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.
Outdoor Leaf and Charcoal Loveseat
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by weekend visits to the stark desert landscapes found a few hours east of Los Angeles, this collection is composed of steel frames that have been zinc primed and powder coa...
Steel
Outdoor Cream and Charcoal Sectional
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by weekend visits to the stark desert landscapes found a few hours east of Los Angeles, this collection is composed of steel frames that have been zinc primed and powder coa...
Steel
Outdoor Sunbrella Sage & Black Powdercoat Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Outdoor Collection sofa was designed to be as comfortable as it is modern and durable. It can be used on its own or paired with other elements of the Outdoor Collection to create a larger sectional. The stretch webbing base creates a soft lounging...
Steel
Outdoor Cream and Charcoal Loveseat
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by weekend visits to the stark desert landscapes found a few hours east of Los Angeles, this collection is composed of steel frames that have been zinc primed and powder coa...
Steel
Light Grey Wool and Blackened Steel L Sectional
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sectional 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 sectional 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 sectional...
Steel
Grey Wool & Blackened Steel Lounge Sectional
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sectional has an extra-wide chaise section to allow for the whole family to lounge together. Made in two pieces, leather cuffs are included to connect...
Steel
Link-Terra Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Three-Seater Outdoor Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Link-Terra Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Three-Seater Outdoor Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 85,5 x W 230 x H 63 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Aluminium, wicker, and Luminesce fabric. ...
Aluminum
Link-Terra Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Two-Seater Outdoor Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Link-Terra Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Two-Seater Outdoor Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 85,5 x W 195 x H 63 cm. Materials: Aluminium, wicker, and Luminesce fabric. Link-Terra Wh...
Aluminum
Luxury Modular Outdoor Sofa - Leather and Patterned Design
By Myface
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Hound Modular Sofa The Hound modular sofa is a perfect combination of classic elegance and modern durability, designed to elevate any outdoor setting. With its modular design, the H...
Stainless Steel
Nomad Outdoor Modular Sofa – High-End Steel and Acrylic Fabric Design
By Myface
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Nomad Modular Sofa - 4 different modules available. With its modular design, the Nomad sofa adapts to any outdoor space, offering comfort and elegance. Its various modules allow for...
Stainless Steel
Outdoor XL Sofa Set in Light Gray Upholstery
By Cotidiano
Located in Mexico City, MX
It's an original design for a getaway home the Arena Sofa XL is ultra-comfortable as it is practical for everyday family life. A geometric, still soft body ...
Fabric, Upholstery
Suelo Modern Outdoor Sofa
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Suelo® modern outdoor sofa is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. This sofa's silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek with comfortable back and seat cushions. ...
Mahogany
