ShoparoundIf it's beautiful bits for your boudoir or accessories for your reception rooms you're after, check out Serendipity & Co on Rathgar Avenue, Dublin 6, which is brimming with eye catching furniture and home accessories.

Serendipity specialises in painted furniture and carries a range of around 60 cabinets, tables, closets and chairs, which are available in some 20 colours and finishes.

The range, European Heritage, is imported from a Romanian company which produces painted furniture inspired by French designs.

Occasional table are priced at around €130. Pine topped farmhouse kitchen tables start at a very reasonable €525 and a set of four matching chairs cost €700. A charming glazed cabinet in ivory with full glass doors costs €875 and a large dresser, €225.

The shop also carries a range of Danish furniture. A muted green kitchen cabinet costs €850. Occasional bistro chairs from France with rattan seats cost around €140.

The current passion for painted furniture in Ireland is a result of the nation finally facing up to our climate and following in the footsteps of our northern European neighbours, according to proprietor Orla Byrne.

"For years everything was mahogany and we had no choice. Now we have the option of much lighter furniture, which is much more suitable for our climate. Painted furniture in soft colours has a modern feel and is bright, which is so important in gloomy Irish weather."

Aside from larger pieces of furniture, Serendipity is crammed with home accessory ideas. Eye catching vintage-style wall clocks are priced from around €90. For a wow factor, go for the rather large and very impressive train station-style clock, price €149.99.

Competitively priced Danish and French quilt covers in gorgeous rustic prints cost around €160.

Orla also has a nice range of simple painted mirrors, which start at around €90. Tucked away are also some unusual table lamps, including one inspired by a pineapple, price €144.99.

Serendipity & Co, 70 Rathgar Avenue, Rathgar, Dublin 6. Tel 01 4925572