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.
$10,500 / item
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
$2,200 / item
Tan & Charcoal Outdoor Lounge 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, the Outdoor Collection by Stephen Kenn is composed of steel frames that have been zin...
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. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholst...
Steel
$11,500 / item
Vintage Military Canvas and Polished 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
$13,600 / item
Black Wool & Antique Brass Chaise Sectional
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A small sectional style piece with an antique brass frame finish and charcoal wool blend upholstery. This item can function as two independent pieces, ...
Steel
$6,800 / item
Mongolian Black Sheepskin and Antique Brass 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...
Steel
White Mongolian Sheepskin and Polished Nickel Armchair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ultra luxurious version of The Inheritance Collection Armchair has super soft white Mongolian sheepskin upholstery, black webbing and leather belt...
Steel
$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. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a ste...
Steel
$2,200 / item
Black & Tan Outdoor Lounge 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
$4,500 / item
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
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
Providence Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Small 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 and way to add a flexible lounge element to your seating arrangeme...
Steel
$4,200 / item
Ruffled Natural Canvas 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
$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. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, and ...
Steel
Antique Brass, Blackened Steel & Sunbrella Cream Canvas Dining Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A steel and canvas chair with a comfortable seat, easily stackable to save space when needed. This version has a blackened steel frame, an antique brass backrest, and a Sunbrella cre...
Steel
Valhalla Granite 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. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholst...
Steel
Harness Burlap Leather and Polished Black 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 light gold leather from the Harness Collection by Moore & Giles. The foam seat cushion has been wrapped in down for added comfort and sits atop a polished black nickel...
Steel
$3,400 / item
Olive Twill 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
Brentwood Navy Leather and Blackened Steel Armchair and Ottoman Set
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
$3,900 / item
Two-Tone Green 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 two-tone green leather. The foam seat cushions have been wrappe...
Nickel
$4,100 / item
Brentwood Navy 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
$13,500 / item
Valhalla Dove 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 uphols...
Steel
$4,500 / item
Valhalla Granite Leather and Marbled Rust 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
$2,500 / item
Valhalla Granite Leather 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. This variation is upholstered i...
Steel
$2,400 / item
Vintage Military Canvas and Antique 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 Inheritanc...
Steel
$5,200 / item
Stone 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
$1,400 / item
Black 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. This variation is upholstered in ...
Steel
$4,500 / item
Navy 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
$4,500 / item
Light Caramel 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
$4,000 / item
Auburn 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
$4,200 / item
Outdoor Leaf 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
$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. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholst...
Steel
$7,500 / item
Tan 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
$3,800 / item
Grey Wool 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 plush grey wool. The foam seat cushions have been wrapped in p...
Steel
$4,000 / item
Grey Wool 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
$3,100 / item
Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Large 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 a deep, blue smoke leather...
Steel
$3,700 / item
Vintage Military 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, and supportive belts. The deep seating area is perfect for a relaxing lounge experience. This armchair 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 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...
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. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, and ...
Steel
$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
Providence Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Armchair V1
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
$1,750 / item
Ebonized 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 finished steel frame with an ebonized oakwood seat...
Steel
$17,700 / item
Black Wool & Antique Brass "L" Sectional
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A larger sectional style piece with open sides, an antique brass frame finish and charcoal wool blend upholstery. This item can function as three independent pieces, lined up to crea...
Steel
$4,000 / item
Black Wool 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
$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. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, and ...
Steel
$7,500 / item
Black Wool 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
$1,700 / item
Tan Nubuck Leather and Antique Brass Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Ottoman from Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection is an easily customizable design that can be used to add a lounge element to any seating arrangement, and pairs especially well...
Steel
Tan Nubuck Leather and Antique Brass Armchair and Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection began from a place of curiosity about how furniture was constructed and the collection is a result of reimagining typical upholstered seating. This Armchair and Ottoman pair from the Inheritance Collection is upholstered in a soft, sand-colored nubuck leather sourced from renowned tannery Moore & Giles. Sitting atop an antique brass frame, the back of the Armchair is supported by belts featuring Swiss Military...
Steel
$4,100 / item
Taupe Nubuck 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
$4,500 / item
Mauve Nubuck Leather and Antique Nickel Armchair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A new chair in our leather series, this version of the inheritance collection chair has mauve leather upholstery atop an antique nickel frame with natural cotton webbing, natural veg...
Steel
$4,200 / item
Stone Light Grey 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
$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. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush uphols...
Steel
$3,800 / item
Natural Canvas and Polished Brass Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural canvas cushion covers, natural cotton webbing, vegetable tanned leather, and polished brass buckles, atop a polished brass chair frame. ...
Steel
$12,900 / item
Smoke 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. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholst...
Steel