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.
Vintage Military Canvas and Antique Brass Armchair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Armchair is as refined as it is comfortable. Since first designing Inheritance collection, Stephen Kenn has been inspired by the inherent history in vintage militar...
Brass
Natural Canvas and Polished Brass Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural canvas cushion covers, natural cotton webbing, vegetable tanned leather, and polished brass buckles, atop a polished brass chair frame. ...
Steel
Taupe Nubuck Leather and Antique Brass 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
Vintage Military Canvas and Antique Brass 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, 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 armchair you can select from a wide range of finishes and materials to complement your home and lifestyle - please message us to see our Customization Guide with all available options. Since the development of the Inheritance Collection, Stephen Kenn has been inspired by the history inherent in vintage military-issue materials. This version of our Inheritance armchair is upholstered with salvaged vintage military canvas...
Brass
Taupe Nubuck Leather and Antique Brass 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
Tan Nubuck Leather and Antique Brass Armchair and Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection began from a place of curiosity about how furniture was constructed and the collection is a result of reimagining typical upholstered seating. This Armchair and Ottoman pair from the Inheritance Collection is upholstered in a soft, sand-colored nubuck leather sourced from renowned tannery Moore & Giles. Sitting atop an antique brass frame, the back of the Armchair is supported by belts featuring Swiss Military...
Steel
Upholstered Armchair with Bronze-Patina Brass Details by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Brass
Upholstered Armchair with Bronze-Patina Brass Details by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Brass
Upholstered Armchair with Bronze-Patina Brass Details by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Brass
Frame Armchair in Beige with Brown Burnished Brass Legs
By Ghidini 1961, Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stefano Giovannoni designs Frame for GHIDINI1961, a new collection composed of sofas, armchairs, dining and coffee tables, bookshelves and cabinets. Everything starts from a simple e...
Fabric
Guliver Armchair With Brushed Brass Details
Located in Freamunde, PT
Gulliver Armchair is a refined expression of modern elegance and comfort, designed to bring effortless sophistication to any living space. With its structured silhouette, plush uphol...
Metal, Brass, Stainless Steel
Fig Armchair – Contemporary Brass Frame with Warm Brown Upholstery by Misaya
By Masaya
Located in Geneve, CH
Fig Armchair – Contemporary Brass Frame with Warm Brown Upholstery by Misaya Dimensions: W72 x D80 x H74 cm Materials: Brass Also Available: Different colors (Gold, Polished Brass. ...
Brass
