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 Walnut Leather & Blackened Steel Loveseat
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Loveseat 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
Cream Leather and Antique Nickel Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a ste...
Steel
Heavily Pebbled Black Leather & Blackened Steel Loveseat
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Loveseat 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
Blue Smoke Leather and Antique Nickel Loveseat
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Loveseat 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 loveseat 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. This version of our Inheritance Loveseat is upholstered in blue smoke leather...
Steel
Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Two-Seat Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Two Seat Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholst...
Steel
Potomac Leather and Blackened Steel Two-Seat Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Two Seat Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholst...
Steel
Double-Seat Sofa in Milled Black Leather and Oiled Laser-Cut Steel
By Klein Agency
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The sofa double is guilty as charged. Doubling the fun of Klein Agency's sofa Single, this contemporary piece is utilizing the same bulging pillow forms. The double allows ample room...
Cut Steel
2010s Stephen Kenn Inheritance Three Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Inheritance Sofa, originally designed by Stephen Kenn in 2011. This particular example was produced in the 2010s. The design features large plush cushions in cognac horwee...
Brass
New York Two Seater Sofa in Metal & Leather Upholstery by Quinti Sedute
Located in Geneve, CH
New York Two Seater Sofa in Metal & Leather Upholstery by Quinti Sedute Dimensions: D 88 x W 210 x H 70 cm. Materials: Metal, goose feathers, and leather upholstery. Available in di...
Metal
Cargo Sofa by Cellule Creative Studio: Modern Faux Leather & Metal
By Cellule Creative Studio
Located in bari, IT
Designed by the Italian studio C.C.S. for those who appreciate originality and quality, the "Cargo" sofa is a limited-edition creation that stands out for its strong character. Its n...
Metal
Sydney Beige Leather Sofa by Enrico Pellizzoni
By Enrico Pellizzoni
Located in Milan, IT
The Sydney Beige Leather Sofa combines modern aesthetics with exceptional comfort. Featuring a robust tubular metal structure, also available in other colors. The sofa is elegantly d...
Leather
Kimball Whittaker Sofa, Faux Leather & Steel, Minimalist Design, USA
Located in Round Top, TX
Kimball International “Whittaker” sofa in faux leather, designed by acclaimed designers Pam Light & John Duffy. It has a hard to see, scuffing across the top of the back and one...
Steel
