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 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. Since first designing Inheritanc...
Steel
Dark Olive Heavy Canvas 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 large variation measures 3...
Steel
Vintage Military Canvas and Marbled Rust 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. Since first designing Inheritance...
Steel
Vintage Military Canvas and Tarnished Brass 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. This ottoman comes with a removable cushion cover 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. 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. 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 Ottoman is upholstered with salvaged vintage military canvas...
Brass
Vintage Military Canvas and Polished Brass 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. Since first designing Inheritance Collection, Stephen Kenn has been inspired by the inherent history in vintage military-issue materials. Each piece of vintage olive green military canvas is distinctive and will have unique markings from its long history of use. The foam seat cushions have been wrapped in polyfiber, allowing for a soft and comfortable lounge experience, and sits atop a specialty polished brass plated...
Steel
Black Canvas 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
Baxter Ottoman Semi-Attached Cushion, Metal Legs or Wood Legs, Walnut Oak, Maple
Located in Ridgewood, NY
This ottoman is classically minimal with clean, simple lines and delicate, subtle top-stitched seam work.
Chrome
Custom Metal Base Ottoman for COM in a Bronze Finish Customize your Size
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Frame is available in black, antique brass, or iron (shown) Solid HR foam core upholstered in canvas for COM price, linen available at an additional charge, or antique linen (as sho...
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Bronze Velvet Ottoman with Conical Ebonized Walnut Legs
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and sophisticated Mid-Century Modern ottoman was realized in the United States, circa 1960. It ottoman offers a rectangular form with piping detailing on the perimeter o...
Velvet, Walnut
Customizable Modern Ottoman Avenida México, Metal and upholstery.
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
The Avenida Mexico colorful sofa is a light, metal dark blue-structured sofa ideal for COVERED outdoors spaces. Its metal structure is powder-coated whi...
Metal
Bronze Legged ottoman with shearling Cushion
By Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The St Paul Ottoman by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier is a large round ottoman make a dramatic statement in your interior. It has five powerful cast silicon bronze legs, shearling hide wit...
Brass
Lawson-Fenning Petite Orsini Ottoman, Green Linen Cushion, Modern Foot Stool
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Petite Orsini Ottoman features a minimal metal base with decorative ball feet and an upholstered seat. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angeles, Ca...
Steel
