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.
Grey Wool 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
Faribault Grey Wool 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 steel frame, plush upholstery, and ...
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
Grey Wool & Antique Nickel Small Chaise Sectional
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mini sectional! This one has grey wool upholstery and an antique nickel frame finish. The belts are made with natural cotton webbing, veg tan leather an...
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
Black Wool 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
Contemporary Modern Paloma Sofa in Bouclé Charcoal Grey by Collector
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Underpinned by a minimalist and sophistication aesthetic of clean lines. Paloma sofa designed by Bernhardt & Vella for Collector Studio. Dimension W 240 cm 98,4” D 85cm 33.5”...
Fabric, Oak
Gray Modernist 3 Seat Sofa by Kristina Dam Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Modernist 3 seat sofa by Kristina Dam Studio Materials: Dark gray wool. Also available in different colors. Dimensions: 220 x 77 x H 70 cm The Modernist furniture collection ...
Stainless Steel
Gray Modernist 2 Seat Sofa by Kristina Dam Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Modernist 2 seat sofa by Kristina Dam Studio Materials: Dark gray wool. Dimensions: 164 x 77 x H 70 cm The Modernist furniture collection takes notions of modern design and y...
Stainless Steel
Zanotta Medium Bruce Sofa in Grey Upholstery with Black Painted Steel Frame
By Zanotta, Ludovica + Roberto Palomba 1
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Zanotta Medium Bruce Sofa in Grey Upholstery with Black Painted Steel Frame by Ludovica+Roberto Palomba Monobloc sofas and pouf. Polished aluminum alloy, or with natural or black...
Upholstery
Zanotta Large Bruce Sofa in Grey Upholstery with Black Painted Steel Frame
By Ludovica + Roberto Palomba 1, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Zanotta Large Bruce Sofa in Grey Upholstery with Black Painted Steel Frame by Ludovica+Roberto Palomba Monobloc sofas and pouf. Polished aluminum alloy, or with natural or black ni...
Upholstery
De Sede DS-60/52 Sofa in Grey Fabric by Gordon Guillaumier
By Gordon Guillaumier, De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The purist shape of the Boomerang with its bold yet elegant lines inspired Gordon Guillaumier while breathing life into the DS-60 family. The slender, floating shape blends harmoniou...
Fabric
