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.
Tan Nubuck Leather and Antique Brass Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Ottoman from Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection is an easily customizable design that can be used to add a lounge element to any seating arrangement, and pairs especially well...
Steel
Potomac Tan Leather and Blackened Steel Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to pair with any of the inheritance seating options, the ottoman is a great addition to add a lounge element to your seating arrangement. This variation is upholstered in ...
Steel
Natural Veg Tan Leather and Blackened Steel Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Ottoman by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed steel frame and a plush upholstered top. This versatile piece can function as seating, a sofa chaise extension, or a footstool and can pair easily with matching pieces from the Inheritance Collection or furniture from other makers. 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. The design is highly customizable, allowing you to 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 Ottoman is upholstered in natural veg tan...
Steel
Nutmeg Brown Leather & Polished Nickel Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to pair with any of the Inheritance Seating options, the Ottoman is a great addition to add a lounge element to your seating arrangement. This variation is a custom sized 36" x 36" x 17" ottoman, which is upholstered in a nutmeg brown leather...
Steel
Mauve Leather and Antique Brass Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to pair with any of the Inheritance Seating options, the Ottoman is a great addition to add a lounge element to your seating arrangement. This variation is upholstered in ...
Steel
Stone Leather and Antique Nickel Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to pair with any of the inheritance seating options, the ottoman is a great addition to add a lounge element to your seating arrangement. This variation is upholstered i...
Steel
Leather Ottoman in Camel, Small, Talabartero Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
The leather poufs and pillows in this collection are inspired by the equestrian heritage of Colombia’s coffee growing region. Talabartero translates as ‘master saddler’—and the colle...
Leather
Modern Cocktail Ottoman - Caramel Brown Leather
Located in Westwood, NJ
A harmonious blend of luxury and timeless design. Featuring a button tufted top crafted from premium brown top-grain leather, it offers both comfort and style. The elegantly finished...
Metal
Leather Ottoman in Camel, Large, Talabartero Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
The leather poufs and pillows in this collection are inspired by the equestrian heritage of Colombia’s coffee growing region. Talabartero translates as ‘master saddler’, and the coll...
Leather
Montauk Cognac leather ottoman , circa 2000s
Located in Miami, FL
Montauk Cognac leather ottoman , circa 2000s
Leather
Medium 'Tambour' Antiqued Brass and Hide Ottoman by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Medium 'Tambour' antiqued brass and hide ottoman by Design Frères. Upholstered firm, so also great as a coffee table, with a tray.
Steel
Medium 'Tambour' Antiqued Brass and Hide Ottoman by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Medium 'Tambour' antiqued brass and hide ottoman by Design Frères. Upholstered firm, so also great as a coffee table, with a tray.
Steel
