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.
$10,000 / item
Vintage Military Canvas 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
$4,200 / item
Obsidian Black Leather and Blackened Steel Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A part of our new leather collection, this chair has a blackened steel frame finish, black webbing and cognac leather belts and upholstery of soft black vegetable tanned leather. ...
Steel
White Canvas and Polished Black 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. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholst...
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. 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. This sofa comes with removable cushion covers to allow for easy cleaning should the need arise. 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. Since the development of the Inheritance Collection, Stephen Kenn has been inspired by the history inherent in vintage military-issue materials. This version of our Inheritance Sofa is upholstered with salvaged vintage military canvas...
Copper
$8,500 / item
Waxed Moss Green Leather and Antique Copper 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
$2,100 / item
Brentwood Navy Leather and Blackened Steel Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to pair with any of the Inheritance Seating options, the Ottoman is a great addition to add a lounge element to your seating arrangement. This variation is upholstered i...
Steel
$8,500 / item
Potomac Tan Leather and Antique Brass 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
$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. 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. This sofa comes with removable cushion covers to allow for easy cleaning should the need arise. 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 black wool. The foam seat cushions have been wrapped in polyfiber for added softness and comfort. Sitting atop an antique brass plated frame, the sofa is strapped with support belts featuring black cotton webbing, black leather, and antique brass buckles.
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. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, and ...
Steel
$3,600 / item
Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Bench
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Bench is a versatile piece that can be used as a chaise extension on any sofa, as an independent seating option or as a large upholstered coffee table...
Steel
$10,500 / item
Mauve 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 collection is a result of reimagining typical upholstered seating. This variation is upholstered in a lush mauve leather by Moore & Giles. The foam seat cushions have been wrapped in down, allowing for a soft and comfortable lounge experience. Sitting atop an antique brass plated steel frame, the piece has support belts featuring olive cotton webbing, cognac leather, and antique brass buckles...
Steel
$5,700 / item
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
Black Wool and Antique Nickel 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
$4,000 / item
Navy Leather and Antique Nickel Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek and refined, the Inheritance Chair is a great addition to nearly any space. This variation is upholstered in a rich navy leather. The foam seat cushions have been wrapped in ...
Steel
$6,000 / item
Black Wool and Antique Nickel 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
$1,700 / item
Vintage Military Canvas and Tarnished Brass Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Ottoman by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed steel frame and a plush upholstered top. This versatile piece can function as seating, a sofa chaise extension, or a footstool and can pair easily with matching pieces from the Inheritance Collection or furniture from other makers. This ottoman comes with a removable cushion cover to allow for easy cleaning should the need arise. 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. The design is highly customizable, allowing you to 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. Since the development of the Inheritance Collection, Stephen Kenn has been inspired by the history inherent in vintage military-issue materials. This version of our Inheritance Ottoman is upholstered with salvaged vintage military canvas...
Brass
$1,750 / item
Oak and Blackened Steel Dining Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A solid oak and steel chair with a comfortable seat, easily stackable to save space when needed. This version has a blackened steel frame with a white oakwood seat and backrest. Also...
Steel
$2,800 / item
Black Canvas and Marbled Rust Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek and refined, the chair from Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection is a great addition to nearly any space. This variation is upholstered in natural canvas. The foam seat cus...
Steel
$1,500 / item
Natural Veg Tan Leather and Blackened Steel Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Ottoman by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed steel frame and a plush upholstered top. This versatile piece can function as seating, a sofa chaise extension, or a footstool and can pair easily with matching pieces from the Inheritance Collection or furniture from other makers. 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. The design is highly customizable, allowing you to 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 Ottoman is upholstered in natural veg tan...
Steel
$1,600 / item
Outdoor Tan and Charcoal Dining Chair
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, this collection 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. Custom dimensions, materials, and finishes are available. This steel framed dining chair has a bouncy seat feel, allowing for long conversations over quiet meals outdoors. This item is stackable. This version has tan webbing and a charcoal frame. Other webbing and frame options are available. 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 pool chaise...
Steel
$12,300 / item
Black Canvas and Antique Brass Lounge 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. This sectional comes with removable cushion covers to allow for easy cleaning should the need arise. 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
$4,600 / item
Bench with Antique Rug Upholstery
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This bench, in the style of Stephen's Kenn Inheritance Collection, has been upholstered with an antique rug from the collection of King Kennedy rugs. The ...
Steel
$4,000 / item
Vintage Military Canvas and Antique Brass 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. Since the development of the Inheritance Collection, Stephen Kenn has been inspired by the history inherent in vintage military-issue materials. This version of our Inheritance armchair is upholstered with salvaged vintage military canvas...
Brass
$3,100 / item
Pebbled Taupe & Antique Nickel Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The ottoman from Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection is a versatile piece to add a lounge element to your seating arrangement. This ottoman is upholstered in a pebbled leather from the Harness collection by Moore & Giles. The foam cushion has been wrapped in down allowing for a soft and comfortable lounge experience, and sits atop an antique nickel...
Metal, Steel
Natural Nubuck Leather and Antique Brass Dining Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A steel and leather chair with a comfortable seat, easily stackable to save space when needed. This version has a steel frame with an antique brass finish, and a natural nubuck leath...
Steel
$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. 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. This version of our Inheritance Sofa can be broken down into three pieces for easy delivery through narrow hallways or elevators. Once reassembled, the seams are nearly invisible, allowing for a full sized 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 blue smoke leather...
Steel
$2,200 / item
Desert Tan Heavy Canvas & Blackened Steel Bench
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The inheritance bench is a versatile piece that can be used as a chaise extension on any sofa, as an independent seating option or as a large upholstered coffee table...
Steel
$1,750 / item
Ebonized Oak and Antique Brass Dining Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A solid oak and steel chair with a comfortable seat, easily stackable to save space when needed. This version has an antique brass finished steel frame with an ebonized oakwood seat ...
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. 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. This sofa comes with removable cushion covers to allow for easy cleaning should the need arise. 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 natural canvas. The foam seat cushions have been wrapped in polyfiber for added softness and comfort. Sitting atop an antique copper...
Steel
$4,200 / item
Outdoor Cream and Charcoal Corner Chair
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, this collection is composed of steel frames that have been zinc primed and powder coa...
Steel
$3,000 / item
Vintage Military Canvas and Antique Brass Bench
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Bench can be used as a chaise extension on the sofa or two-seat sofa, as an independent seating option, or as a large upholstered coffee table...
Steel
$5,200 / item
White Leather and Antique Brass 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, ...
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. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, and ...
Steel
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. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, and ...
Steel
$2,800 / item
Vintage Military Canvas and Polished Brass Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to pair with any of the Inheritance Seating options, the Ottoman is a great addition to add a lounge element to your seating arrangement. Since first designing Inheritance Collection, Stephen Kenn has been inspired by the inherent history in vintage military-issue materials. Each piece of vintage olive green military canvas is distinctive and will have unique markings from its long history of use. The foam seat cushions have been wrapped in polyfiber, allowing for a soft and comfortable lounge experience, and sits atop a specialty polished brass plated...
Steel
$11,800 / set
Waxed Potomac Tan Leather and Antique Brass Sofa Set
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set, featuring the two-seat sofa and two ottomans from Stephen Kenn's Inheritance collection, is ideal for apartments or smaller spaces requiring a smaller footprint. This set ...
Steel
$5,000 / item
Brentwood Navy and Blackened Steel Corner Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Corner chair can be used as a standalone piece, or as part of a modular sectional with other Inheritance pieces. This variation is upholstered in Brentwood Navy leather by Moore...
Steel
$3,500 / item
Outdoor Leaf and Charcoal Chair
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, this collection is composed of steel frames that have been zinc primed and powder coa...
Steel
$2,200 / item
Olive Canvas and Blackened Steel Bench
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance bench is a versatile piece that can be used as a chaise extension on any sofa, as an independent seating option or as a large upholstered coffee table...
Steel
$9,500 / item
Potomac Tan 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
Blackened Steel, Antique Copper and Ebonized Oak Dining Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A solid oak and steel chair with a comfortable seat, easily stackable to save space when needed. This version has an antique copper steel frame with an ebonized oakwood seat and blac...
Copper, Steel
$1,900 / item
Vintage Military Canvas and Blackened Steel Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to pair with any of the Inheritance seating options, the ottoman is a great addition to add a lounge element to your seating arrangement. Since first designing Inheritan...
Steel
Providence Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Chair and Ottoman Set
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Armchair & Ottoman by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush up...
Steel
Potomac Leather and Antique Nickel Two-Seat Sofa with Off-White 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
$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. 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 heavily pebbled black bison leather...
Steel
$3,300 / item
US Mailbag and Blackened Steel Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Since first designing the Inheritance Collection, Stephen Kenn has been inspired by the inherent history in vintage military-issue materials. This piece is upholstered with mailbags ...
Steel
$4,000 / item
Vintage Military Canvas and Antique Brass Armchair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Armchair is as refined as it is comfortable. Since first designing Inheritance collection, Stephen Kenn has been inspired by the inherent history in vintage militar...
Brass
Providence Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Armchair V2
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The inheritance armchair is as refined as it is comfortable. This variation is upholstered in Providence Blue Smoke leather by Moore & Giles. The foam seat cushions have been wrap...
Steel
$5,300 / item
Valhalla Pecan Leather and Antique Nickel Armchair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The inheritance armchair is as refined as it is comfortable. This variation is upholstered in Valhalla Pecan leather by Moore & Giles. The foam seat cushions have been wrapped in ...
Steel
$1,425 / item
Black Leather and Blackened Steel Dining Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A steel and leather chair with a comfortable seat, easily stackable to save space when needed. This version has a steel frame with a brass finish, a blackened steel backrest, and a b...
Steel
$1,900 / item
Vintage Military Canvas and Marbled Rust Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to pair with any of the Inheritance Seating options, the Ottoman is a great addition to add a lounge element to your seating arrangement. Since first designing Inheritance...
Steel
$18,400 / item
Outdoor Leaf & Charcoal Sectional
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, this collection is composed of steel frames that have been zinc primed and powder coa...
Steel
$2,100 / item
Potomac Tan Leather and Blackened Steel Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to pair with any of the inheritance seating options, the ottoman is a great addition to add a lounge element to your seating arrangement. This variation is upholstered in ...
Steel
$3,000 / item
Stone Leather and Antique Nickel Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to pair with any of the inheritance seating options, the ottoman is a great addition to add a lounge element to your seating arrangement. This variation is upholstered i...
Steel
$3,900 / item
White Mongolian Sheepskin and Polished Brass Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to pair with any of the seating options from Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection, the ottoman is a great addition to add a lounge element to your seating arrangement. This variation is upholstered in luxurious white Mongolian...
Steel
$4,600 / item
Granite Leather and Blackened Steel 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, ...
Steel
$4,600 / item
Smooth Black Leather and Blackened Steel 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, ...
Steel
$4,500 / item
Tan 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, ...
Steel
$3,400 / item
Black Canvas and Blackened Steel 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, ...
Steel
$12,900 / item
Natural Canvas & Tarnished Brass Small Sectional
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our sectionals are great ways to customize your space and create the ultimate lounge spaces. This variation is upholstered in a warm natural canvas. The foam seat cushions have bee...
Steel