my fireplace is no longer functional, so year round it's filled with large round stones from the beach and pillar candles, with a very antique mirror tilted in the back which reflects the ambient light, day or night, with or without the candles lit. perhaps its something you can do too. make sure you dont use battery candles tho,they only look good when they are out of reach.

What a great space you have & 250 years old. What a prize. The orchid looks so perfect there for summer. Orchids don't die unless you stop caring for them. They will stop blooming flowers but continue producing leaves & when time to bloom again if cared for they will come to life once more. Place a couple of ice cubes in among the roots each 2 days & you will have a friend for life.

While the lovely orchid has stopped producing flowers, you can buy a very close to life silk variety to put in its place, but keep the real orchid alive with the ice cubes. Keep it in a place where you will see it often & not forget it. Enjoy your life in this treasured home.