‘Fridgescaping’ trend sparks creative food arrangements, but experts are concerned

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By Kieran Galpin

6 September 2024

Social media users have been wondering “What is fridgescaping?” after the trend sparked concerns from experts and admittedly gorgeous arrangements on sites like TikTok and Reddit.

Though the internet might contain helpful tidbits like handy kitchen hacks, it is also bustling with trends that could result in disastrous consequences. One such example is sunburning, which TikTok users have been deliberately doing in a bid to get rid of their acne.

@lynziliving

Since I’ve decided to make fridgescaping a pillar of my personality, I thought it would be fun to explore some other people with beautiful refrigerators! The fridgescaping foremothers, so to speak. @Jenefertaylor – Absolutely stunning refrigerator and the first person I ever personally saw do this. Her use of produce is art in my opinion. Her refrigerator could inspire painters. I also love that she points out that doing this is for YOU. You’re the person looking at this everyday, which is exactly how I feel about it. I may be sharing this with the internet, but the internet isn’t the one smiling 20 times a day because you can’t quit looking at your refrigerator. @🌿RosemaryFairy🌿 – She doesn’t post fridgescaping, but she has posted what she calls her “girl fridge” and it’s lovely! It’s a great example of how you can beautify your refrigerator using vintage pieces and really make it your own. She’s also who inspired me to put art in my refrigerator, although I have zero understanding of how she hung hers in the back. I tried to no avail. Sorcery! @House of Bishop – Her Fridgescapes are just *chef’s kiss*. So classy! I particularly love her use of the bear glass containers and this little awning she sometimes uses for her butter, but really everything she does is perfection and she does sort of themed designs, which is my new obsession. @GardenofEve She may have been the one who started this all. I don’t really know, but she’s been posting her refrigerators for a very long time. She does really beautiful work and she also cooks (and shows receipts). For some reason people see this and have these responses like “they obviously don’t cook” or “where’s the food” and it’s wild. It’s BECAUSE I cook so often that this works for me. 😂 She’s the same way. Anyway, her refrigerator is chock-full of inspiration and wildly functional and she has me wanting to occasionally remove some shelves so I can add some flowers with height! If you have other favorite creators with beautiful refrigerators, tag them in the comments! #fridgescaping #refrigeratorgoals #refrigeratororganization

♬ Mendelssohn: Octet in E Flat Major, Op. 20, MWV R20: IV. Presto – Emerson String Quartet

What is fridgescaping?

Have you ever wanted a more organized fridge? Or perhaps it’s in desperate need of cleaning after your kombucha exploded. If that’s the case, then the new fridgescaping trend on TikTok might be of interest.

Because your fridge is a practical piece of equipment, its aesthetic is very rarely at the forefront of your mind. But that’s not the case for everyone, with some seeking to jazz up their fridge style with everything from fake flowers to pictures of their kids.

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In one particular video from TikTok user @lynziliving, social media fans were treated to a fridge complete with antique ceramic jugs, pitchers of fresh flowers, and woven baskets of fruit. There was not a piece of plastic packaging in sight.

Another woman, @rebeccathrifts, brought followers along for the ride as she gutted her fridge to work with a blank canvas. She started by picking old gold decor pieces to use, which included a golden display plate and picture frame. She then swapped out the rest of the packaging for a stone flower vase.

The trend has obviously drawn criticisms from far and wide, with many people simply concerned with how practical fridgescaping is. After all, it’s still something you use every day.

In contrast, some have argued that a reduced presence of plastic is always a good thing, which makes sense given the amount of microplastics already in your body.

Experts have some concerns about the trend’s safety

@rebeccathrifts

Heard we’re now decorating our fridges. Thought I’d try my hand at fridgescaping using thrifted items! It’s giving brrrrrr- bridgerton! 🥶 #fridgeorganization #fridgescape

♬ Concerto No. 2 in E major, Op. 8, RV 269, “Summer”: III. Presto. Tempo Impettuoso d’Estate – Baroque Festival Orchestra & I Musici Di San Marco

Speaking to the Express, kitchen expert Allen Civlak warned against jumping on the newest TikTok trends.

“Refrigerators are designed to keep food at safe temperatures, usually between 1C and 4C. When you introduce non-food items like flowers or antique vases, they can obstruct air circulation, leading to uneven cooling,” he said. “This can result in parts of the fridge becoming too warm, creating an environment where harmful bacteria can grow and cause foodborne illnesses.”

Another concern is that perishables like fresh flowers, and the materials of your decor, could add further contaminants to your fridge, making it a breeding ground for potentially harmful bacteria.

“A cluttered fridge, especially one filled with non-essential decorative items, forces the refrigerator to work harder to maintain its temperature. This increased strain can lead to higher energy consumption, driving up electricity bills and contributing to a less sustainable household,” Allen added.

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