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 Military Canvas and Marbled Rust Chaise Longue
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
Vintage Military Canvas and Marbled Rust Chaise Longue
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Part of the original Inheritance collection, the Chaise Lounge is a great standalone piece or as part of a modular sectional. It is ideal for stretching out and lounging with its ge...
Steel
Vintage Military Canvas and Blackened Steel 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 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 chaise lounge 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 chaise lounge is upholstered with salvaged vintage...
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
$4,500 / item
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...
Steel
$6,000 / item
Black Wool and Antique 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
$4,800 / item
Black Canvas and Antique Brass Chaise Longue
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
$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
Italian Chaise Longue silk
Located in Long Island, NY
Italian Chaise Longue .Elegant and Timeless. Beautiful Reds and Gold Colors in Silk .
Silk
Forged Steel Chaise Longue
Located in Chireno, TX
Forged steel chaise longue, adorned in brass detail. Sold with newly-made tie-on upholstered cushion in antique hand-loomed French thistle and natural canvas. All...
Brass, Steel
Vintage Brown Leather Chaise Longue
By Enrico Pellizzoni
Located in Milan, IT
Showcasing a fluid silhouette crafted of bronzed cylindrical steel, padded in expanded polyurethane, and upholstered in vintage brown leather, this elegant chaise longue makes for th...
Leather
Penelope Green Chaise Longue
By Pier Luigi Frighetto by Black Tie
Located in Milan, IT
The curved Silhouette of this superbly elegant chaise longue provides a chic and comfortable seat that will highlight the decor of any bedroom or...
Metal, Other
Upholstered Daybed Chaise Longues
Located in Sheffield, MA
Graceful and inviting, the recamier chaise with arched back and rolled arm. The fainting couch is upholstered but it does show some ware. Although made in the Victorian period, it ...
Upholstery
Victorian Walnut Chaise Longue
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Victorian Walnut Chaise Longue – Button-Back Upholstery Item Code: S27-1109 This elegant Victorian walnut chaise longue features a beautifully shaped silhouette with a sweeping backr...
Walnut
Luxurious Bouclé Covered Chaise Longue
Located in North Miami, FL
Luxury and comfort is what this newly upholstered chaise longue in Boucle will offer. Completely clad in fabric, even the feet, this is a great way to add elegance and extra seating...
Bouclé
Outdoor Sun Lounge, Modern Brazilian Design
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
This outdoor Sun-lounge is made in hardwood and metal, without visible solderings for the ultimate modern visuals, this interesting multi-finish structure ...
Metal
French Antique Swan Neck Recamier Chaise Lounge
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A fine antique French walnut recamier or chaise lounge with carved swan heads at posts, lovely neutral vintage upholstery and bolster pillow, circa 1930. The chaise rests on four ca...
Upholstery, Walnut
$1,800
H 33.86 in W 30.32 in D 59.85 in
Vintage IKEA Rattan / Wicker “Karlskrona” Chaise Lounge / Lounge Chair
By Carl Öjerstam
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rattan Chaise Lounge from the old Ikea - back when furniture was really made of good materials that could last for many years. Karlskrona is from the 1990s and has a lovely seat com...
Wicker, Rattan
Cream Leather Chaise Longue
By Contempo
Located in Nantwich, GB
In the style of Italian manufacturer Contempo, this Chaise Longue, in cream leather, was first produced in the 1960’s. Contempo is an Italian manufacturer of luxury leather seating. The company has two production sites in Italy and continues to design and create high end leather furniture to this day. This cream leather Chaise...
Stainless Steel
Leather BoConcept Chaise Longue
By BoConcept
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage BoConcept chaise lounge with relax function. In natural black leather, chrome steel base/legs. Label: BoConcept. Very good vintage condition.
Metal, Chrome