the first thing I was going to suggest was switching the wood spindles with iron. I feel as though wood is a very dated look. However, depending on the type of iron, modern may not pair well with it, especially if you get a beautifully scrolled / ornate pattern [which is my favorite]. My walls are all off white, I never paint walls, as to me that interferes with decor [I know many will not agree]. However modern is about sleek clean lines and colors, and many modern decor examples you will see will have white /off white walls. I did a google search for modern living room and came up with a ton of results.

on another note, given the built ins, and overall feel of the room, I'm not sure if it would lend itself well to modern.

This is a great space! This wall color can be a perfect backdrop for some colorful and contemporary art and accessories. Keep the architectural elements true to the traditional style of the home and then bring a more contemporary element into the room with the furnishings and accessories.

Capitalize on the grey in the marble fireplace surround and choose a warm grey upholstery in a transitional style. Add more contemporary elements using a variety of table styles in dark woods and silver metals. Bring in bold colors such as golds and reds with with art and accessories. The fireplace wall is a perfect place to display a large colorful contemporary style painting.

Bronze spindles and cabinet hardware can work, but it will contribute to the "earthy feel". Consider using a pewter or black metal for the hardware and spindles.

Iron spindles and a HUGE contemporary art piece will make ALL the difference! I am thinking abstract art like this: http://jpmdesign.blogspot.com/2010/11/abstract-art.html

something with both earth tones, and grays!

Honestly taupe is a great color for you situation. Our site has a staircase like you want with taupe walls and white trim and it looks great.

I wondered what you meant by "relatively modern" and "modernish" so I peeked in your ideabook. Now I must beg you not to buy a huge brown leather couch. Especially don't buy anything that reclines.

This color and modern furniture is no problem. Most everything below is from West Elm:

Wow. I am trying to understand how you would not want to repaint your walls because it would be pricey but you would consider switching out the wood spindles for iron spindles. The cheapest, simplest spindle I could find on Homedepot.com is $5.19, and it's not very attractive. That does not include demolition cost, installation, painting and replacement of handrails. If you really want to paint a light gray or very light beige and pair it with some sleek, modernish furniture, then go with your "ideal" first choice, not your second choice.

My thoughts exactly about priorities. I would paint before installing iron spindles.

Skip the modern, go with transitional.

All - thank you so much for your replies. Definitely a lot to think through. Yes, iron spindles are a top priority - I look at them as a way to enhance the value of the house (whereas painting the walls a different color is more of a personal preference that doesn't add/detract from the value overall, I always like to make improvements that I know will directly add value!!). I will be installing them myself.

My aim for the spindles is to go for something very "simple" - nothing ornate at all (see the attached picture).

That being said, Marc - when you say transitional, would you have any sort of good benchmark that defines transitional? Because admittedly that probably would conform with the existing woodwork.....

Thanks for any additional replies!

I would paint in your preferred color first and streamline the cabinetry. When you purchase your modern furniture, you may not even need to change the spindles, or maybe just paint them in a charcoal grey. I think changing to metal spindles might be more expensive than painting the room...

Try a search for gold wall or gold living room in houzz photos. I didn't look at your ideabook so i apologize if you've seen these. These rooms do seem to me to say that you should plan on spending some money on art. Your room is beautiful, by the way

I agree that you should paint, but if not the next best thing would be to bring in charcoal greys, slate blues, and lighter neutrals to neutralize the gold. I would opt for transitional furniture rather than super modern. Happy decorating!

all - much appreciated!