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.
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
Black Wool & Antique Brass Chaise Sectional
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A small sectional style piece with an antique brass frame finish and charcoal wool blend upholstery. This item can function as two independent pieces, ...
Steel
Black Wool and Antique Brass Loveseat
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Loveseat 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
Black Canvas and Antique Brass Lounge 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. This sectional 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 sectional...
Steel
Black Wool & Antique Brass "L" Sectional
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A larger sectional style piece with open sides, an antique brass frame finish and charcoal wool blend upholstery. This item can function as three independent pieces, lined up to crea...
Steel
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
Contemporary Black Velvet Sofa, Modern Design, Gilt Metal Legs, USA
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary black velvet sofa with button tufted seat, 4 removable back cushions, square arms, and 6 tapered gilt metal legs (Available in red: 061733)
Metal
Contemporary Large Standard Sofa in Black Leather with Brass Base
By Michael Felix
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The standard sofa is deceptively simple at first glance. Upon closer inspection it manages to be both modern and nostalgic, the sofa you will bring with ...
Brass
Modern Gentle Sofa in Black Velvet and Bronze Metal
Located in New York, NY
The Modern Gentle Sofa embodies elegance and comfort, featuring a smooth, inviting shell that contrasts beautifully with a quilted leather base. Vertical stitching adds depth and tex...
Metal
Contemporary Medium Standard Sofa in Black Leather with Brass Base
By Michael Felix
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Standard sofa is deceptively simple at first glance. Upon closer inspection it manages to be both modern and nostalgic, the sofa you will bring with ...
Brass
Contemporary X-Large Standard Sofa in Black Leather with Brass Base
By Michael Felix
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The standard sofa is deceptively simple at first glance. Upon closer inspection it manages to be both modern and nostalgic, the sofa you will bring with ...
Brass
Sintra Sofa in Charcoal Gray Velvet, Brass Legs, Contemporary Style
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary / Modern "Sintra" sofa upholstered in charcoal gray velvet with four removable back cushions and a single long seat cushion, resting on tapered brass legs. (Available in...
Bronze, Metal
