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.
Brentwood Navy and Blackened Steel Corner Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Corner chair can be used as a standalone piece, or as part of a modular sectional with other Inheritance pieces. This variation is upholstered in Brentwood Navy leather by Moore...
Steel
Vintage Military Canvas & 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. This chair comes with removable cushion covers to allow for easy cleaning should the need arise. 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 home and lifestyle 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 Chair is upholstered with salvaged vintage military canvas...
Metal, Steel
Black Canvas and Blackened Steel Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This chair has soft black canvas cushion covers, a blackened steel frame with black cotton webbing and cognac leather belts. This item is made to order, in Los Angeles. Please ...
Steel
Pebbled Black Leather & Blackened Steel Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek and refined, the Inheritance Collection Chair by Stephen Kenn is a great addition to nearly any space. This chair is upholstered in a rich black leather from the Moore & Gi...
Steel, Metal
Brown Velvet & 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...
Steel
Black Canvas and Marbled Rust Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek and refined, the chair from Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection is a great addition to nearly any space. This variation is upholstered in natural canvas. The foam seat cus...
Steel
Black Channeled Upholstery Chair with Metal Frame
Located in Dallas, TX
channeled upholstery chairs with wire metal frame. *glue stain*
Upholstery
Contemporary Mexican Anonimo Chair in burned wood and metal
Located in 1204, CH
The Anónimo chair is built as an act of contrast: a rational, lightweight metal structure functions almost like a pedestal, supporting a fragment of found wood whose origin and memor...
Metal
The Square Armchair, Carbonized Finish with Shou Sugi Ban, Japanese Technique
By Amilcar Oliveira
Located in São Paulo, SP
Charred using the Japanese technique shou sugi ban, it's a light and airy piece with straight lines and angles. Crafted from Freijó wood, it's exceptionally comfortable and durable, ...
Leather, Straw, Foam, Wood
Gravity Chair in Blackened and Waxed Steel Plate by Eric Slayton
By Eric Slayton
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Eric Slayton Gravity Chair, 2018 Blackened and waxed steel plate 26.5 x 48 x 23.5 in Seat height: 14.5 in Eric draws from his passion for nature in crea...
Steel
Gunmetal Steel Altai Easy Chair by A. Jacob Marks
Located in Geneve, CH
Gunmetal Steel Altai Easy Chair by A. Jacob Marks Dimensions: W 81 x D 69 x H 74 cm. Materials: Gunmetal Steel. A40 Also available in different materials. The altai seating is off...
Steel
Black Acapulco Chair With Petroleum Cushion by OK Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Acapulco Chair With Petroleum Cushion by OK Design Dimensions: D 110 x W 79 x H 72 cm. Materials: Powder-coated metal, PVC cord. Available with black frame, white frame, or st...
Metal
