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 Antique Brass Chaise Lounge
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Chaise Lounge 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
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 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 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 wool. The foam seat cushions have been wrapped in polyfiber for added softness and comfort. Sitting atop an antique brass plated frame, the sofa is strapped with support belts featuring black cotton webbing, black leather, and antique brass buckles.
Steel
Vintage Military Canvas and Blackened Steel Chaise Lounge
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Chaise Lounge 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 chaise lounge 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 chaise lounge is upholstered with salvaged vintage...
Steel
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
Classic Contemporary Artisan Handmade Chaise Lounge Brass Metal & Black Leather
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary chaise lounge is a cornerstone of a minimalist collection defined by serenity and architectural precision. Drawing profound inspiration from the Bauhaus m...
Brass, Steel
Modern Gentle Daybed in Black Velvet and Bronze Metal
Located in New York, NY
The Gentle Daybed blends minimalist comfort with striking craftsmanship. Its smooth, teal velvet-upholstered shell offers a luxurious embrace, while the quilted leather base features...
Metal
Contemporary Handmade Chaise Lounge & Ottoman Aged Brass Metal & Black Leather
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Wanderlust chaise lounge and footstool aged brass steel and black vegetable leather These serene pieces embody exclusivity and precision, revealed through subtle, meticulous details...
Brass, Steel
Oversized Lounge Chair In Black Steel & Brushed Gold Detailing
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a unique lounge chair that redefines comfort and style with its rare dimensions. Measuring an impressive 40x40 inches, this extra-wide and extra-deep armchair offers unpa...
Steel
Artisan Sculptural Contemporary Chaise Lounge Aged Brass Metal & Black Leather
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The HUG contemporary chaise longue is defined by a light, ethereal aesthetic, where the subtle oscillation of a 16 mm cold-bent steel rod frame meets the exceptional flexibility of d...
Brass, Steel
Set Sculptural Contemporary Chaise Lounge & Pouf Aged Brass Steel Black Leather
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary chaise longue and ottoman is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 16 / 12 mm is complemented by the flexibil...
Brass, Steel
