Stephen Kenn Desks and Writing Tables
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.
2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
1790s French Country Antique Stephen Kenn Desks and Writing Tables
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Stephen Kenn Desks and Writing Tables
Travertine, Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Stephen Kenn Desks and Writing Tables
Walnut
2010s Canadian Modern Stephen Kenn Desks and Writing Tables
Walnut
Early 20th Century American Jacobean Stephen Kenn Desks and Writing Tables
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Stephen Kenn Desks and Writing Tables
Oak, Walnut
19th Century English Gothic Antique Stephen Kenn Desks and Writing Tables
Oak
1920s French French Provincial Vintage Stephen Kenn Desks and Writing Tables
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary European Baroque Stephen Kenn Desks and Writing Tables
Iron
1880s Renaissance Revival Antique Stephen Kenn Desks and Writing Tables
Oak
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stephen Kenn Desks and Writing Tables
Oak
2010s Italian Modern Stephen Kenn Desks and Writing Tables
Brass