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.
Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel 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 collection is a result of reimagining typical upholstered seating. This variation is upholstered in a deep charcoal...
Steel
Pebbled Black Leather 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
Smoke Leather 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
Granite Leather & 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
Black Leather & Blackened Steel Extra-Long Loveseat
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Loveseat 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, ...
Steel
Black Canvas & 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 upholstery, and supportive belts. The deep seating area is perfect for a relaxing lounge experience. This two seat sofa 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 two seat sofa you can 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 Two Seat Sofa is upholstered in black canvas. The foam seat cushions have been wrapped in polyfiber for added softness and comfort. Sitting atop a blackened steel frame, the two seat sofa is strapped with support belts featuring black cotton webbing, black leather, and blackened antique buckles.
Steel
Double-Seat Sofa in Milled Black Leather and Oiled Laser-Cut Steel
By Klein Agency
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The sofa double is guilty as charged. Doubling the fun of Klein Agency's sofa Single, this contemporary piece is utilizing the same bulging pillow forms. The double allows ample room...
Cut Steel
Anthracite Black Leather Coupe Sofa
By Bramin Mobler, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, GB
A very bold and unusual anthracite black leather coupe sofa by Kai Kristiansen for Bramin Mobler, Denmark, circa 1970's. A solid statement design. Soft anthracite leather with feathe...
Leather
Hannes Wettstein three seat sofa in black leather and steel. Model Delphi
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hannes Wettstein three seat sofa new upholstered with black elegance full grain aniline leather. Base of brushed steel. Model Delphi, made by Erik Jørgensen
Stainless Steel
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
Contemporary X-Large Standard Sofa in Black Leather with Brass Base
By Michael Felix
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The standard sofa is deceptively simple at first glance. Upon closer inspection it manages to be both modern and nostalgic, the sofa you will bring with ...
Brass
Contemporary Large Standard Sofa in Black Leather with Brass Base
By Michael Felix
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The standard sofa is deceptively simple at first glance. Upon closer inspection it manages to be both modern and nostalgic, the sofa you will bring with ...
Brass
