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.
Walnut and Antique Nickel Dining Set with Four Dining Chairs
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dining goods are one of the newest additions to Stephen Kenn's The Inheritance collection. A solid walnut and steel dining table with simple and modern lines, with a set of four matc...
Steel
Compression Dining Table in Walnut Wood
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Compression Table by Stephen Kenn is a celebration of simplicity and strength. The bars are held together without nails or welds, but through compression along steel rods. The Compression Table can be paired with the matching Compression Bench or used with other chairs of your choosing. 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 customizable table...
Wood, Walnut
Ebonized Oak and Polished Nickel Large Dining Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Clean lines and high quality materials are the basis of Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection. This simple yet elegant dining table can comfortably seat up to 10 guests, and features...
Nickel
Aluminum Compression Table in Antique Nickel
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The compression table by Stephen Kenn is a celebration of simplicity and strength. The bars are held together without nails or welds, but through compression along steel rods. The Compression Table can be paired with the matching Compression Bench or used with other chairs of your choosing. 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 customizable table...
Metal, Steel
Ebonized Oak and Antique Brass Large Dining Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A solid oak and steel dining table, perfect for seating 6-10 people comfortably. This version has an antique brass frame finish and an ebonized oak tabletop. White oak, walnut, or ma...
Steel
Ebonized Oak and Antique Copper Small Dining Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A solid oak top with an ebonized finish and antique copper steel frame dining table with simple and modern lines. Pairs well with the Inherita...
Steel
Bert Plantagie Walnut Dining Table with Stainless Steel, Modern Design
Located in Lemmer, NL
Bert Plantagie design table dining table walnut period 21st century design Bert Plantagie Netherlands condition good light signs of use size 76.5 x 144 x 91 (hxwxd) details...
Stainless Steel
2010s Large Solid Walnut Dining Table with Chromed Steel Legs 98x39"
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a large dining table that was produced in the 2010s. It features a minimal and sleek design. The top is made from solid american black walnut with a tapered edge which sits a...
Steel
Custom Modern Walnut Dining Table with Stainless Steel Pedestals
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Introduce sophisticated modern simplicity to your dining area with this handcrafted table by Carrocel. Featuring a high-gloss, rich walnut top accented with stainless steel details, ...
Stainless Steel
Kluskens Portofino Dining Table in Solid Walnut
By Kluskens
Located in Nederweert, NL
Portofino Solid Walnut Table Elevate Your Space with Timeless Elegance • Product Overview The 'Portofino' Solid Walnut Table is the epitome of modern sophistication, combining slee...
Walnut
AT10 Dining Table with Walnut Top and H Shaped Steel Base by Atlas Industries
Located in Geneve, CH
AT10 Dining Table with Walnut Top and H Shaped Steel Base by Atlas Industries. Dimensions: W 244 x D 91 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid Walnut with a hand-applied oil finish and blackene...
Metal, Steel
Walnut Wood & Bronze Metal Extending Dining Table
By Team 7
Located in Chicago, IL
The focus on the essentials determines the form and function of Tak. Three simple, intuitive steps are all you need to operate the revolutionary extension. The uncompromisingly slim ...
Metal
