in prominent publications such as the New York Post and the New York Times, further fueling the trend’s popularity.
Event decor specialist Tiffany Bishop from Naperville, IL, has been fridgescaping for five years. “I used to decorate the fridges in model apartments when I was in property management,” she shares. “Then I would go home to my own fridge looking undeniably ‘blah,’ so I started adding things to the inside to make it more beautiful and fun—such as flowers, statues, and an awning for butter.”
Content creator Lynzi Judish, from New York’s Hudson Valley, has also joined the fridgescaping movement, creating what she calls the “Fridgerton” fridge. “Fridgescaping gives me an immediate dopamine rush the second I open my refrigerator door,” she says. Her husband is supportive of her hobby, as long as the essential items, like his oat milk, are easily accessible.
Benefits of Fridgescaping
Fridgescaping is more than just a visually appealing trend; it offers several benefits that can improve one’s relationship with food and overall well-being.
Enhancing the Relationship with Food
Tiffany Bishop notes that fridgescaping has helped her develop a better relationship with food. “There was a good chunk of my life that I felt guilty going in my fridge because it signaled to me that I was overeating,” she explains. “Fridgescaping definitely aided in getting past that and contributed to overall better eating habits.”
Promoting Healthier Eating
Lynzi Judish echoes similar sentiments, claiming that fridgescaping has encouraged her to eat healthier and reduce food waste. “I’ve never wasted less food in my life because I can see everything now and it’s not hidden way in the back or in a refrigerator drawer,” she says. “Now I feel like I’m honoring the food in my refrigerator.”
Creative Expression and Joy
Fridgescaping also serves as a form of creative expression, bringing joy to those who engage in it. “Some people will tell you fridgescaping is pointless,” Judish remarks. “But we decorate other areas of our homes, so why is it pointless to decorate this one? Fridgescaping brings me joy—and anything that brings you joy is not pointless.”
How to Start Fridgescaping
If you’re interested in fridgescaping your own refrigerator, here are some tips from the experts to get you started:
Clean and Organize
- Start with a Clean Slate: Before you begin fridgescaping, ensure your fridge is clean and free of expired or unnecessary items.
- Accessibility: Figure out what food items need to be easily accessible for your family, and make sure to have your labels facing forward for a tidy look.
Avoid Overuse of Clear Containers
- Skip Trendy Clear Containers: Tiffany Bishop advises against buying too many clear containers and jars. “The fridge will always look the same, and it limits the amount of creativity you can have,” she says.
Incorporate a Theme
- Thematic Designs: Fridgescaping around a theme can make it more fun and festive. Bishop shares, “Themes I’ve loved are Easter, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and my birthday, which is the Fourth of July.”
Overcoming Criticism
- Ignore the Haters: It’s important not to be discouraged by those who think fridgescaping is pointless. As Judish points out, “Anything that brings you joy is not pointless.”
FAQs About Fridgescaping
What is fridgescaping?
Fridgescaping is the practice of decorating the inside of a refrigerator to make it visually appealing and organized.
Who coined the term fridgescaping?
The term was coined by design consultant Kathy Perdue from Brentwood, CA, over a decade ago.
What are the benefits of fridgescaping?
Benefits include enhanced relationship with food, healthier eating habits, reduced food waste, and a sense of joy and creative expression.
How do I start fridgescaping?
Begin by cleaning and organizing your fridge, avoid overusing clear containers, incorporate a theme, and don’t be discouraged by critics.
Can fridgescaping help reduce food waste?
Yes, by organizing the refrigerator and making items visible, fridgescaping can help reduce food waste.
Conclusion
Fridgescaping is a delightful trend that combines creativity, organization, and practicality. Originating from a simple idea by Kathy Perdue, it has evolved into a popular activity embraced by social media influencers and everyday individuals alike. Whether you’re looking to enhance your relationship with food, promote healthier eating habits, or simply add a touch of joy to your daily routine, fridgescaping offers a unique and fulfilling way to achieve these goals. So why not give it a try and transform your refrigerator into a work of art?
