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.
Indigo 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
Waxed Navy Leather & Marbled Rust 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 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
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
Blue Leather and Polished Black 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 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 home and lifestyle - please message us to see our Customization Guide with all available options. This version of our Inheritance Sofa is upholstered in smooth blue leather from the Acadia Collection by Moore & Giles. The foam seat cushion has been wrapped in down for added comfort and sits atop a polished black nickel...
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
Claridge Modern Chesterfield Sofa in Navy Leather
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
21st Century comfort. Our spin on the Classic Chesterfield. We took the original profile—clubby comfort, tailored tufting—and made it modern with a pared down silhouette. The finishi...
Brass
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
Contemporary Medium 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
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
Frame 3 Seaters Sofa in Deep Blue with Brown Burnished Brass Legs
By Stefano Giovannoni, Ghidini 1961
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stefano Giovannoni designs Frame for GHIDINI1961, a new collection composed of sofas, armchairs, dining and coffee tables, bookshelves and cabinets. Everything starts from a simple e...
Fabric
