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.
Military Canvas and Blackened Steel Sofa V2
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
Vintage Military Canvas and Blackened Steel Two Seat Sofa V1
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
Vintage Military Canvas and Blackened Steel 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 supportive belts. The deep seating area is perfect for a relaxing lounge experience. This sofa comes with removable cushion covers to allow for easy cleaning should the need arise. Stephen Kenn furniture is typically is made to order through our Los Angeles studio in partnership with a number of small businesses and fabricators in the LA area. This particular version is currently in-stock and available to ship, so there is no need to wait for our standard production lead time. 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 Sofa is upholstered with salvaged vintage military canvas...
Steel
Vintage Military Canvas 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...
Metal, Steel
Vintage Military Canvas 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
Dark Olive Heavy Canvas and Blackened Steel 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 ...
Canvas
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
Max Stout Metal and Leatherette Black Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Very Rare sofa by North Carolina Blacksmith and furniture designer and maker Max Stout. Wingback sofa with wooden arm rests in patinated metal and black re-...
Metal
Gunmetal Steel Altai Loveseat, Sofa by A. Jacob Marks
Located in Geneve, CH
Gunmetal Steel Altai Loveseat, Sofa by A. Jacob Marks Dimensions: W 244 x D 69 x H 74 cm. Materials: Gunmetal Steel. A42 Also available in different materials. The altai seating i...
Steel
1940s Kem Weber for Lloyd SD-17-C Three Seat Tubular Steel Sofa in Fabric
By Kem Weber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Deco Streamline three-seater sofa, designed by Kem weber for Lloyd masnufacturing in 1935. This example dates to the 1940s. It has a tubular chromed-steel frame, and has fo...
Steel, Chrome
Handcrafted Ebonized Oak Moresby Sofa with Custom Linen or Leather Upholstery
By Chris Earl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This handmade solid wood constructed sofa includes handcut joinery and custom upholtered seat and seat back cushions. This sofa is shown in our in house black leather with an ebon...
Oak, Walnut
Modern European Sofa in Black Upholstery and Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leatherette, lacquered metal, Northern Europe, 1970s The design is characterized by a solid construction based on sharp lines and geometrical shapes that are noticeable in the...
Metal
