Urban Traditional Design Redefined

Approaching 20 years in business, Black Dog Homesopens in a new tab was founded by Dan Vanderheyden who was inspired to name his company based on a relational philosophy. His wife Julie worked to train black labs to become service animals for those who need them and provide life changing positive experiences. The valued relational attributes of those dogs—trust, loyalty, and fun—are what Dan wanted to bring to the table with his company. 

Now a family affair, including Dan’s two sons Nick and Ben Vanderheyden, Black Dog Homes has grown to specialize in both new construction and remodeling, particularly in the luxury home market. And the builder, along with Alexander Design Group opens in a new taband Vivid Homeopens in a new tab interiors, made a splash at an Artisan Home Touropens in a new tab where they unveiled a stunning luxury homeopens in a new tab that blends urban sophistication with timeless traditional elements. Let’s take a tour of this curated experience...

The kitchen design prioritizes simplicity and elegance, allowing the breathtaking views to take center stage. A stunning waterfall island, topped with Cambria’s Newport design, anchors the space with a calm foundation that allows other design elements to shine. Lauren Rutzick of Vivid Home says, “Cambria stands out with its timeless aesthetics. The Newport quartz design is classic and beautiful paired with the luxe gold fixtures.” The seating side of the island includes reeded wooden paneling—a visually textured moment that is truly on trend.

The kitchen cabinetry is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Stone Hearthopens in a new tab which adds a touch of warmth, steering away from stark white and creating a welcoming ambience. Overhead, a subtle grasscloth wallpaper on the ceiling adds texture and interest without overwhelming the space, a clever touch that elevates the room. Lighting choices are equally considered with elegant fixtures that are not too safe yet completely complementary to the overall aesthetic. Dan notes the kitchen’s asymmetrical design, with a glass cabinet on one side of the sink and open space on the other. This adds an architectural twist that modernizes the layout.

Off the main kitchen area is a tranquil four-season porch, designed as a retreat for quiet moments. This space is all about capturing different perspectives of the lake view, emphasizing the home’s connection to its natural surroundings. Dan says, “It’s a great spot for your morning coffee or to read the paper, or to simply collect your thoughts. And then, it could also be a fantastic evening spot where you can have happy hour, invite a couple of friends over, and just sit and visit in a quieter place in the home.”

Tucked away but easily accessible is a spacious butler’s pantry, something Dan says continues to be a popular feature for homeowners who like to entertain. Here, the design takes a bolder turn, with cabinetry painted in Sherwin Williams’ Big Dipperopens in a new tab that adds a pop of personality. The countertops and backsplash are Inverness Frost by Cambria. Creative lighting elements on the open shelving and portrait lighting above the cabinetry add whimsical touches to a space that is beyond a simple pass-through, but is equipped to be nearly a fully functional secondary kitchen area.

In the family room, a striking fireplace feature grounds the space and showcases Cambria’s Charlestown design. This darker, more dramatic choice of quartz design ties back to other black material moments in the foyer and provides a beautiful contrast here to the kitchen’s lighter palette, acting as a focal point that draws the eye.

The fireplace surround extends to incorporate the mantel, creating a sleek and modern look. More reeded wooden paneling above the fireplace echoes the design detail found on the kitchen island. The room’s architecture is also marked by that intentional asymmetry you see in the kitchen, with bookshelves on one side of the fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows on the other. This unexpected design choice adds yet another layer of visual interest and reflects the home’s urban traditional aesthetic. And blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living are large sliding glass doors that lead out to an elevated patio.

The primary bathroom is a true sanctuary, designed with a spa-like ambience in mind. Heated floors extend into the shower where a heated bench seat clad in Cambria’s MonTaaj quartz design adds another layer of luxury. MonTaaj continues on a feature wall in the shower and is paired with moody rust-colored tile on the side walls and ceiling. These material color choices add depth and warmth, creating a truly immersive experience. Dual vanities topped with Cambria’s Devon quartz design provide ample space for self care. And need we point out the subtle reappearance of reeded wood on the cabinet doors that tie the space back to the home’s overall unique yet cohesive design?

The laundry room is far from an afterthought in this home. It’s a space where functionality meets refined design. Soft green cabinetry provides ample storage, keeping the space organized and clutter-free. Cambria’s durable Everleigh countertops offer a practical surface for folding and sorting. More than just a utility space, this laundry room is designed to make daily chores a little more enjoyable. It’s a testament to the idea that every corner of a home can be beautiful and functional.

On the lower level is an entertaining space with a wet bar, media area, fitness area, and a golf simulator. Dan says, “Here, we took a little bit more liberty with the countertop, bringing it up 18 inches, and putting a ledge on it.” The choice of Cambria’s Golden Dragon design adds a touch of drama to the space with its black and sparkling golden elements that tie in well with a statement brass-paneled cabinet. Dan says, “We really try to have fun with these lower levels and make them attractive entertainment spaces, but also just a really fun space to watch the game or a movie with your family, play on the golf simulator, or just relax.”

This project is more than just a house; it’s a meticulously crafted environment that reflects a deep understanding of modern luxury living. It’s a space where urban sophistication meets traditional comfort, and where every detail has been carefully considered.