Home Building

Hospitality in Home Building: Translating Bienvenue into Bardwell 

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Think of the last place you felt truly welcomed. Was it your family home or a gathering with friends? Perhaps your place of work or worship? Not everyone can provide this ephemeral thing—hospitality. It is an intangible quality that lives in rhythm and atmosphere, and mainly in the spirit of those offering it. At its best, hospitality creates a sense of belonging with an open invitation to connection. 

At Bardwell, we build communities with this same spirit. Because in places where hospitality thrives, you can give the best of yourself to those you love and to everyone you gather. While it’s never just about the material or design, they are the backdrop that sets how you can best make a place feel like home for everyone who encounters it. 

Building ‘Bienvenue’ with Bardwell 

Hospitality is not an add-on, nor is it as easily integrated as a community amenity. It is a foundational component of a warm home. And for us, it begins long before a family moves in. From the first walk of a construction site to a client’s preselection meeting to the day a family crosses their new finished threshold, we prepare with intention and anticipate the needs of those who will inhabit the space.

Hospitality: An Ethic of Preparation 

When you welcome someone into your home or into a meeting or a conversation, it reveals something deeper – the service of preparation. Like we set a table for friends – we cook dinner, we clean our house, we open the door– and it’s only then that we invite them in. Hospitality is the “how” behind the work – the act of careful anticipation and subsequent organization that drives thoughtful design and informs every interaction.

For Bardwell, hospitality means readiness at every level: homes designed with intuitive flow and sight lines that guide connection in private spaces and in semi-public ones, like the streetscape. It’s lighting that sets the mood or circulation that feels natural. Hospitality displays itself in a job site that is organized for the tradespeople who arrive each day, in the review of selections for clients to feel at ease and free to create.

The Relationship Between Hospitality and Quality

As community homebuilders in Baton Rouge, hospitality must always begin with quality. Because quality is the integrity on which everything else works. It’s a non-negotiable principle that transcends price points and taste. It’s maintaining integrity throughout the design process to avoid superfluous or trendy additions that distract from the core purpose of the home – to welcome those who live in it and those who visit. 

Hospitality is the spirit of delivery. It’s the manner in which quality is offered and experienced. Hospitality informs the way we think through the details and the big picture. And, sometimes that spirit is revealed not in what is added, but in what is restrained. 

Prospective homeowners embark on new construction with various budgets and styles, yet our job is to guide them toward decisions that reflect their core values rather than overselling what’s trendy or passingly exciting. It’s anticipating how each family will actually live—how they will gather, connect, and feel at ease within their new home.

Translating Warmth into the Plans

Creating a sense of welcome begins with the architecture itself and continues through the details that shape daily living. At each step, we ask: What are our homeowners really looking for? How can we offer hospitality in the process, so that comfort, creativity, and trust come naturally?

In the Design: We think about what feels intuitive and comfortable – spaces where people can connect and be comfortable. Certain design gestures have become hallmarks of this philosophy: 

  • ▪️ a widened kitchen work aisle that allows for easy conversation while cooking
  • ▪️ the downstairs placement of a primary bedroom to balance privacy with accessibility
  • ▪️ windows positioned to frame a view or capture the arc of daylight.

Each is subtle, but together they cultivate a rhythm of welcome.

In the Experience: We conduct meetings that are prepared and thoughtful, where clients feel not only accommodated but invited to take part in shaping their home. Simply, it’s our job to anticipate needs, honor expectations, and quietly work to exceed them immediately and in quiet, enduring ways.

Extending Hospitality to the Job Site

Hospitality is not reserved for homeowners alone. It extends to the trades and partners who help realize each design. Our expertise lies in managing the process with clarity and intention. We begin with the end in mind. 

Small gestures often make the greatest difference. We recently had a mason who was struggling to move bricks up a slippery slope, and the solution was simple – have extra plywood laid down. Hospitality is sometimes as straightforward as paying attention and responding with service in kind. In this case, we helped safeguard the work. And, just as importantly, we saved time and expense, proof that hospitality improves outcomes as much as it elevates relationships.

The same philosophy guides other details on the site: labeling delivery zones so crews can work efficiently, or walking through a plan in advance so questions are answered before tools are lifted. Each act affirms the same belief—that anticipating needs leads to better homes.

The Bardwell Standard

Every decision at Bardwell comes back to values – what we hold as motivation and what our clients prioritize. We evaluate partners for integrity, skill, and professionalism. We balance what matters most to the client with the realities of market, budget, and timing. And, we refine until all of the parts come together with clarity.

It isn’t about silverware or grandeur. It’s about the feeling a home imparts – the quiet assurance that you belong there, and that you are welcome.

In the end, that sense of welcome is not accidental. It is designed, cultivated, and built into the fabric of each new home.

At Bardwell, hospitality is preparation made visible.

Bienvenue Bardwell

Ready to get started on your new home? Bardwell is here to welcome you to the process. Schedule your showing today. 

Bardwell Custom Homes : Build for the Long Run

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The Bardwell Difference

At Bardwell, we combine intuitive touches and thoughtful design to build homes that express your personal style. We believe that unexpected details make homes inspiring. It’s why we let design drive the process behind every Bardwell home.

From the floors to the fixtures, personalize each element of your home’s interior with finishes hand-selected by design professionals. In each step of construction, every curve, line and material selection is planned and implemented with craftsman quality to reflect the real needs of each family and designed with space and style for all occasions.

While fancy finishes and high ceilings alone aren’t quite enough to make a house a home, the customized details in every Bardwell home are designed to simplify your life. Whether it is a trim detail or a perfectly placed nook, no detail is overlooked.

When looking for a home with unique design, look to Bardwell Homes for a blend of tailored Southern style and the luxury of modern living. Inside and out, a home by Bardwell is a build all your own. Some call it thoughtful, we call it The Bardwell Difference.

Why Build with Bardwell

Personalization meets Expertise

We begin by seeking a deep understanding of how you live and how you want your home to support you lifestyle. We combine your vision with our industry expertise to create a home that’s distinctly yours.

Thoughtful Design and Enduring Quality

From smart layouts to locally sourced materials, every detail matters. More than curated finishes, we build homes to stand the test of time, a careful balance of longevity, functionality, and timeless beauty.

A Proven, Trusted Partner

From the first meeting to move-in day, our team prioritizes clear, consistent communication. We value transparency and keep you informed every step of the way to facilitate a stress-free, rewarding experience.

Our Process

1. Secure Land

Build on your own land or choose a lot in one of the several different communities Bardwell has to offer.

2. Architectural Plans

We shape your vision with expert partners (or yours) to design plans that balance beauty, function, and future-ready living.

3. Pricing, Allowances, & Schedules

Get a full cost estimate, selection allowances, estimated build timeline, and draw schedule – all up front and easy to follow.

4. Approval & Construction

Once approved, we break ground. As we focus on the build, you’ll get regular updates, watching your new home come to life.

5. Final Walkthrough

Tour your completed home before closing to survey the final result. Then, get the keys to your new home designed just for you.

What Homeowners Are Saying

“The staff were incredibly friendly, professional, and always willing to answer my questions throughout the process. Everything was completed on time, as promised. I highly recommend Bardwell Homes to anyone looking for a new build.” – George Xue

“After 2 builds and lots of experiences, I can honestly say Scott Bardwell cares about his customers and is a man of great integrity!” – Kayla Silvio

“The attention to detail and the creative use of materials inside and outside of the home were unmatched.” – Scott Berry

“If you’re considering building a new home, I highly recommend taking a look at Bardwell Homes. Our home is everything we wanted it to be.” – Truax Family

Landscaping with Purpose: Creating Curb Appeal That Builds Community

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“In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside 24 hours.”

With an observation like that, Mark Twain sounds like he spent more time in South Louisiana than he did. Homeowners in Baton Rouge know that there is a sweet spot for enjoying the outdoors in relative comfort, and that time is now. Spring brings cool mornings, warm afternoons, and plenty of opportunity to tend to our gardens and spruce up our landscaping. 

Whether you’ve just moved into a new Bardwell home or you’re looking to refresh your outdoor space, our landscaping approach will help you create something that adds value to your home and the entire neighborhood.

How Landscaping Brings Neighborhoods to Life

Landscaping is about creating a warm welcome, a tidy place to stroll full of cheerful blooms. Imagine the porches where you’ll chat over coffee or call out to friends walking their dogs. Beautiful landscaping brings life to our neighborhood streets, no matter the size of the yard. Every Bardwell home includes professionally designed landscaping that blends beauty and functionality, primed to thrive in the South Louisiana climate.

We start with a lush centipede for a soft underfoot that’s tough enough to handle the high summer heat and sporadic winter freezes. From there, our front yard beds are planted with intention, adding curb appeal, depth, and visual interest with room for long-term growth. Then, we make the most of your communal space in the front yard, with professionally arranged beds that provide visual interest and promote long-term growth.

Flowers and shrubs add pops of color, texture, and movement, from delicate ground covers to the striking spray of pink roses. Thoughtfully selected to complement the exterior palette of each home, flowers are a simple addition that you can build on each year. Where possible, homeowners love to incorporate functional plants, like rosemary and lavender. These herbs are natural bug-repellents, which helps to address pesky mosquitoes while adding charm and fragrance.

From the curve of a flower bed to a few well-placed potted plants by the door, every element is chosen to enhance both form and function. Whether it’s a brick front walk softened by greenery or a clean, minimalist porch, your home’s exterior becomes a reflection of the pride we take in our communities. 

Our hope is that when you start with a strong garden as your base, ongoing maintenance is easier to handle, even for those without a green thumb. Here’s a few tips to consider as we dive into spring.

6 Landscaping Tips for New Construction Homes You Should Consider

  1. Let Your Yard Breathe

New landscaping needs time to settle. If you’ve just moved into a new Bardwell home, give it at least one month to root before making any changes. Focus on watering, weeding, and letting the beauty develop naturally.

  1. Add Layers for Depth

Use varying plant heights and textures to create dimension. This adds instant visual interest and makes your yard feel more established. Think low ground covers in front, medium-height blooms in the middle, and taller greenery in the bac

  1. Curate an Atmosphere

Your yard should feel like an extension of your home. Add a bit of personality with lights, a small bench, or a water feature. Outdoor gas lanterns add a soft ambiance to evening walks. Even something as simple as a few decorative planters or hurricane candles can make the space feel more finished. 

  1. Plant Native 

If you want your plants to last, choose hardy varieties that thrive in intense heat, humidity, and the occasional freeze. Think beautiful, resilient plants.

  1. Use Herbs as Multipurpose Accents

Herbs like basil, thyme, or lemon balm are wonderful selections that offer function and beauty. In addition to their sweet aroma, they’re useful in the kitchen, plus they repel bugs. Rosemary, lavender, and mint are delicious and great complements for summer cocktails and homemade iced teas.

  1. Maintenance Does the Most 

Don’t underestimate the power of clean lines and a tidy space. A swept porch, freshly pressure-washed, contrasted against a fresh bed of mulch under trimmed plants creates a homey polish. A little effort goes a long way to keeping that fresh look and feel.

Beauty at Every Doorstep with Bardwell Homes

Bardwell Homes is first and foremost a community builder.We want our neighborhoods to be places of life and connection. And when every yard reflects care and beauty, the whole community feels it. It’s a shared pride in the land we own, the homes we’ve built, and the lifestyle we’re cultivating.

No matter the size, your front yard is often your first impression to the world. With a little intention and seasonal upkeep, these spaces become the first part of your story.

Looking for inspiration? 

Browse our gallery of Bardwell homes to see real yards that showcase what’s possible.


Building a Custom Home in the Village at Willow Grove: Part 2

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Welcome to our second installment following an in-depth, behind the scenes look at building a custom home with Bardwell Homes in Willow Grove. In Part 1, we explored the inspiration, excitement, and challenge of the initial planning phase as prospective homeowners collaborate with architects and builders to settle on a plan that captures the ideal vision within the desired budget. Now, we take a closer look at the design details and personal choices available when you build a custom home.

1. Can you describe the inspiration behind the home’s style and layout?

My husband and I have traveled all over Europe, and we’re very drawn to timeless, old-world design. As we were looking through exterior images, we kept coming back to this modern Tudor look, which blends the classical elements of a Tudor home with contemporary design features and materials, creating a look that feels both historic and modern. This defines what we were hoping to achieve, so we’re continuing the blend of historic and current through the new house and landscaping.

2. What elements of your custom home are you most excited about?

We chose to go the custom route because there are a few things in our current house that don’t work well with how we live. First, we have an open concept living area with no place other than a bedroom to visit or watch a movie. So, we are bringing back the family den, which is going to be a comfortable place the family can be in the evenings (or if my husband and I need to get away from a house full of kids).

building a custom home - family den

Second, we currently have our sink in our island. And, with a husband who is always cooking for people, it makes it difficult to host gatherings when there’s stacks of pots and pans on the island, where people naturally want to congregate. So, we have added a scullery to our new house, which has a second sink and dishwasher, double ovens, the pantry, and plenty of countertop space to prep food and/or stash dishes. There’s a door on it too, so it can all truly be out of sight, out of mind, until we’re ready to tackle it. Many people didn’t know what this was at first, but I’ve seen a few articles saying sculleries are making a comeback, so we may start to see more of these!

3. How has Bardwell guided you through the design and materials selection process?

It can be very tempting when looking online at pictures to want a specific look, but unless we can source it locally AND can find a trade to install it, it’s going to be tricky to achieve certain looks we see on the internet. So I looked through many of Bardwell’s pictures of past jobs to see what’s been done before.

building a custom home - scullery

Even though we are building a fully custom home, I’ve learned it’s best to stick with the builder’s trade and vendor base as much as possible, which helps alleviate hiccups and unknown costs that may arise by going too far out of the sandbox.

4. What personalized features or unique details did you prioritize in your home design?

We had limited space to work with for the master bath, so the architect presented an option for barrel arches above the vanity and tub to give some architectural interest to the room, which is one of my favorite details in the house. 

Sometimes limitations can produce beautiful results.

custom home building process in baton rouge - primary bathroom progress and design

5. Do you have any reflections you’d like to share about the journey of building a custom home?

Building a custom home is a big undertaking, whether you’re in the business or not. Even though I’ve been in the industry for over 12 years, when it’s your home, you want to make sure you’re making the right decision. So, I have spent many late nights researching, scanning Pinterest, and sketching out ideas. It’s a lot of work, but it is incredibly rewarding.

Build for the Long Run with Bardwell 

From notable architectural features to uncommon practical spaces like family dens and scullery kitchens, this custom build reflects the family’s vision for a timeless yet functional space that offers a sense of retreat, space to connect, and the freedom to entertain well. Thoughtful design and attention to detail are what transform a house into a home you could have only imagined.

Custom Home Building Process in baton rouge

Parade of Homes 2025 

Every year, Bardwell Homes is proud to participate in the Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge for the Parade of Homes. Come and tour Emily’s completed custom home in Willow Grove and learn about the thoughtful design and innovative home building that makes Bardwell a Baton Rouge pillar.  Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, scoping out local vendors for your custom home, or just looking for inspiration, it’s an unique event that offers variety, style, and community.

April 26-27 and May 3-4 
1:00-5:00 pm

In the meantime, stay tuned for our final installment, where we’ll share insights from the construction phase and celebrate the most exciting milestone yet: moving into the new home. 

Coming Soon to Covington: Find Your Bardwell Home in TerraBella  

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As a family owned business in South Louisiana, building homes is as much about construction as it is building relationships. Life in Louisiana is rooted in people. Our distinct culture of celebration and southern hospitality naturally welcomes old friends and new. For us, a good time starts with gathering together in good company – and that always begins at home. 

At Bardwell Homes, we take the time to get to know the people we serve – their stories, connections, and hopes for the future. What do they want their home to provide?  Each answer matters and reveals valuable insights about their desired daily life and style of living. This process is deeply personal, and it requires meticulous planning, expert care, and ongoing conversation. As we prepare to open our new office in TerraBella Village in Covington, LA, we know this will enable our team to better serve our Northshore homeowners and extend the same personalized, high-quality homebuilding experience that has defined our work in Baton Rouge. 

Hosting Homebuilding Excellence

Our new commercial building in TerraBella will serve as a central hub for prospective homeowners to meet with the Bardwell team, explore their options, and seek advice. It will be our place to gather together for conversation and planning, so that the people we serve can embark on their homebuilding journeys with confidence. 

Bardwell isn’t just about building houses—it’s about creating places where neighbors connect and communities thrive. With years of experience, we design homes and gathering spaces that bring people together. TerraBella is no exception—it’s a place where multi-family and traditional neighborhood living come together in a truly inspired way.

Find Your New Home in Covington 

If you’re looking for comfort, convenience, and community in Covington, then consider TerraBella for your new home. Covington’s natural beauty, historic charm, and rich culture provide the ideal setting for Bardwell Homes. We designed TerraBella as a complement to the stunning landscape and our southern heritage. TerraBella offers traditional neighborhood living with walkable streets, a vibrant village square, lush green spaces, and year-round events. 

Nestled just outside New Orleans, this charming city reflects the relaxed elegance and timeless style that Bardwell Homes strives to embody in every project. Imagine afternoons spent sipping cocktails on spacious porches, leisurely strolls through historic downtown, and returning to host friends for dinner. TerraBella can be your place to gather. 

Move-In Ready Homes in TerraBella

Bardwell understands that classic design balances character with modern amenities. And, we’re excited to offer a selection of in-progress and move-in-ready homes in TerraBella, each blending Southern luxury with thoughtful functionality, unexpected details, and quality built to last. 

Available in March, these homes are ready for those looking to settle in Covington soon.

142 Sage Alley | $599,900

2300 SF | 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | Office 

This warm and inviting home features a full front porch, large open living areas with cypress beams, and a spacious primary suite with striking touches and design features. Retreat to the side porch to unwind, relax, and enjoy with family and friends. 

134 Sage Alley | $669,900

2498 SF | 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | Office 

The Lisbon includes a side porch perfect for outdoor entertaining, French doors and large windows for natural light, and a spa-like primary bath with double vanities, a soaking tub, and a custom shower. You’ll find excellent use of style, space, and function in this Terrabella home. 

111 Sage Alley | $579,900

2099 SF | 3 Beds | 2 Baths | Office 

Full of natural light, this charming open floor plan stuns with a chef’s kitchen, luxurious primary suite, and high-end finishes throughout like custom cabinets, stone countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Enjoy ample storage with intentional design and plenty of room to entertain in comfort and style. 

Built for the Long Run

Building a new home takes time, precision, and care. Bardwell embraces this process, delivering homes that honor Southern heritage while incorporating modern elements. Our personalized approach ensures that every detail is carefully considered, resulting in homes beautifully built for the long run.

Explore Your New Home in Covington’s TerraBella Community

With move-in-ready homes available this March and buyer incentives designed to meet your needs, now is a great time to explore Bardwell Homes in TerraBella.

For more information or to schedule a meeting, contact Heather Kirkpatrick at 225.438.8050. Explore the possibilities with Bardwell Homes – built for the long run.

Building a Custom Home in the Village at Willow Grove: Part 1 The Inspiration and Process

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What is it like to create a custom home?

It’s a culmination of countless decisions, intensive planning, and personal expression. While every custom home journey presents challenges, it’s an incredible process that yields exceptional results. And, it all begins with a spark of inspiration.

For Emily, building a custom home with Bardwell was no debate, as she and her family have loved living in their current Bardwell home for nearly a decade. Not to mention, she’s part of the family business. In this series, Emily will take us behind the scenes to share her insights, influences, and experiences, offering a rare look at what it takes to build a custom home in Baton Rouge from the ground up.

1. What inspired you to build a custom home?

We have lived in our current Bardwell home for almost 10 years and we absolutely love it. But we needed to be closer to my daughter’s school, we needed more space, and there were a few particular changes we wanted to make to our floorplan that may not be considered “standard,” so we knew the custom route was the right one for us.

2. How has the process been so far? Can you share a moment that felt particularly significant or rewarding?

This was a completely custom home, from choosing the lot, creating the house design, and picking every single finish.

It’s been a slow and steady marathon, but having professionals help us along the way has been invaluable.

Even though I used an outside architect, I was able to bounce ideas off of the Bardwell team to make sure I was on the right track with budget, buildability, and available materials. We are still early in construction, so I would say the most significant moment I’ve felt so far was when the architect presented “the” plan to us. As I walked through the house, room by room, in my mind, I knew this was it. And, it was such an exciting and rewarding feeling to have created our home.

3. What role did the Bardwell team play in balancing your vision with practicality?

By having Bardwell partner with me as we were developing the plans, I was able to review preliminary plans with them so they could provide insight on costs before we got to the final plan set. It’s a check and balance to have the builder involved, because vision and practicality (a.k.a. cost) often conflict when it comes to custom homes. People can get to the finish line with the architect and find out the plan they thought they could build is out of range. In our case, we used JDE Designs, which is one of the trusted architects Bardwell often works with, so it was an efficient feedback loop as we worked toward the final plan set.

4. How does this build reflect your long-term goals and vision?

We wanted to make sure we built a home with longevity in terms of style, materials, and overall value, so that has played a key role in many of our decisions. Being close to our daughter’s school, I also wanted this house to have an open-door policy to all her friends as they make their way through middle and high school. So we kept that in mind as we created different spaces to eat, visit or play.

5. This home will be in the Willow Grove neighborhood… What drew you to this location for your custom home?

First, its central location in Baton Rouge. I’ll be within 15 minutes of work, family, and school. And second, we love the amenities of the neighborhood – from the pool and nature preserve to the commercial district with pizza, coffee and cocktail places – we will have so many options at our fingertips.

6. How do you think this home will grow with you and your family over the years?

We thought about different spaces we could host people and that our daughter and her friends could enjoy as they got older. With the layout of the home, we will have opportunities to sit and visit in intimate settings, both inside and out, and also have opportunities to open everything up to host large parties. I’m so thankful to be building a home that can do this, and we’re all so excited to grow in this home together.

7. What are you most looking forward to about living in your new custom home?

Hosting friends and family!

Build for the Long Run with Bardwell

Building a custom home is a test of endurance, and it requires meticulous planning, creativity, and collaboration. For Emily, it’s been an opportunity to bring her family’s vision to life while leveraging her expertise in homebuilding and new construction with the guidance of the Bardwell team. As construction progresses on this beautiful home in the Village at Willow Grove, stay tuned for the next chapter, where we’ll explore more details of the build and discover how this vision transforms into a home built for the long run.