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
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 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
$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
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
$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
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
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 37 in W 22.13 in D 36 in
Vladimir Kagan Capricorn Series Indoor Outdoor Lounge Chair
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Wayne, NJ
Vladimir Kagan Capricorn series indoor outdoor lounge chair. If you are in the New Jersey , New York City Metro Area , please contact us with your deli...
Metal
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
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
Wooly Modern Chaise Lounge
Located in Greenwich, CT
A lounge chair hand built by us in Norwalk, Connecticut upholstered in a wooly synthetic cotton fabric. This piece features a super comfortable sloping design for ultimate relaxation...
Wool, Synthetic, Faux 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
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
Modern Oversized Chaise Lounge
Located in New York, NY
Modern Oversized Chaise Lounge / Daybed. Upholstered in an off-white fabric.
Fabric
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
Teak and Cane Colonial Chaise Lounge
Located in Highland, IN
This striking chaise is long, lean and luxurious. A teak frame with lovely carved details and a woven cane support offers a platform for lounging, reading and relaxing. Made more comfortable by a beautiful woven quilted pad and pillow. This exceptional piece strikes a balance between antique and...
Cane, Teak