Tip 2: Make the bed with care. “The reason people think my bed is so high-end is that the way I make it is intentional in terms of the number of pillows and even the way the blanket is folded back,” he says. “Having these elements of layers and textures tricks people into thinking the bed is fancy!”
Leave the (right) light on
The best guest rooms have a light switch right near the door and a bedside lamp. “If there’s room, add a standing lamp too,” he says.
Tip 1: The lower the lighting is in a room, the more inviting it will be. “That’s why it’s best to place a lamp on top of a dresser,” he says. “That ensures light isn’t coming straight down from the ceiling.”
Tip 2: Prep the space and turn the nightstand light on prior to your guests’ arrival. “Doing this makes people feel like they’re coming into a cozy space,” he says.
Keep luxe hotel accessories on hand
There’s nothing cheesy about leaving a fresh pair of slippers and a robe in a guest room closet. “This can be such a nice way to welcome your guests even if they don’t use these items,” Soria says. “It shows you put care into the room, and both of these things can really come in handy, if your guests want to run down the hall to take a shower!”
Make sure your guest room is well lit.
Photo: Orlando SoriaFocus on your floor
For Soria, rugs define a space. “They’re like the placemat of the room,” he says. “It can feel oddly chaotic when there isn’t a rectangular shape on the floor!”
Tip 1: Floor coverings are a must. “Rugs add a lot of softness on the floor and are easier on the feet,” he says. “Plus, the floor is an ideal place to add texture—that’s why I love layering a sisal carpet with a patterned rug on top.”
Tip 2: Don’t limit your space to one rug: Even a room with wall-to-wall carpeting can be enhanced with a rug on top. “I like to have as many rugs as possible,” he says. “This gives a space a rustic, artsy look.”
Curate any and all accessories
Though your guest room is in your home, avoid filling it with too many personal things. “You don’t want your guests to feel like they’re walking into a creepy relative’s room,” Soria says. “So, you wouldn’t want to use a vintage watch as a prop.”
Tip: Your goal? Limit the tchotchkes to items that are useful. “It’s nice to have phone chargers on hand or to place trays or bowls for your guests to use for jewelry,” he says. “The nightstand in my guest room has little vases and a coaster for water glasses, but there’s nothing else in the room that’s personal. You don’t want your guests to feel like they’re sleeping amidst your stuff.”