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.
$9,500 / item
Smoke 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 collection is a result of reimagining typical upholstered seating. This variation is upholstered in a deep charcoal...
Steel
$14,500 / item
Grey Nubuck 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 ...
Steel
$13,500 / item
Natural Veg Tan Leather & 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 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 space and lifestyle This version of our Inheritance Two Seat Sofa 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 an antique brass plated frame. The two seat sofa is strapped with support belts featuring natural cotton webbing, natural veg tan leather...
Steel
$8,000 / item
Dark Olive Heavy Canvas and Blackened Steel 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 ...
Canvas
$10,000 / item
Pebbled Black 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
$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
$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
$11,600 / set
Dark Olive Heavy Canvas Sofa and Ottoman Set
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Sofa set from the Stephen Kenn Inheritance Collection was designed for maximum comfort and functionality. The Sofa was originally conceived in 2011 as the first piece in The In...
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
$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
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
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
Outdoor Sunbrella Sand & Marbled Rust Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Outdoor Collection Sofa was designed to be as comfortable as it is modern and durable. It can be used on its own or paired with other elements of the Outdoor Collection to create a larger sectional. The stretch webbing base creates a soft lounging...
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
$23,900 / item
Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel 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. 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
$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
$13,900 / item
Olive 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
$6,500 / item
Olive Twill Canvas 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 uphols...
Steel
$8,500 / item
Grey Wool & Marbled Rust 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
$10,000 / item
Waxed Navy Leather & Marbled Rust 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
$14,000 / item
Obsidian Black Leather and Blackened Steel 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
$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
$13,500 / item
US Mailbag Canvas & 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
$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
$15,500 / item
Blue Leather and Polished Black 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 smooth blue leather from the Acadia Collection by Moore & Giles. The foam seat cushion has been wrapped in down for added comfort and sits atop a polished black nickel...
Steel
$6,500 / item
Black Canvas & 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 upholstery, and supportive belts. The deep seating area is perfect for a relaxing lounge experience. This two seat 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 two seat 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 Two Seat Sofa is upholstered in black canvas. The foam seat cushions have been wrapped in polyfiber for added softness and comfort. Sitting atop a blackened steel frame, the two seat sofa is strapped with support belts featuring black cotton webbing, black leather, and blackened antique buckles.
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
$8,000 / item
Black Canvas and Blackened Steel 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 canvas. The foam seat cushions have been wrapped in polyfiber for added softness and comfort. Sitting atop a blackened steel frame, the sofa is strapped with support belts featuring black cotton webbing, cognac leather, and antique brass buckles.
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
$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
Potomac Tan Leather and Blackened Steel Sofa with Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Conceived in 2011, the Inheritance Sofa design was the first piece in The Inheritance collection by Stephen Kenn. Beginning from a place of curiosity about how furniture was construc...
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
$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
$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
$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
2010s Stephen Kenn Inheritance Three Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Inheritance Sofa, originally designed by Stephen Kenn in 2011. This particular example was produced in the 2010s. The design features large plush cushions in cognac horwee...
Brass
$8,500 / item
Grey Wool 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
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
$13,500 / item
Heathered Beige Wool and Polished 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 ...
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
$13,500 / item
Black Wool and Polished 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 ...
Steel