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.
| Average Sold Price |
| $7,192 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
Military Canvas and Blackened Steel Sofa V1
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
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. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, and ...
Steel
Vintage Military Canvas 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...
Metal, Steel
Waxed Moss Green Leather and Antique Nickel Armchair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Armchair 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 armchair 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 Armchair is upholstered in waxed moss green leather...
Steel
Vintage Military Canvas and Marbled Rust Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Created in 2011, this is the original version of the Inheritance chair. Inspired by the inherent history seen in vintage US Army materials paired with ...
Steel
$2,200 / item
H 15 in W 34 in D 34 in
Glass and Marbled Rust Coffee Table with Swiss Military and Oxblood Belts
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A glass topped coffee table that utilizes the signature Inheritance collection belts. This version was made to pair with the military canvas and rust sofa. The steel frame has a marb...
Steel
Vintage Military Canvas and Marbled Rust 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
Vintage Military Canvas Guest Bed Sofa with Storage Drawers
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This deep and loungey sofa is comprised of two pieces that can easily be converted to two single beds, or a split king bed. When in the guest bed configuration, each bed is the size of a twin mattress and fits twin sheets. When pushed together it forms a king sized bed and can fit king sheet...
Walnut, Canvas
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Material | Creation Year | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
| $7,192 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $3,900-$11,700 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |
