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Stephen Kenn

Canadian

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.

Vintage Japanese Boro & Blackened Steel Chair
Vintage Japanese Boro & Blackened Steel Chair

Vintage Japanese Boro & Blackened Steel Chair

$4,700 / item

H 30 in W 32 in D 38 in

Vintage Japanese Boro & Blackened Steel Chair

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The Inheritance Chair 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 chair, you can select from a wide range of finishes and materials to complement your space and lifestyle - please message us to see our Customization Guide with all available options. This version of our Inheritance Chair is upholstered in boro material - vintage Japanese family quilts made from scraps of clothing, kimonos, and other household textiles. We source these 100-200 year old quilts...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn

Materials

Metal, Steel

Military Canvas and Blackened Steel Sofa V1
Military Canvas and Blackened Steel Sofa V1

Military Canvas and Blackened Steel Sofa V1

$9,000 / item

H 30 in W 108 in D 38 in

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...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn

Materials

Steel

Mongolian Grey Sheepskin and Antique Nickel Armchair
Mongolian Grey Sheepskin and Antique Nickel Armchair

Mongolian Grey Sheepskin and Antique Nickel Armchair

$6,800 / item

H 30 in W 31.5 in D 36 in

Mongolian Grey Sheepskin and Antique Nickel Armchair

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection brings together 3 elements: a steel welded frame, replica Swiss military belts and soft foam and down upholstered c...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn

Materials

Steel

Vintage Military Canvas Quilt
Vintage Military Canvas Quilt

Vintage Military Canvas Quilt

$1,200 / item

H 0.07 in W 92 in D 95 in

Vintage Military Canvas Quilt

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

After several years of using military canvas half shelters to upholster our sofas and chairs from The Inheritance Collection, we have accumulated ...

Category

2010s American Arts and Crafts Stephen Kenn

Materials

Canvas

Vintage Military Canvas and Marbled Rust Chair
Vintage Military Canvas and Marbled Rust Chair

Vintage Military Canvas and Marbled Rust Chair

$3,200 / item

H 30 in W 24 in D 36 in

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 ...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn

Materials

Steel

Outdoor Tan and Charcoal Pool Chaise
Outdoor Tan and Charcoal Pool Chaise

Outdoor Tan and Charcoal Pool Chaise

$4,500 / item

H 30 in W 34 in D 81 in

Outdoor Tan and Charcoal Pool Chaise

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Inspired by weekend visits to the stark desert landscapes found a few hours east of Los Angeles, the Outdoor Collection by Stephen Kenn is composed of steel frames that have been zinc primed and powder coated for rust resistance, interwoven stretch webbing for a soft and springy seating experience, and UV and weather resistant Sunbrella Heritage fabric. This version features this version tan webbing and a charcoal powder coated frame; custom dimensions, materials, and finishes are available. There’s no better place for an outdoor nap than the Pool Chaise...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn

Materials

Steel

Vintage Military Canvas and Blackened Steel Two-Seat Sofa
Vintage Military Canvas and Blackened Steel Two-Seat Sofa

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...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn

Materials

Metal, Steel

Cognac Brown Leather and Blackened Steel Sofa
Cognac Brown Leather and Blackened Steel Sofa

Cognac Brown Leather and Blackened Steel Sofa

$12,000 / item

H 30 in W 108 in D 38 in

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. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, and ...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn

Materials

Steel

Browse all Furniture from Stephen Kenn
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Stephen Kenn Sale Prices

Sold DateSold PriceCategoryMaterialCreation Year
2026$2,700Ottomans and PoufsLeather, SteelContemporary
2026$8,100SofasSteel, Canvas, Leather2017
2025$6,500LoveseatsSteel, Leather, CanvasContemporary
$5,767
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months
$2,700-$8,100
Sold price range of items in the past 12 months

Creators Similar to Stephen Kenn

Stephen Kenn furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Stephen Kenn furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Stephen Kenn furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Stephen Kenn were created in the modern style in north america during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Craft Associates, Marie Burgos Design, and The Tailored Home. Prices for Stephen Kenn furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $650 and can go as high as $30,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,210.