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In need of a proper bed, some extra storage, and inspired by a recent project for a high-end client, interior designer and all-star do-it-yourself-er Mike Murphy gives an ole’ IKEA headboard a chicer look with a double function.

You might remember Mike Murphy from a recent House Tour back in January. As a lover of repurposed materials with a mild obsession for customization, you can’t expect Mike to just bring home a piece of IKEA furniture and let it live without first adding a bit of that “Murphy magic.” Maybe this project was just super simple (or maybe Mike is just too darn good at what he does) but I must say I was pretty impressed that he was able to upholster a headboard, rewire lamps and install the finished product in less than an hour — especially with me heckling him from the sidelines and making him pause to stage pictures (okay, maybe I helped him carry it up and down the stairs).

Using some Highfield foam backed upholstery fabric by Maharam, a staple gun, and two leftover wall mounted task lamps from Visual Comfort, Mike gave new life to a Mandal headboard. The customized result not only adds warmth and elegance to Mike’s 8’x10’ bedroom loft, but stays in line with one of Mike’s personal missions when it comes to design — that whenever possible, furniture should serve more than one purpose. What do you think of Mike’s transformation?

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Images: Mat Sanders