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The refrigerator, whose function is to keep our food fresh, can also sometimes be transformed into a real work of art. This is the principle of “fridgescaping” on TikTok, or “arranging the fridge”, when the interior is decorated with flowers, trinkets or even photo frames, to make it a visually attractive space.
It was the American TikToker Eve Scampoli who popularized this concept last year with a video accumulating over 8 million views. There she reveals a refrigerator carefully decorated with orchids and photos of her cat. However, the term “fridgescaping” is not entirely new. It first appeared in a 2011 article in blog written by Kathy Perdue, a retired design consultant based in California. At the time, it was limited to functional and aesthetically pleasing storage, far from the floral and artistic exhibitions that we can see today on social networks.
This incredible fantasy quickly won over decoration fans on TikTok. Today, there are more than 200 million publications under the hashtag #fridgescaping and Internet users compete in creativity to transform the inside of their fridge into real works of art, some even going so far as to take inspiration from film sets like The Hobbit.
A phenomenon that divides
Although this trend has captivated a large audience, it is not without its critics. Under the TikToker’s video Rebecca Thifftssome Internet users are wondering: “Is this satire?” , “People have too much free time.” Many also denounce an incentive to overconsumption and waste.
However, fans of fridgescaping are not deterred by these criticisms. Tiffany Bishop, for example, is one of the influencers whose refrigerator-related content caused a sensation on TikTok, with nearly 900,000 views. Under the nickname @houseofbishop, she is quick to respond to preconceived ideas about fridgescaping, particularly with regard to waste and unnecessary spending.
“I think people are very confused. They think I buy all these items specifically for my fridge,” she explains in an interview with Elle Decor. In reality, she reuses a lot of these objects: glass jars, roses, and even Chanel gift bags that she uses for storage. “I own an event decor company, so I already have a lot of these items on hand,” she says.
Lynzi Judish, another content creator known for her refrigerator inspired by the Bridgerton series, also shares the benefits this practice has had on his mental health. “It makes me want to cook more, experiment in the kitchen and use products from my garden,” she confides. “I didn’t think it would do me any good, but I’m eating healthier than ever before.”
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An aesthetic that feels good
According to Heather Goerzen, director of content and design at Havenly, an online design service based in Denver, this trend is part of a visual culture where we want everything, even the inside of our refrigerators, to be worthy of attention. Instagram. “Aesthetics play a huge role in our daily lives. Fridgescaping is an extension of this visual culture,” she explains in the columns of New York Times.
Organizing a refrigerator aesthetically can seem excessive, as evidenced by some comments on social media. But for others, it’s a “small, easy victory,” says Goerzen. “Visual satisfaction can produce this little hit of dopamine in us. And finally, decorating your fridge is perhaps not so useless after all.”
However, the line between aesthetics and functionality remains blurred. Some fridgescapers opt for decorative items that, while pretty, may not be practical in the long term. Others prefer a more pragmatic approach, focusing on food organization and visibility. So whether you’re ready to turn your fridge into an art gallery or prefer simple, practical storage, fridgescaping has something to offer everyone. And who knows, maybe one day the inside of your fridge will become the centerpiece of your kitchen.