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.
Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Large Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to pair with any of the Inheritance Seating options, the Ottoman is a great addition to add a lounge element to your seating arrangement. This variation is upholstered in a deep, blue smoke leather...
Steel
Brentwood Navy Leather and Blackened Steel Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to pair with any of the Inheritance Seating options, the Ottoman is a great addition to add a lounge element to your seating arrangement. This variation is upholstered i...
Steel
Auburn Leather and Blackened Steel Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to pair with any of the Inheritance Seating options, the Ottoman is a great addition to add a lounge element to your seating arrangement. This variation is upholstered in ...
Steel
Harness Black Leather and Blackened Steel Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to pair with any of the seating options in Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection, the ottoman is a great way to add a lounge element to your seating arrangement for maximum ...
Steel
Natural Veg Tan Leather and Blackened Steel Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Ottoman by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed steel frame and a plush upholstered top. This versatile piece can function as seating, a sofa chaise extension, or a footstool and can pair easily with matching pieces from the Inheritance Collection or furniture from other makers. 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. The design is highly customizable, allowing you to 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 Ottoman is upholstered in natural veg tan...
Steel
Providence Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Bench
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Bench is a versatile piece that can be used as a chaise extension on any sofa, as an independent seating option, or as a large upholstered coffee table...
Steel
Bradington Young Black Top Grain Leather Ottoman
By Bradington Young
Located in Germantown, MD
A black top grain leather ottoman by Brafington Young in very good vintage condition. Measure 20" x 27" x 15" in height.
Leather
Leather Ottoman in Solid Black, Large, Talabartero Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
The leather poufs and pillows in this collection are inspired by the equestrian heritage of Colombia’s coffee growing region. Talabartero translates as ‘master saddler’, and the coll...
Leather
Leather Ottoman in Solid Black, Small, Talabartero Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
The leather poufs and pillows in this collection are inspired by the equestrian heritage of Colombia’s coffee growing region. Talabartero translates as ‘master saddler’—and the colle...
Leather
"Gimme More" Leather Covered Ottoman with Fiber or Goose by Moroso for Diesel
By Diesel Creative Team 1, Moroso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Gimme More" is an ottoman, designed by Diesel Creative Team and manufactured by Moroso, featuring elements in stress-resistant polyurethane foam in varied ...
Steel
Leather Ottoman in Solid Black, Talabartero Collection, Custom Size
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
The leather poufs and pillows in this collection are inspired by the equestrian heritage of Colombia’s coffee growing region. Talabartero translates as ‘master saddler’—and the colle...
Leather
Leather Ottoman in Black, Large — Talabartero Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
The leather poufs and pillows in this collection are inspired by the equestrian heritage of Colombia’s coffee growing region. Talabartero translates as ‘master saddler’, and the coll...
Leather
