DIY Project: Cane chair

I have a cane and wooden chair that I love. It's my office chair at the moment. The poor shabby thing was picked up at my fav junk shop for $15 almost a year ago. I'd love to give it a makeover but am unsure how to...

My dilemmas:

1. How would you suggest I cover up/shield the cane area so paint won't get onto it?

2. Would you rather spray paint or use a brush?

3. Colour suggestions? At the moment, I'm tending towards gloss black over the black areas (and that's it) or spray paint the whole chair and pop a cool chairpad on the seat, like this chair in one of my favourite home office spaces.

Thanks in advance for help!