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.
Natural Canvas and Polished Brass 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 ste...
Steel
Natural Canvas and Polished Brass Sofa with Tonal Belting
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 Polished 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
Vintage Military Canvas and Polished Brass 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. 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 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 Sofa is upholstered with salvaged vintage military canvas...
Copper
Military Canvas and Antique Brass Two-Seat Sofa and Bench
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 bench is a versatile piece that can be used as a ...
Steel
Vintage Military Canvas 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
Robert Thibier Four Seat Sofa with Gold Painted Metal Frame
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Thibier four seat sofa, gold painted steel, fabric, France, 1960s/1970s This exceptional four-seat sofa by Robert Thibier is a rare example of French design from the 1960s an...
Steel
Robert Thibier Two Seat Sofa with Gold Painted Metal Frame
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Thibier two-seat sofa, gold-painted steel, fabric, France, 1960s/1970s This exceptional two-seat sofa by Robert Thibier is a rare example of French design from the 1960s and ...
Steel
Contemporary Sofa with Solid Wood Base and Brass Details
By Laura Noriega
Located in Guadalajara, Jal.
"Prado" sofa is inspired by the layers of colors and very well defined materials of the valleys of Western Mexico where the small metallic details recall the sunlight at sunset lighting the color of a stone or piece of meadow. Eight different pieces compose “Prado” sofa...
Brass
Paul Evans Sofa. Bronzed Resin Case, Bronze Base. New Gold Upholstery
By Paul Evans
Located in Kansas City, MO
Fine and rare sofa by Paul Evans. Bronzed resin case with bronze base. Expertly reupholstered in a gold velvet fabric. This sofa is in top condition and ready to place.
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Contemporary Verona Sofa with Brass Detailing, Wooden Base and Beige Fabric
Located in Freamunde, PT
Verona sofa embodies the essence of Italian elegance and timeless charm. With its clean lines and luxurious fabric, it captures the spirit of the romantic city it’s named after, brin...
Metal, Brass
Customizable Double-Back Sofa with Brushed Brass Plinth By José Castro
Located in New York, NY
This striking and sophisticated sofa is a beautiful blend of comfort and modern design. It features a graceful, upholstered curved form that creates an inviting and fluid silhouette....
Brass
