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.
$3,200 / item
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
$4,000 / item
Cream Nubuck Leather and Antique Brass 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 warm cream nubuck leather with a soft suede like touch. 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 natural cotton webbing, natural veg tan leather, and antique brass buckles...
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
$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
$2,800 / item
Natural 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 cushi...
Steel
$3,500 / item
Outdoor Cream 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
$7,700 / item
Chair with Antique Rug Upholstery
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This chair, 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, Metal
$7,700 / item
Chair with Antique Rug Upholstery
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This chair, in the style of Stephen's Kenn Inheritance Collection, has been upholstered with an antique rug from the collection of King Kennedy rugs. The ...
Metal, 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
$3,200 / item
Vintage Military Canvas & 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. This chair 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 chair you can select from a wide range of finishes and materials to complement your home and lifestyle 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 Chair is upholstered with salvaged vintage military canvas...
Metal, Steel
$4,700 / item
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...
Metal, 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
$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
$3,100 / item
Vintage Military Canvas and Blackened Steel Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek and refined, the Inheritance Chair is a great addition to nearly any space. Since first designing Inheritance Collection, Stephen Kenn has been inspired by the inherent histo...
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
$4,200 / 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
$4,200 / item
Natural Veg Tan Leather & 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. This version of our Inheritance Chair is upholstered in full-grain leather from the Essex collection by Horween Tannery. The leather has been vegetable-tanned, but the surface has not been treated with additional waxes or finishes, so the leather will darken and develop a unique patina over time with use and exposure to light. It may also absorb oils or colors from skin and clothing. The foam seat cushion has been wrapped in down for added comfort and sits atop a blackened steel frame. The chair is strapped with support belts featuring natural cotton webbing, natural veg tan...
Metal, Steel
$2,800 / item
Black Canvas and Blackened Steel Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This chair has soft black canvas cushion covers, a blackened steel frame with black cotton webbing and cognac leather belts. This item is made to order, in Los Angeles. Please ...
Steel
Brown Velvet & 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...
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
$3,600 / item
Pebbled Black Leather & Blackened Steel Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek and refined, the Inheritance Collection Chair by Stephen Kenn is a great addition to nearly any space. This chair is upholstered in a rich black leather from the Moore & Gi...
Steel, Metal
$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
$3,700 / item
Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Chair- Extra Wide
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 slightly larger at a 36" seat width. It is upholstered in a smooth smoke leathe...
Steel
$3,500 / item
Encounter Cognac Leather and Blackened Steel 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 the same soft, cognac leather as our Encounter Collection bags. ...
Steel
$3,800 / item
Vintage Military Canvas and Antique Copper Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek and refined, the inheritance chair is a great addition to nearly any space. 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. Sitting atop an antique copper plated...
Steel
$5,000 / item
Black Wool and Antique Brass 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 a rich, black wool ...
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
$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
$4,200 / 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
$3,877 / set
H 42.52 in W 23.23 in D 29.53 in
Stunning Pair of Victorian Military Campaign Folding Chairs Steamer Liner Pieces
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this sublime pair of Victorian circa 1880 military campaign style folding chairs A very good looking and highly collectable pair of desk steame...
Upholstery, Oak
$3,769 / item
H 32.68 in W 23.23 in D 23.63 in
Modern Laurence Leather Dining Chairs, Nubuck, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Laurence Leather Dining Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Laurence leather dining chair is an artistic tribute to the essence of fe...
Leather, Wood, Mohair, Bouclé, Linen, Velvet
$1,836
H 29.34 in W 15.16 in D 16.54 in
Rare circa 1890 Solid Fruitwood Brass Fitting Military Campaign Folding Chair
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare circa 1890 antique Military Campaign fold chair in fruitwood with brass fittings A genuine Campaign used piece, very strong and l...
Brass
Polished Brass 33 Step Chair by Zhipeng Tan
By Zhipeng Tan
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Tan’s practice, since graduating from the China Academy of Art, has been focused on the ancient technique of lost-wax casting. This ancient foundry process has created an intersection between Tan’s interest in heritage casting techniques and organic forms. The forms designed by Tan vary from being environmental (water drops, tree roots) to being figurative (spinal cords, pelvic structures). The Lily collection brings together the botanical and human motifs most explicitly. The tension between the two references cause the works to become abstracted and take on a slightly surreal quality, whilst maintaining functionality. The 33 step chair...
Brass
$1,245 / item
H 31.5 in W 18.12 in D 19.69 in
"Oscar" Minimalist Chair with Arms in Solid, Wood and Natural Leather
By Alessandra Delgado
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
When she created Oscar chair with wooden arms, Alessandra Delgado was inspired by the master architect Oscar Niemeyer´s work. The Oscar chair i...
Wood, Leather, Canvas, Velvet, Polyester
$950 / item
H 32.29 in W 20.87 in D 21.26 in
Contemporary Chair in Natural Solid Wood, Upholstered, Natural Wood Back, Arms
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Dry chair collection. The dry chair concept is to work in a mixture of distinct references resulting in a modern classic in a dance between the retro and the modern. A heavy and i...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Laminate, Hardwood
Pair of Rattan and Bamboo Chairs, Vintage
Located in Houston, TX
These vintage rattan and bamboo armchairs perfectly blend mid-century organic design with timeless coastal appeal. Exquisitely crafted, these chairs feature a sturdy bamboo frame wi...
Bamboo, Rattan
Antique Spanish Leather and Wood Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Classic antique Baroque style dining chairs, in weathered wood, and leather. Both are structurally sound and sturdy, both show some cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with age. We ...
Leather, Wood
$6,085 / item
H 12.6 in W 22.05 in D 24.02 in
Marie Antoinette Chair in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Marie Antoinette chair...
Brass
$2,532 / item
H 38.59 in W 240.95 in D 248.82 in
Sleek Black Leather and Stainless Steel Bar Chair for Outdoor Settings
By Myface
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Nero, bar chair The Nero bar chair embodies modern elegance, with its clean lines and sculpted form. Designed for durability, its sturdy frame ensures stability, while its upholster...
Stainless Steel
Garden Chairs in Wrought Iron. Indoor & Outdoor
Located in Miami, FL
Garden chairs in wrought iron. PRICE PER ITEM Indoor & Outdoor
Wrought Iron
$760 / item
H 32.29 in W 20.87 in D 21.26 in
Contemporary Chair in Natural Solid Wood, Upholstered, Natural Wood Back, Arms
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Dry chair collection. The Dry chair concept is to work in a mixture of distinct references resulting in a modern Classic in a dance between the retro and the modern. A heavy and i...
Hardwood, Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Laminate