For this month’s “Don’t” post, I’m going to use a personal example from my home growing up (get ready mom and dad).
When I was younger we used the doors on the refrigerator as “catch all” spots for various items. We left notes on them, showcased “works of art” on them, displayed photographs and other mementos on them, and, my personal favorite, we taped up any comic strip from the daily newspaper that reminded us of someone in the family (mainly from the comic strip Foxtrot but Garfield had a few appearances as well). I LOVED reading those different comic strips and finding one in the paper that reminded me of one of my sisters (which inevitably highlighted an annoying habit of her’s) made me giddy with excitement to show it off… but was that really the best place for them? Nope. Do I even remember which comics were showcased on the fridge? Nope. Do I remember how cluttered the two doors looked? Yep. And do I remember where all of those papers, notes, works of art and beloved comic strips ended up? Yep. In the recycling bin and trash can… Because the fridge is not the ideal space to show things off for a long period of time.
Now hear me out, if a special picture gets colored and your child wants it displayed on the fridge, I have no problem with that, but keep in mind moderation is key. If you’re not careful pretty soon the fridge doors can look like a cluttered desk top – covered with so many items nothing is actually seen. I’m not in the camp that says “if something is on the fridge it just gets overlooked” because I know from personal experience that’s not always true. And I’m not even in the camp that says “a fridge door must be completely clean” (unless, of course, you’re getting your house ready to be put on the market). But I AM in the camp that says “try to find a better place for it” because a cluttered and busy refrigerator just adds to the cluttered and busy feel of a kitchen, much like making your bed makes your bedroom feel less messy.
Whether you use a complete command center in the kitchen, a diy message board hanging on the wall, or a simple collage picture frame to show off your latest memories, there are plenty of options available to show off what you want without cluttering up your refrigerator doors.
Do you agree with me? Or do you love showing things off on your fridge? Let me know in the comments below!
I think the fridge is a perfect place to put stuff. I have done it all my life. Pictures,recipes, what ever I need. I sometimes change the pictures and things, but other times no.