$14,000 / item
Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Three-Piece Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
Encounter Cognac Leather and Blackened Steel Three-Piece Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
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.
Brass
$11,000 / item
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.
Steel
$8,000 / item
Black 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.
Steel
$14,000 / item
Cream Leather and Antique Nickel Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$14,000 / item
Waxed Navy Leather & Antique Brass Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$14,500 / item
Pebbled Taupe Leather & Antique Nickel Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
Waxed Cognac Leather & Blackened Steel Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$14,500 / item
Grey Nubuck Leather and Antique Nickel Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$15,500 / item
Black Bison Leather and Antique Nickel Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$12,000 / item
Grey Waxed Leather Sofa with Charcoal Powdercoat
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$12,500 / item
Waxed Cognac Leather and Marbled Rust Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$12,000 / item
Cognac Brown Leather 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.
Steel
$11,000 / item
Teal Leather and Light Antique Brass Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$14,000 / item
Waxed Moss Leather and Antique Brass Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$14,000 / item
Obsidian Black Leather 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.
Steel
$10,500 / item
Walnut Brown Leather and Antique Brass Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$14,000 / item
Natural Nubuck Leather and Antique Nickel Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$15,500 / item
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.
Steel
$10,000 / item
Black Wool and White Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$13,500 / item
Black Wool 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.
Steel
$12,000 / item
Black Wool and Antique Brass Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$13,500 / item
Black Wool and Polished Nickel Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$9,500 / item
Natural Canvas and Antique Copper Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$13,500 / item
Heathered Beige Wool and Polished Nickel Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$12,000 / item
Faribault Grey Wool and Antique Nickel Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$10,000 / item
Faribault Grey Wool 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.
Steel
$8,000 / item
Olive Twill Canvas and Marbled Rust Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$8,000 / item
Desert Tan Heavy Canvas and Marbled Rust Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$8,000 / item
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.
Canvas
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.
Steel
Natural Canvas and Marbled Rust 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.
Steel
Dark Olive Heavy Canvas and Blackened Steel Sofa with Natural Leather Belts
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Canvas
$11,000 / item
Olive Canvas & Tarnished Brass Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$14,200 / item
Vintage Japanese Boro & Blackened Steel Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$10,000 / item
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.
Steel
$10,000 / item
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.
Steel
$13,500 / item
US Mailbag Canvas & Polished Brass Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
$13,500 / item
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.
Copper
$10,000 / item
Vintage Military Canvas and Marbled Rust Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
Vintage Military Canvas and Antique Copper Three-Piece Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Steel
Vintage Military Canvas and Antique Brass Three Piece Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique.
Brass
$13,500 / item
Brown Bison 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.
Steel
Potomac Tan Leather and Blackened Steel Sofa with Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Conceived in 2011, the Inheritance Sofa design was the first piece in The Inheritance collection by Stephen Kenn.
Steel
$10,500 / item
US Mailbag & Antique Nickel 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.
Steel
$1,200 / item
Antique Copper & Marbled Rust Wing Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique table was designed specifically to pair with the Inheritance Sofa, Two Seat Sofa, or Armchair by Stephen Kenn.
Metal, Steel, Copper
$1,600 / item
White Marble & Antique Nickel Wing Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique table was designed specifically to pair with the Inheritance sofa, two seat sofa, or armchair by Stephen Kenn.
Marble, Steel, Metal
$1,600 / item
Black Marble & Polished Brass Wing Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique table was designed specifically to pair with the Inheritance sofa, two seat sofa, or armchair by Stephen Kenn.
Marble, Metal, Steel
$8,500 / item
Grey Wool & 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.
Steel
$12,900 / item
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.
Steel
$11,500 / item
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.
Steel
$6,500 / item
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.
Steel
$8,500 / item
Black Wool 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.
Steel
$13,900 / item
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.
Steel
$10,000 / item
Tan Wool and Antique Nickel 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.
Steel
$11,500 / item
Potomac Leather and Antique Nickel 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.
Steel
$10,400 / item
Potomac 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.
Steel
$13,500 / item
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.
Steel
$8,500 / item
Grey Wool 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.
Steel
Federico Munari Italy Sofa Velvet and Polished Solid Brass Curved 1950
By Federico Munari
Located in Valladolid, ES
It has been purchased in Milan Italy, In an inheritance. This curved sofa is perfect to make any room unique and curated!!!
Brass
Tito Agnoli for Cinova Daybed Sofa in Cognac Leather
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tito Agnoli for Cinova, sofa or daybed, model '711', leather, laminated wood, copper, Italy, 1968 A cubic sofa designed by Italian designer Tito Agnoli for Cinova, which can be tran...
Copper
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 75 in D 35 in
Dutch Modern Cognac Leather loveseat sofa by Gerard Van Den Berg
By Gerard Van Den Berg
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dutch Modern Cognac leather loveseat sofa. Chrome flat bar legs. Made by label van den berg and designed by Gerard Van Den Berg. Made circa 2000s. Pre owned with signs of use and pat...
Chrome
$15,480
H 35.83 in W 77.17 in D 31.11 in
Kaare Klint Sofa Model 5011 Original Cognac Leather for Rud Rasmussen Denmark
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Three-seater sofa model 5011 in original leather and eight-legged ash base. Produced by Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers, Denmark. Minor marks on the frame, patina to the leather. Shown ...
Leather, Ash
$7,200 / item
H 30 in W 83 in D 33.5 in
Contemporary Medium Standard Sofa in Caramel Leather with Walnut 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 you from home to home for dec...
Leather
$10,920 / item
H 28 in W 75 in D 34 in
Contemporary Black Leather Double Seat Sofa by KLEIN, Laser-Cut Steel Frame
By Klein Agency
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials - Black Leather, Steel // Style - Modern // Origin - USA // Condition - New, Made to Order The sofa double is guilty as charged. Doubling the fun of Klein Agency's sofa Si...
Cut Steel
$8,300 / item
H 30 in W 89 in D 33.5 in
Contemporary Large Standard Sofa in Caramel Leather with Walnut 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 you from home to home for dec...
Leather
$8,900 / item
H 30 in W 96 in D 33.5 in
Contemporary X-Large Standard Sofa in Caramel Leather with Walnut 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 you from home to home for dec...
Leather
Military Canvas and Antique Copper 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
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 light...
Brass
Waxed Walnut Leather & Blackened Steel 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
Natural Canvas and Marbled Rust 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. This variation is upholstered in a natural canvas.. The foam sea...
Steel
Potomac Tan Leather and Blackened Steel Two-Seat Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Two Seat Sofa from Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection is ideal for apartments or smaller spaces requiring a smaller footprint. This variation is upholstered in a beautiful wa...
Steel
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 co...
Steel
Natural Canvas & Tarnished Brass Chaise Lounge
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Chaise Lounge 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 Canvas and Marbled Rust Sofa with Contrast Belting
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
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
$10,000
H 26.78 in W 83.47 in D 31.11 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Bastiano” Sofa for Gavina, Brown Leather, 1962
By Gavina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Bastiano” sofa for Gavina, brown leather, Italy, 1962 The "Bastiano" sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, designed for Knoll in 1962, epitomizes architectural d...
Leather, Wood
Zen Fire Pit by AK47 Design
By AK47 Design
Located in Boston, MA
Zen fire pit by AK47 Design. Steel fire pit Ø1800 mm. Zen is a wood-burning outdoor fire pit with a round steel crown and built-in brazier. Stone, gravel, volcanic stones and san...
Steel
Organic Shaped Modern Coffee Table by Last Workshop, Walnut
By Last Workshop
Located in Chicago, IL
Organic shaped coffee table by Last Workshop, 2023 Solid walnut wood finish. IN STOCK: 1 If not in stock, current production: 6-7 weeks 58"L x 32" x 15"H Walnut finish. Customers ...
Hardwood, Walnut
ShiLU Sconce PB
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Inglewood, CA
Part of Lumfardo Luminaries contemporary collection, the ShiLU Sconce PB is a fully directional reading sconce crafted from patinated brass and steel hardware and fabric shade. Class...
Brass, Steel
'COME ON IN' Neon Sign , 1990s USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom neon sign with aluminum channel cut letters. COME ON IN, lights up with green neon gas. Just under 6 feet long. Welcoming sign and fun piece of art. Glass in great condition....
Aluminum
A Particular Kind Of Heaven
By Ed Ruscha
Located in London, GB
Ed Ruscha A Particular Kind Of Heaven, 1983 Poster 61 x 92 cm 24 x 36.2 inches Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco exhibition poster Ed Ruscha’s expansive oeuvre defies easy categor...
Mixed Media
$2,500
H 31.5 in W 19 in D 17 in
1993 Vintage Michael Aram Flights of Fancy Skeleton Side / Dining Chair
By Michael Aram
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Skeleton Chair, designed in 1993 by Michael Aram for his ‘Flights of Fancy’ Collection. This particular example is quite special as it has a hand-etched signa...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
$2,400Sale Price|25% Off
H 14 in W 70 in D 20 in
Stunning Scandinavian modern Danish Pine Bench by Sven Larsson Sweden
By Sven Larsson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning Scandinavian modern Danish Pine Bench by Sven Larsson. Made in Sweden c. 1970. All Solid old growth pine wood construction with dowel joints and woodworking details. Great d...
Pine
Dining Set by IKEA, 1990s
By IKEA
Located in Praha, CZ
Good original condition with some signs of use Faux leather in good condition with some signs of use Table shows some signs of use The table dimensions : H:76 W:84 D:84 Chair - high...
Chrome
$2,522 / set
H 30.71 in W 23.63 in D 22.45 in
A pair of Bauhaus Leather Visitor chairs by Mart Stam, produced by Matteo Grassi
By Matteo Grassi, Mart Stam
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find the iconic Visitor's chairs designed by Mart Stam in 1920s and later manufactured by Matteo Grassi in the 1970s. The chairs feature tubular chrome plate...
Steel
$266,462
H 57 in W 30 in D 31.5 in
One-of-a-kind 1851 Great Exhibition Carved Armchair by Arthur Jones of Dublin
Located in London, GB
*Winner of the 2022 Masterpiece Fair Furniture Highlight* The 1851 Great Exhibition Carved Bog Yew Armchair by Arthur Jones of Dublin Carved entirely from Irish bog yew wood, ...
Upholstery, Yew
$38,500
H 23.63 in W 94.49 in D 93.71 in
Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti Confidential Corner Sofa in Burgundy Leather
By Saporiti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti, sectional sofa, model 'Confidential', leather, Italy, 1972 In 1972, Italian architect and furniture designer Alberto Rosselli designed a distinctive s...
Leather
Old Wooden Juvenile Carved Carousel Horse
Located in Nantwich, GB
Juvenile carved wooden carousel horse carved in the style of Charles Loof. Lions carved into the back of the saddle. Restored. Recently restored. Part of a private collection for mor...
Wood
$2,800 / item
H 39.38 in W 39.38 in D 13.39 in
Sling Hanging Swing Chair Genuine Brown Leather 21st Century Modern
By Joanina and David Pastoll
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
Stripped away from all excess, this hanging chair has a circular frame with a sheet of natural thick leather hanging loose within it, to create a sleek, sexy, and oh so comfortable e...
Steel
Large Antique Carousel Horse "BUFFALO, NY" c. 1880s - W6054
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a great Carousel Horse that came from an estate in Buffalo, NY. It was made in the early 1900s and is in good condition. The horse is sitting on a metal pole made by a person...
Metal
Kartell Trix Sofa Bed by Piero Lissoni in Black
By Piero Lissoni, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Trix is made up of three different elements connected by an elegant system of elastics which can transform and adapt to different uses through easy rotation. Trix can be an original ...
Fabric, Plastic
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.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
Vintage couches and antique sofas have anchored living rooms for generations. The pieces most sought after today carry the deep-buttoned tufting of a Chesterfield or the low, sculptural ease of mid-century modern and Hollywood Regency design.
Styles to Know
Rolled arms and tufted backs point to Mid-Century Modern or Hollywood Regency pieces, while tight backs and turned legs skew more traditional. Velvet is enjoying a renewed moment across most of these silhouettes; see our velvet chesterfield sofa trend report for examples. A mid-century modern coffee table within reach and a vintage mirror nearby round out the seating area.
How to Choose the Right Vintage Sofa
A sofa's frame and upholstery history can be difficult to judge from photographs alone. Ask a seller for more information when a listing doesn't show the fabric or joinery clearly, and confirm whether the upholstery is original or has been redone. Each piece comes from a vetted 1stDibs seller, with era, designer and condition detailed, and the 1stDibs Promise stands behind every purchase.