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.
Glass and Marbled Rust Coffee Table with Swiss Military and Oxblood Belts
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A glass topped coffee table that utilizes the signature Inheritance collection belts. This version was made to pair with the military canvas and rust sofa. The steel frame has a marb...
Steel
$8,500 / item
Compression Dining Table in Walnut Wood
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Compression Table by Stephen Kenn is a celebration of simplicity and strength. The bars are held together without nails or welds, but through compression along steel rods. The Compression Table can be paired with the matching Compression Bench or used with other chairs of your choosing. 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 customizable table...
Wood, Walnut
Blackened Steel Dining Chair with Black Leather Upholstered Seat
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A steel and leather chair with a comfortable seat, easily stackable to save space when needed. This tonal version has a blackened steel frame with a black leather upholstered seat. S...
Steel
$8,500 / item
Ebonized Oak and Antique Brass Large Dining Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A solid oak and steel dining table, perfect for seating 6-10 people comfortably. This version has an antique brass frame finish and an ebonized oak tabletop. White oak, walnut, or ma...
Steel
$3,400 / item
Outdoor Coffee Table with Rust Powdercoat
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 Stephen Kenn Outdoor Collection is composed o...
Steel
$9,500 / set
Ebonized Oak and Antique Copper Dining Set
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Clean lines and high quality materials are the basis of Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection. This simple yet elegant dining set features a solid ebonized oak tabletop with an antiq...
Steel
$5,500 / item
Compression Dining Table in Red Oak
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Compression table by Stephen Kenn is a celebration of simplicity and strength. The bars are held together without nails or welds, but through compression along steel rods. The Compression Table can be paired with the matching Compression Bench or used with other chairs of your choosing. 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 customizable table...
Wood, Oak
Granite Leather and Antique Brass Dining Chair with Blackened Steel Frame
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A steel and leather chair with a comfortable seat, easily stackable to save space when needed. This version has a blackened steel frame, am antique brass backrest, and a granite leat...
Steel
Aluminum Compression Table in Antique Nickel
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The compression table by Stephen Kenn is a celebration of simplicity and strength. The bars are held together without nails or welds, but through compression along steel rods. The Compression Table can be paired with the matching Compression Bench or used with other chairs of your choosing. 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 customizable table...
Metal, Steel
Walnut and Antique Nickel Dining Set with Four Dining Chairs
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dining goods are one of the newest additions to Stephen Kenn's The Inheritance collection. A solid walnut and steel dining table with simple and modern lines, with a set of four matc...
Steel
$2,800 / item
Glass-Topped Antique Copper Coffee Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This glass-topped coffee table utilizes the signature belts from the Stephen Kenn Inheritance Collection stretched across an antique copper-plated steel frame. The belts are a replic...
Steel
$2,950 / item
Antique Brass Block Side Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A modular stool and storage system created to accessorize a living space. Can be used facedown to act as stools or a small coffee table or turned upright...
Steel
$1,800 / item
White Oak & Antique Nickel Side Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to be used as an easy surface for dining or working from a laptop while lounging, this table can be paired with your own furniture or the matching sofa or chair from the Inh...
Steel
$2,500 / item
Belted Glass-Top Coffee Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A glass topped coffee table that utilizes the signature Inheritance collection belts. The steel frame has a blackened steel finish and taupe cotton webbing belts with cognac leather ...
Steel
$1,600 / item
White Oak & Blackened Steel Side Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to be used as an easy surface for dining or working from a laptop while lounging, this table can be paired with your own furniture or the matching sofa or chair from the Inh...
Steel
$3,400 / item
Outdoor Charcoal Coffee Table
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 Stephen Kenn Outdoor Collection is composed o...
Steel
$5,700 / item
Ebonized Oak and Antique Copper Small Dining Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A solid oak top with an ebonized finish and antique copper steel frame dining table with simple and modern lines. Pairs well with the Inherita...
Steel
$2,800 / item
Glass-Topped Antique Nickel Coffee Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This glass-topped coffee table utilizes the signature belts from the Stephen Kenn Inheritance Collection stretched across an antique nickel-plated steel frame. Every Stephen Kenn...
Steel
Brentwood Tan Leather and Antique Brass Armchair and Walnut Wing Table
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
Glass and Marbled Rust Coffee Table with Cognac and Indigo Belts
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A glass topped coffee table that utilizes the signature Inheritance collection belts. This version was made to pair with the military canvas and rust sofa. The steel frame has a marb...
Steel
Antique Copper and Glass Coffee Table with Indigo and Cognac Belts
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A glass topped coffee table that utilizes the signature Inheritance collection belts. This version was made to pair with the hand-dyed indigo canvas and antique copper sofa...
Steel
$1,400 / item
Modular Metal Block Table with Internal Shelf
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A modular stool and storage system created to accessorize a living space. Can be used facedown to act as stools or a small coffee table or turned upright...
Steel
Glass Coffee Table with Blackened Steel Frame & Belts
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A glass topped coffee table that utilizes the signature Inheritance collection belts. The steel frame has a blackened steel finish and natural cotton webbing belts with natural veg t...
Steel
$1,800 / item
Antique Nickel & Blackened Steel Side Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to be used as an easy surface for dining or working from a laptop while lounging, this table can be paired with your own furniture or the matching sofa or chair from the Inh...
Steel
$2,000 / item
Antique Nickel Side Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to be used as an easy surface for dining or working from a laptop while lounging, this table can be paired with your own furniture or the matching sofa or chair from the Inh...
Steel
$2,400 / item
Grounded Collection Circle Side Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Conceived while in lockdown in 2020, the Grounded Collection from Stephen Kenn is a mediation on being grounded in peaceful creative work, while enduring forced isolation from commun...
Cast Stone, Steel
$1,500 / item
Blackened Steel Side Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to be used as an easy surface for dining or working from a laptop while lounging, this table can be paired with your own furniture or the matching sofa or chair from the Inheritance Collection by Stephen Kenn. The low profile base slips under the edge of most sofas or chairs. This version features a matching blackened steel...
Steel
$1,800 / item
Antique Brass and Blackened Steel Side Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to be used as an easy surface for dining or working from a laptop while lounging, this table can be paired with your own furniture or the matching sofa or chair from the Inh...
Steel
$8,700 / item
Ebonized Oak and Polished Nickel Large Dining Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Clean lines and high quality materials are the basis of Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection. This simple yet elegant dining table can comfortably seat up to 10 guests, and features...
Nickel
Grounded Collection Double Side Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Conceived while in lockdown in 2020, the Grounded Collection from Stephen Kenn is a mediation on being grounded in peaceful creative work, while enduring forced isolation from commun...
Cast Stone, Steel
$9,500 / item
Compression Table in Blackened Aluminum
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Compression Table by Stephen Kenn is a celebration of simplicity and strength. The bars are held together without nails or welds, but through compression along steel rods. The Compression Table can be paired with the matching Compression Bench or used with other chairs of your choosing. 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 customizable table...
Metal, Steel
$1,200 / item
Antique Copper & Marbled Rust Wing Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique table was designed specifically to pair with the Inheritance Sofa, Two Seat Sofa, or Armchair by Stephen Kenn. It clips to the side of the frame and can be easily secured...
Metal, Steel, Copper
$2,000 / item
Antique Copper & Antique Nickel Side Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to be used as an easy surface for dining or working from a laptop while lounging, this table can be paired with your own furniture or the matching sofa or chair from the Inh...
Steel
Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Armchair with Black Marble Wing Table
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
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
$3,400 / item
Outdoor Coffee Table with Bone Powdercoat
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 Stephen Kenn Outdoor Collection is composed o...
Steel
Side Table with Antique Brass Frame and Blackened Steel Top
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to be used as an easy surface for dining or working from a laptop while lounging, this table can be paired with your own furniture or the matching sofa or chair from the Inh...
Brass, Steel
$2,000 / item
Outdoor Charcoal Dining Table
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
$6,000 / item
Walnut and Antique Nickel Small Dining Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A newer addition to Stephen Kenn's The Inheritance Collection-dining. A solid walnut and steel dining table with simple, minimal and modern lines. Pairs well with the Inheritance Din...
Steel
$1,600 / item
Antique Copper & Blackened Steel Side Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to be used as an easy surface for dining or working from a laptop while lounging, this table can be paired with your own furniture or the matching sofa or chair from the Inh...
Steel
$1,600 / item
Black Marble & Polished Brass Wing Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique table was designed specifically to pair with the Inheritance sofa, two seat sofa, or armchair by Stephen Kenn. It clips to the side of the frame and can be easily secured...
Marble, Metal, Steel
$1,600 / item
White Marble & Antique Nickel Wing Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique table was designed specifically to pair with the Inheritance sofa, two seat sofa, or armchair by Stephen Kenn. It clips to the side of the frame and can be easily secured...
Marble, Steel, Metal
Antique Nickel and Charcoal Powdercoat Wing Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A slim table that easily clips onto the side of any of our Inheritance Collection seating pieces. Shown here with a charcoal powder-coated frame and antique nickel tabletop, but also...
Steel
$1,100 / item
Walnut and Blackened Steel Wing Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A slim table that easily clips onto the side of any seating pieces from Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection as a convenient surface for a drink or a book. Shown here with a blacken...
Steel
$1,300 / item
Walnut and Antique Brass Wing Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A slim table that easily clips onto the side of any of our Inheritance Collection seating pieces with simple thumbscrews. Shown here with an antique brass frame and walnut tabletop, ...
Steel
$1,200 / item
Blackened Steel and Antique Brass Wing Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A slim table that easily clips onto the side of any of our Inheritance Collection seating pieces. Shown here with a blackened steel frame and brass tabletop, but also available in se...
Steel