This dog is living like royalty in one of the suites created by Kris Henderson-DuFaux and her husband, Steve DuFaux.

A Resort Fit for a Doggie Royalty

Kris Henderson-DuFaux and her husband, Steve DuFaux, have done a number of memorable projects throughout the years. One of the most unique was the design-and-build of a dog training and lodging facility in the Chicago suburb of Downer’s Grove. Smart Dogs has an upper-class clientele of Chicagoans, including several members of the Chicago Cubs.

A Video Tour of the facility:

A dog's home is his (or her) castle, thanks to the work completed by Kris and Steve at Smart Dogs dog training and lodging facility.

“We did eight beautiful, unique, private villas for the pups,” says Kris, whose business, DuFaux Designs LLC, is currently located in Florida.

The suites take their inspiration from famous locales throughout the world—i.e., Barkingham Palace, Howlywood/Beverly Tails, Barkenridge Mountain Resort, Napping Valley Vineyards, Wild Whiskers Safari, Cubby Cove and more.

“I sketched out a city with a painted riverwalk scene, hand-painted cobblestone and grass, storefronts, grooming salon and elegant suites. The client said, ‘Finally someone gets me!’ Steve and his crew built it, then my crew and I finished it.”

The project also features a water area where dogs can earn their lifeguard and swimming badges. Kris worked on creating this feature with Nathan Giffin, the talented owner of Chicago-based Vertical Artisans.

Says Kris, “That was one amazing client and one memorable job.”

Read the full-length article about Kris’ decorative arts business, DuFaux Designs LLC, here: For the Love of Art.