What would be the reason to have columns at all that makes no sense to me.

Patricia- 100% agreement w/ you.

Diamond- Can you switch out the low cabinet hinges to HIDDEN hinges? I Ike the sculptural orchid, but I'd elevate it a bit using a stand.

My house came with an odd corner mirrored arched entry niche... So you are more fortunate than me.

Restoration Hardware has objects for display ideas- https://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/category/products.jsp?categoryId=cat10180027

-Show whimsy and display a trophy you earned as a kid?

-During your next vacation- shop for a fantastic souvenir piece?

More ideas: http://nextluxury.com/home-design/recessed-wall-niche-ideas/

This owner used pottery, dried chinese lanterns,& driftwood displays

No columns. Keep as is, or put a door on the top with inside shelving if the home needs storage.

I wouldn't add columns either. Just a stand to elevate your orchid as suggested and something w a more sculptural in the other niche. A pretty piece of art glass, a tall vase, a sculpture of some sort.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. You can never have enough storage. I will add shelving and install a tall, pantry style cabinet door with hidden hinges. That way I'll have just one door instead of two. Any other suggestions would be great.

Columns are meant to support something (like a ceiling). Columns sitting in a box be simply weird.