Favoring used materials that wear well and tell a story, Canadian artist and furniture designer Stephen Kenn aims “to create products worthy of repair.” For instance, making comfortable pillows out of vintage, military-issued shelter halves is one way in which Kenn’s pieces facilitate a conversation as rich as the history that inspires them.
Kenn is a passionate designer and entrepreneur. In his early 20s, Kenn set up shop in Los Angeles and co-created two denim companies before selling them to investors. Kenn then focused on constructing men’s travel luggage through his third company. Once again, he went on to sell the company to investors. He shifted to making industrial-style furniture to match his loft apartment. Kenn took apart a vintage sofa and armchair to discover their inner workings and repurposed them into his designs. Through this experimentation, his fourth business, Stephen Kenn Furniture, was born. His wife, Beks Opperman, handled the business end while Kenn advanced his creative process.
Kenn had access to a large array of military fabrics, which became central to his Inheritance Collection. Along with repurposing the fabrics, Kenn welded rusted steel frames covered in a protective coating. Replica “mule belts,” originally used for pack mules in World War II, complemented the tarnished metal and supported the backs of his sofas.
In 2019, Kenn partially opened his downtown Los Angeles loft to the public as an experiential showroom that holds a collection of his work and favorite items from the past. It is open for community events and overnight stays and houses a popular neighborhood coffee shop.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Stephen Kenn’s seating, tables and more.
$1,200 / item
Vintage Military Canvas Quilt
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
After several years of using military canvas half shelters to upholster our sofas and chairs from The Inheritance Collection, we have accumulated ...
Canvas
Quilted Vintage Military Canvas Throw Blanket
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
After several years of using military canvas half shelters to upholster our sofas and chairs from The Inheritance Collection, we have accumulated ...
Canvas
$549Sale Price|24% Off
H 1.97 in W 47.25 in D 35.44 in
Fur Throw Blanket Rust Pink - Real Cashmere Fur 3x4ft
By Emily Barbara
Located in Dural, AU
Add luxe and comfort textures to your interiors by draping this limited edition genuine cashmere fur throw blanket over a chair, sofa or bed. For those cooler evenings, the petite size rust pink fur throw is a great leg warmer whilst indulging in the supreme softness and warmth of this decedent and timeless piece. Fashion dyed in a contemporary rustic pink color the real fur blanket...
Fur
Trim, Hand Embroidered Burgundy Throw Blanket
By Jackie Villevoye
Located in Middelburg, NL
Based in the Netherlands and India's Uttar Pradesh, Jupe by Jackie is an internationally renowned fashion brand born out of a desire to shine light on the art of hand embroidery: a d...
Cotton
$340
H 71 in W 0.25 in D 87 in
Vintage Log Cabin Stitched Geometric Floral Quilt Blanket Bedspread 87"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage hand stitched quilt, blanket, comforter, bedspread featuring the traditional Log Cabin geometric design with squares, crosses and floral motifs. Full to queen size. The Log ...
Cotton
Double-Faced Sheepskin Long Curly Fur Throw Blanket
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Used as a throw on a sofa and king bed or as a luxury queen bedspread, its exquisite softness and light appearance will bring warmth and refinement to ...
Fur
Lena Blanket or Throw by Mickalene Thomas
By Mickalene Thomas
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This wool and cotton blanket by celebrated artist Mickalene Thomas fits a queen or king, or is fantastic has a wall hanging. Produced in collaboration with Pendleton Mills, this l...
Wool, Cotton
$183Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 79 in W 39 in D 0.12 in
Charco Handloom Throw / Blanket Black Organic Cotton Checks Pattern
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Custom design by Studio Variously, Charco is a organic cotton throw / blanket is handwoven by master weavers in Nepal. A sustainable design brand based out of Michigan, Studio Vario...
Yarn, Cotton
20th Century Applique Quilt with Fantastic Quilting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This finely quilted applique quilt with a scalloped border is in great condition. The fine quilting is very good.
Cotton
Leopard Print Blanket - Rabbit Fur Throw 120x180cm
By Emily Barbara
Located in Dural, AU
Indulge in the ultimate expression of warmth, style, and opulence with the Leopard Tiger Print Blanket — a statement piece that transforms any space into a haven of sophisticated and...
Fur
$1,500 / item
H 50 in W 75 in D 2 in
Luxury Fur Throw, Black, Real Toscana Sheep Fur, Throw Blanket / Bed Runner
By JG Switzer
Located in Santa Rosa, CA
Finally, fur you can feel good about. "Upcycled" 100% Toscana sheep fur from Spain is created from passed-over scraps from an Italian glove company carefully sewn together to create ...
Fur
$700
H 88 in W 63 in D 0.01 in
Vintage Hand Knitted and Embroidered English Hunting Scene Afghan Throw Blanket
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A hand-knitted English hunting scene motif afghan. This will be a great bed cover or throw blanket! The overall throw is crocheted with a creamy almost khaki yarn. The scenes are sep...
Yarn
Antique Amish Quilt Blanket
By Amish Quilts
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful old quilt attributed to the Amish. Very nice design and color pallet. We believe this to be early 20th century.
Fabric
Antique Quilt, Midcentury Rose Applique Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful handmade rose applique quilt in amazing condition. Stellar pattern and great stitching The binding is in great condition. Professionally cleaned.
Cotton