I've been working on re-doing my porch... not a major project, just a cosmetic, low-budget makeover (the major projects, like stripping and repainting the entire porch - floor and beams - still need completion before summer ends!)
My white wicker was looking a bit tired, so I decided to paint it all black ("Black?" my husband asked with some trepidation), cover (the no-sew type of "covering) the old cushions with vintage matelasse, tablecloths, throw a few floral pillows (love how the florals looks against the black!)... and there you have it.
A new look with minimal cost.
(the most expensive items were the 5 cans of spray paint!)
I purchased used floral pillows and shams from local thrift shoppes (the beautiful one above is a Ralph Lauren sham)...
The new color scheme required that I come up with some coordinating accessories...
This little lamp ($3.99) is perfect - the black/white stripes look great with the "new" wicker. (It looks like it might be a Tracy Porter lamp...)
I had an old frame which I had decoupaged a while back and was just sitting in my studio... I stapled a fabulous sateen in black with roses... hung a cream vintage plate from some black ribbon... a few seashell flowers.
Some fresh-cut flowers always add instant ambiance...
(yes, I'm still cutting armfuls of hydrangeas!)
I have a collection of vintage bunny planters and doorstops that come out to play every summer. Some have a nick or two, but I don't mind! I like to "hide" them among my flowers and plants for an unexpected surprise...
And recently, I've been buying "bird" planters and doorstops...
(the bunnies need a little vacation)
So far, I'm pleased with the porch makeover.
(still have a few little projects to complete before the final reveal).
I'm sharing my porch makeover with the following parties:
Show and Tell Friday @ Romantic Home
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground
Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound
I am loving your black wicker!! So charming with you pillows and pretty accents! Thanks for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday! :)
Posted by: Courtney | Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 10:56 PM
Hi Mercedes! I'm in love with your black wicker! I love the white, but sometimes you just need to kick it up a notch. this looks gorgeous!! thanks for linking up with VIF, I'm featuring you on the next VIF, xo Debra
Posted by: Debra @ Common Ground | Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Very pretty. The dark wicker keeps(anchors) all the pastels and bright colors from floating. Very pretty and at a great price.
Posted by: Gail | Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 08:47 AM
Great idea to paint your wicker black. It does make the colours pop. I think your porch looks sweet and cozy. Love the bunny planter too. Pamela
Posted by: Pamela Gordon | Sunday, August 07, 2011 at 01:23 PM
Thank you for stopping by my blog. I love the black wicker furniture look. It gives me and idea for my old one.
Posted by: Elaine Goodburn | Saturday, August 06, 2011 at 08:45 PM
Hello, Happy Pink Saturday! Love your pink post this week. Your porch makeover is stunning. I've never seen wicker painted in black, it looks beautiful! Fabric prints are so pretty! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a sweet comment.
Have a great week! Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage
Posted by: Shirls Rose Cottage | Saturday, August 06, 2011 at 07:58 PM
What a lovely transformation Mercedes! I especially love those pretty floral fabrics.
- Susan
Posted by: susan | Saturday, August 06, 2011 at 12:55 PM
Oh I love the black....it looks great...and oh so very feminine with all the pretty florals! great job!
Happy Pink Saturday!
Ciao Bella!
CREATIVE CARMELINA
Posted by: CREATIVE CARMELINA | Saturday, August 06, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Lovely photos and a lovely blog.
Have a good weekend.
Fiona~
Posted by: Fiona@Raindrops&Daisies | Saturday, August 06, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Darling Mercedes, HOW I LOVE YOUR NAME! Your blog is gorgeous and I want to thank YOU for visiting me last night! It is always fun to see a new face and see what you are up to. Every corner of your re-do is beautiful. More often than not, a budget approach is the best. It is more fun and creative. Cloches and birds and bunnies always win me over! Come back soon! Anita
Castles Crowns and Cottages
Posted by: anita rivera | Saturday, August 06, 2011 at 09:16 AM
Love the black wicker. Good job!
Posted by: Marsha @ Splenderosa | Friday, August 05, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Oh, everything looks so beautiful! Love seeing your repainted pieces and those little vases or planters! Really pretty.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Posted by: shelia | Friday, August 05, 2011 at 01:19 PM
So beautiful!
Posted by: ldh | Friday, August 05, 2011 at 01:08 PM