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.
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
Waxed Tan Leather & Antique Brass Sectional
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sectional 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 sectional...
Steel
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
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
Potomac Tan Leather and Antique Nickel Two Seat Sofa with Charcoal Belting
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
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
Exceptional Dutch Lounge Sofa Set in Wood and Cognac Leather
Located in Voorburg, NL
Exceptional Cognac Leather sofa set made in the 1970’s in the Netherlands. Wear consistant with age and use and in general the patin is very beautiful and the Sofa is in very good he...
Leather, Beech
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
Harvey Probber Mid Century Brass Sectional Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Harvey Probber Mid Century Brass Sectional Sofa This sofa measures: 117.5 wide x 104.25 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height of 16 inches All pieces of furniture can be had in...
Brass
Mid century brown leather modular sofa set, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century sectional/modular sofa set in beautifully tan brown leather. The sofa set is completely modular and consists of 5 elements and an armchair on casters. Ideal piece to c...
Leather
Dakota Jackson Art Deco Style Cuba Sofa in Bronze and Leather
By Dakota Jackson
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A bold and rare 1990s Dakota Jackson "Cuba" sofa finished in tailored green leather upholstery and a dramatic bronze base. The design is executed in an Art Deco style with Postmodern...
Bronze
