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.
Tan Leather & Antique Brass Two Seat Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Slightly smaller in size, the two seat sofa is ideal for apartments or smaller spaces requiring a smaller footprint. The Inheritance Two Seat Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable ...
Steel
Olive Leather and Antique Brass 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
Natural Veg Tan Leather & Antique Brass 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 upholstery, and supportive belts. The deep seating area is perfect for a relaxing lounge experience. 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 sofa, you can select from a wide range of finishes and materials to complement your space and lifestyle This version of our Inheritance Two Seat Sofa is upholstered in full-grain leather from the Essex collection by Horween Tannery. The leather has been vegetable-tanned, but the surface has not been treated with additional waxes or finishes, so the leather will darken and develop a unique patina over time with use and exposure to light. It may also absorb oils or colors from skin and clothing. The foam seat cushion has been wrapped in down for added comfort and sits atop an antique brass plated frame. The two seat sofa is strapped with support belts featuring natural cotton webbing, natural veg tan leather...
Steel
Waxed Potomac Tan Leather and Antique Brass 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
Valhalla Dove Leather and Antique Brass 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 uphols...
Steel
Auburn Leather and Antique Brass Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Conceived in 2011, this sofa design was the first piece in The Inheritance Collection by Stephen Kenn. Beginning from a place of curiosity about how furniture was constructed, the co...
Steel
2010s Stephen Kenn Inheritance Three Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Inheritance Sofa, originally designed by Stephen Kenn in 2011. This particular example was produced in the 2010s. The design features large plush cushions in cognac horwee...
Brass
Armchair in Cognac Leather and Burnished Brass-Plated Laser-Cut Steel Frame
By Klein Agency
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bulging over its edges, this contemporary single sofa seat by Klein Agency screams comfort. Puffy cushions hug the laser cut steel frame, creating a supple cocoon, demanding you to w...
Cut Steel
Contemporary 3-Seat Caramel Brown Leather Sofa with Brass Trim
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary caramel brown leather 3-seat sofa with brass upholstery nail trim, removable single cushion seat with square wooden legs.
Metal, Brass
Katana 2 Seater Sofa in Choclate Forest Leather with Polished Brass Legs
By Paolo Rizzatto, Ghidini 1961
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In the Katana sofa, Paolo Rizzatto, being the refined and expert designer he is, puts great care in the proportions of the structural elements of the product. In the elliptical leg, ...
Leather
Katana 2 Seater Sofa in Choclate Forest Leather with Brown Burnished Brass Legs
By Ghidini 1961, Paolo Rizzatto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In the Katana sofa, Paolo Rizzatto, being the refined and expert designer he is, puts great care in the proportions of the structural elements of the product. In the elliptical leg, ...
Leather
New York Two Seater Sofa in Metal & Leather Upholstery by Quinti Sedute
Located in Geneve, CH
New York Two Seater Sofa in Metal & Leather Upholstery by Quinti Sedute Dimensions: D 88 x W 210 x H 70 cm. Materials: Metal, goose feathers, and leather upholstery. Available in di...
Metal
