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 Guest Bed Sofa with Storage Drawers
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This deep and loungey sofa is comprised of two pieces that can easily be converted to two single beds, or a split king bed. When in the guest bed configuration, each bed is the size of a twin mattress and fits twin sheets. When pushed together it forms a king sized bed and can fit king sheet...
Walnut, Canvas
Natural Canvas and Marbled Rust Sofa with Contrast Belting
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
Natural Canvas and Marbled Rust Two-Seat Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Slightly smaller in size, the two seat sofa is ideal for apartments or smaller spaces requiring a smaller footprint. This variation is upholstered in a natural canvas.. The foam sea...
Steel
Tan Wool 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
Natural Canvas and Marbled Rust 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
Tan Wool & Antique Nickel Small Sectional
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our sectionals are great ways to customize your space and create the ultimate lounge spaces. This variation is upholstered in a warm tan wool. The foam seat cushions have been wra...
Steel
Venfield Modern Sofa /Daybed
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
Stylish Modern sofa with 6 back pillows and low, wide arms. This sofa's deep single seat cushion is perfectly sized to serve as a daybed or single bed for ...
Steel
Modern Large Sofa with Large Pull Out Table and Metal Details on Wood Legs
By LF Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Irving sofa is where form meets function - this sofa has loose back and seat cushions made of soft foam with feather and down - the square arms have a notch to allow the seat cus...
Linen, Mahogany
Modern Square Arm Sectional Sofa with Chaise, Fabric & Wood, USA Made
By The Tailored Home, Jhon Ortiz
Located in Greenwich, CT
A low-profile sectional defined by its broad proportions and clean, squared lines. The generous arms and deep seating create a relaxed, tailored silhouette designed for comfort and l...
Fabric, Wood
Sectional Loveseat with Chaise and Exposed Mahogany Frame
By The Tailored Home
Located in Greenwich, CT
An exposed mahogany frame traces the perimeter of this made-to-order sectional, connecting to short tapered legs for a refined architectural detail. Three loose down and feather wrap...
Velvet, Mahogany, Upholstery
Saint-rémy Sofa by Luca Nichetto
By Luca Nichetto
Located in Geneve, CH
Indoor Saint-Rémy sofa by Luca Nichetto Dimensions: W 220 x D 110 x H 67 cm Materials: black aluminium powder coated structure platform, black aluminium powder coated or dark beech solid wood legs, fabric or leather Saint-Rémy is an outdoor sofa designed to incorporate the least number of elements possible, each with several possible uses for a decidedly modular product. Variations in cushion shapes are kept to a minimum to promote adaptability, allowing for instance a back cushion to pivot and be used as an armrest. The bolster-shaped cylindrical cushions are a reference to the familiar vocabulary of La Manufacture’s Luizet sofa. Textile straps reminiscent of hiking backpacks...
Other
Saint-rémy Sofa by Luca Nichetto
By Luca Nichetto
Located in Geneve, CH
Outdoor Saint-Rémy sofa by Luca Nichetto. Dimensions: W 220 x D 110 x H 67 cm Materials: Black aluminium powder coated structure platform, black aluminium powder coated or dark beech solid wood legs, fabric or leather Saint-Rémy is an outdoor sofa designed to incorporate the least number of elements possible, each with several possible uses for a decidedly modular product. Variations in cushion shapes are kept to a minimum to promote adaptability, allowing for instance a back cushion to pivot and be used as an armrest. The bolster-shaped cylindrical cushions are a reference to the familiar vocabulary of La Manufacture’s Luizet sofa. Textile straps reminiscent of hiking backpacks...
Other
