Stephen Kenn

“Design should embody the simplest, most functional form and the materials used should tell stories from the past and wear well into the future”

A native of Canada, artist and designer Stephen Kenn has been working in the design world for nearly a decade, creating multiple denim lines, men’s travel luggage, and now turning his eye towards the world of furniture design. He has a passion for art and a deep respect for the creative process. He considers it a privilege to push the limits of what he understands of artistic mediums, and each pro

ject he pursues comes from a place of deep passion. Deeply inspired by the simple design philosophy of the mid-century era and the stories inherent in WWII military fabrics, he created The Inheritance Collection. This collection is both innovative and simplistic in design, and comfortable enough to be conducive to good conversation. Each piece begins as a welded steel frame that has been rusted and then coated with protective polyurethane to stop the aging process and provide a smooth finish. Custom-made webbing and leather belts are then woven together to create the support structure for the cushions. The belts are an exact replica of a 1940s-era Swiss military “mule belt.” The belts were originally used to strap supplies onto pack mules for the soldier’s journey to the front lines. Sitting atop these interwoven straps are the comfortable down-alternative pillows covered in repurposed US military half-shelters that have been washed and softened. These vintage, military-issue half shelters are full of the character that comes with age and extensive use. These elements come together to create a collection that is inspired by the past, but looks forward to the future.

09/09/2025

Slow growth. Some say it’s the best and most sustainable way. I wish I could say it was a strategy we chose intentionally…

I’m grateful to have a partner who is willing to measure growth outside of spreadsheets and assets. has been a source of strength and encouragement, of practical help and refinement for me over the years and we’ve changed, both independently but alongside each other.

I’m grateful for the ups and downs. To view humility as an opportunity. I’m also encouraged by the slow and steady provision that comes at just the right time. This journey of entrepreneurship is not a clear or straight path and is one that will test you in ways you never thought possible… but I know that as a result I’m better for it.

From our family to yours… let’s keep going! Let’s celebrate the wins and ask for help when we need it. Community is key right now and I hope it becomes a normalized way of measuring growth in the future.

02/25/2020

Bowline Collection Studio Sale at the Stephen Kenn Showroom - https://mailchi.mp/stephenkenn/stephen-kenn-studio-sale-5905025

12/04/2019

We’re hosting our first workshop! Join us in January for a sculptural floral arrangement workshop with Clare Connolly of . Clare is a student of ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement and she will be guiding us through the steps to make our own sculptural arrangements. Attendees will receive a cazuela by and a variety of tools, as well as enjoy a light brunch and drinks.

Tickets at the link in profile. Limited to 20 seats.

06/22/2019

Stephen and Beks, co founders of Stephen Kenn Studio, and co creators of the Stephen Kenn Loft.

This project came about because of their deep love of good hospitality and a desire to create a unique design showroom experience.

Make an appointment to tour the loft at [email protected]

05/10/2019

We have two open positions! Click the link in profile to review job descriptions and apply. And tag a friend you think might be interested in working for us.
As a tea we practice clear, direct communication. We work hard every day, but value efficiency above long hours. At the end of the day we strive to be a team that cares deeply about each other, that practices deep work, communicates clearly, and produces excellent products while taking great care of our clients and our fabricators. If this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, please apply.

03/14/2019

Big News from Stephen Kenn -

Address

1250 Long Beach Ave Apt 120
Los Angeles, CA
90021

Website

http://www.stephenkenn.com/

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Our Story

Stephen Kenn was born and raised in Alberta, Canada. He moved to Los Angeles in 2004 to start a denim brand with his best friend. After working in denim for several years he began designing mens travel bags using vintage military canvas and leather. The progression from bags to furniture was an unconventional one, but flowed from his interest in unique materials and his curiosity about making simply designed things that served a purpose.

In 2011 he formed Stephen Kenn Studio with his wife Beks Opperman. Together they make high quality products while practicing ethical manufacturing and caring for their small studio team. With a focus on home and travel, the studio now designs and manufactures two furniture collection as well as two capsule collections of leather and canvas travel bags.

Stephen is deeply driven by personal curiosity about methods and materials, and seeks to find a way to make his designs as simple as possible. He derives a great deal of meaning behind the design process and desires to share that with the world. Beks runs the day to day operations of the studio and has a longstanding interest in hospitality and its connection to the design world. She and Stephen concepted their BDCC events in the first year the studio was open, and still run them today. Back Door Coffee/Cocktail/Cinema Club is a way for the studio to interact directly with neighbors and clients by facilitating good community in a casual atmosphere.