Far be it from this common sense kind of guy to announce or denounce trends on the cusp or decline, but I was surprised when I went into the new Nadeau (2756 Hennepin Av., Mpls, 612-208-1540), and found shabby chic in all of its glory.
The "new" furniture from India and Indonesia is aged, distressed and showing signs of wear. Call it vintage, antique or an Ikea alternative, it's inexpensive furniture that makes a statement. Most pieces are in the $200 to $500 range and hardly anything hits $1,000. Smaller pieces such as end tables are as inexpensive as $18. Larger pieces such as sideboards are $400 to $650.
They're not antiques, but you should shop as if they are. In other words, once it's gone, it might never come back. One popular seller, a wine cabinet for $599 is currently sold out and might be back in mid-March.
Manager Trevor Peterson said the collection is all solid wood which works well in cabins, traditional and Americana homes. If you've already got a shabby chic thing going on, you're in.
Prices seem in line with Pier 1, although they might be higher than the occasional sales in Buffalo.
It's possible you've already seen the look if you've been to Nadeau's stores in Atlanta, Charleston, Chicago, Dallas, Jacksonville, LA, Miami, Myrtle Beach, New York and Savannah.
Any shabby chic-ers or vintage decorators who have been to Nadeau want to comment on the prices?
