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.
Waxed Tan Leather and Blackened Steel Armchair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Armchair by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, ...
Steel
Cognac Leather and Blackened Steel Armchair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Armchair by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, ...
Steel
Natural Veg Tan Leather & Blackened Steel Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Chair by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, and supportive belts. The deep seating area is perfect for a relaxing lounge experience. Every Stephen Kenn piece is made to order through our Los Angeles studio in partnership with a number of small businesses and fabricators in the LA area. With this highly customizable chair, you can select from a wide range of finishes and materials to complement your space and lifestyle. This version of our Inheritance Chair is upholstered in full-grain leather from the Essex collection by Horween Tannery. The leather has been vegetable-tanned, but the surface has not been treated with additional waxes or finishes, so the leather will darken and develop a unique patina over time with use and exposure to light. It may also absorb oils or colors from skin and clothing. The foam seat cushion has been wrapped in down for added comfort and sits atop a blackened steel frame. The chair is strapped with support belts featuring natural cotton webbing, natural veg tan...
Metal, Steel
Auburn Leather and Blackened Steel Armchair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Armchair by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, ...
Steel
Encounter Cognac Leather and Blackened Steel Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek and refined, the Inheritance Chair is a great addition to nearly any space. This variation is upholstered in the same soft, cognac leather as our Encounter Collection bags. ...
Steel
Tan Leather and Antique Nickel Armchair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Armchair by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, ...
Steel
William Katavolos Prototype Arm Chair in Brushed Bronze with Tan Leather
By William Katavolos
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a prototype arm chair in Brushed Bronze with Tan leather, designed by Bill or William Katavolos and produced by Gratz Industries in 2009. This example came from the private c...
Steel
Contemporary Modern Elliot Armchair in Oak, Metal & Leather by Collector Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
21st century designed by Collector Studio Elliot armchair with solid and curved wooden armrests, this structure blends with a metal frame that adds cha...
Metal
Graphite Metal Armchair with Warm Tan Leather Upholstery, Trend Collection
By Uultis Design
Located in Miami, FL
A contemporary armchair by Sérgio Batista for Uultis with graphite metal frame and warm tan leather upholstery. *Please check availability prior to purchase*. The Trend...
Metal
Contemporary Armchair 'Grasso' by Stephen Burks, Brown Clay Leather, Grey Frame
By Stephen Burks, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Paris, IDF
'Grasso' by Stephen Burks x Bd Barcelona Armchair: 88 x 82 x h.75 cm 34,6 x 32,2 x h. 29,5 inch Upholstery ref: Clay Leather Brown Frame: Grey An armchair that pursues a visual “u...
Metal
Italian Lounge Chair in Patinated Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Armchair, leather, lacquered wood, rope, Italy, 1950s This Italian chair embodies a strong and angular frame, while also offering a spacious feel due to the open design and warm col...
Leather, Rope, Wood
De Sede DS-60/01 Armchair in Taupe Leather Upholstery by Gordon Guillaumier
By De Sede, Gordon Guillaumier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The purist shape of the Boomerang with its bold yet elegant lines inspired Gordon Guillaumier while breathing life into the DS-60 family. The slender, floating shape blends harmoniou...
Leather
