From fridge magnets collected during our trips to photographs capturing fond memories, and even grocery and chore lists, our refrigerator doors often offer glimpses into our lives.

We love decorating the outside, but have you ever thought about decorating the inside of your fridge?

We’re not just talking about arranging symmetrical containers neatly, that’s an almost impossible feat in Indian homes, where our mothers’ fondness for dabba hoarding takes over.

Imagine adding plants, stylish containers and even photo frames to your fridge to enhance its beauty. Believe it or not, ‘fridgescaping’ is a real trend, and Instagrammers can’t get enough of it!

What is promotion?

“Fridgescaping refers to the systematic and aesthetic arrangement of objects inside a refrigerator,” explains Dhatri Dabbara, co-founder of Studio Dawara, an experiential design firm in Hyderabad.

She further explains India Today This trend is gaining popularity due to the influence of social media platforms, where influencers showcase impeccably arranged fridges. It is also linked to broader lifestyle trends, such as minimalism and health-conscious living.

“By creating a visually appealing and functional fridge, people get a sense of order in their daily routine,” says Dabbara. “This practice attracts individuals seeking both aesthetic satisfaction and practical benefits, making it a combination of style and functionality in modern living.” A perfect mixture is formed.”

Adding to this, Chahat Sharma, interior architect and founder of Design Morgans, Delhi, says that friezescaping is like art. It’s all about organizing your fridge and decorating it with elements that may or may not be in the fridge.

She says, “I think it’s great to organize and have a dedicated corner/container for each item in your fridge, but now the trend has gone far beyond that, making their everyday routine quite difficult because It’s impossible to keep up with the way these fringes look on social media platforms.”

advantages are

According to Dhatri Dabbara, friezescaping offers many practical benefits, including:

• Reduce food waste by helping you keep track of expiration dates and use older items first.
• Improving food visibility and accessibility, making it easier to find what you need, reducing frustration and saving time.
• Fridgescaping also encourages healthy eating habits by placing nutritious foods at eye level, which can inspire better meal planning.
• Organizing the refrigerator also helps maintain cleanliness, making it easier to maintain overall order while promoting better food management and less clutter.

For influencer Kushal Bohra, who has 179k followers on her Instagram handle kushaalkikhushi, this trend makes cooking and eating a more enjoyable experience while also maximizing storage.

She adds, “Organizing and beautifying whatever is kept in the refrigerator can be therapeutic and stress-relieving. It also helps a person express his or her personality.”

Practical or expensive?

Friezescaping can be both practical and potentially expensive, depending on how it is done.

Dhatri Dabbara says, “Practically, it promotes better food management, reduces wastage and encourages healthy eating habits. However, if one purchases special containers, bins and labels that are remarkable in functionality, If there is no improvement, it may lead to unnecessary expenditure.”

The key to making this trend practical is to focus on efficient organization instead of overspending on non-essential beauty products.

Balancing functionality with beauty ensures that fridgescaping remains a useful, cost-effective practice without becoming overly indulgent.

Chahat Sharma, on the other hand, believes, “Design is about simplifying the day-to-day functions of a given space, and decorating the interiors of a fridge means pushing it to a level where it occupies more space. and interfere with the efficiency of the refrigerator.”

Sharma mentions that friezescaping is practical only to a certain extent. “It’s an everyday task and not everyone’s cup of tea.”

a health hazard

Dr. Balakrishna GK, HOD and senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Bengaluru, says that although the fridgescaping trend can make the fridge visually appealing and organized, the focus should remain on maintaining proper hygiene and food safety .

The doctor says, “The primary function of the refrigerator is to store food at a safe temperature to prevent spoilage and bacteria growth. Adding unnecessary decorations, especially non-food items, can compromise hygiene or safe storage. “The condition may be difficult to clean and maintain.” ,

He further explains that keeping non-food items or decorative items in the fridge can be a potential health hazard. This is because such items can introduce pollutants or obstruct airflow, affecting temperature regulation.

Dr. Balkrishna GK further explains, “Decorations made from materials that are not food-safe may contain bacteria or release harmful chemicals, which can potentially cause food-borne illnesses.”

Practical aspects of friezescaping

“The growing tendency to organize and decorate inside the refrigerator may be linked to the desire for control and order in one’s environment, which can promote a sense of peace and well-being,” says Dr. Nikhil Nair, psychiatrist, Sharda Hospital. NCR, tells us.

In today’s fast-paced and often chaotic world, having a visually appealing and neatly organized fridge can give individuals a sense of accomplishment and reduce anxiety.

This practice is in line with the broader concept of mindful living, where small, intentional actions, such as organizing food storage, can contribute to overall mental clarity and emotional stability. It can also provide a sense of self-care and nourishment by encouraging healthy food choices and a sense of routine.

Dr. Nair also mentions, “This activity of putting food in its proper place and creating a beautiful environment can serve as a kind of therapeutic relief for those who are experiencing stress or anxiety.” which will give them concentration and relief from more difficult emotional problems.”

Do you still want to try it?

• To effectively fridgescape, start by focusing on organization and practicality rather than purely aesthetics.
• Use clear containers to group similar items and label them for easy identification.
• Make sure nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables are kept at eye level to promote healthy eating.
• Prioritize functionality by arranging items to improve visibility of food and reduce waste.
• Avoid unnecessary expenses by reusing containers or using what you already have instead of purchasing specialty bins.
• Balancing aesthetics with practical benefits ensures that friezescaping remains both useful and budget-friendly.