There are 2 ways to go about transitioning to a more modern space: start from scratch or add a few new pieces. We love the tall ceilings and rich feel but in order to transition to a modern look you will want to paint your walls a lighter, non-brown toned color. In addition, switching out your rugs for a more modern look will tone down the brown-toned floors. Here we have chosen a lovely Pewter Rug that will neutralize the brown well. We also chose this Modern Coffee Table that we think will add a modern touch to your space perfectly! Let us know if you need more tips and tricks for updating your space!

So your furnishings can go either way, but it's all the accessories that push the home toward Tuscany. Your finishes are fairly neutral, and I think you can replace the gold on the walls with a paint color that matches the trim on your fireplace. Artwork and rugs should be less traditional, but the sofa will work for both concepts, just change the pillows. If you want to change the color of the leather, consider Rub and Restore to change the leather color permanently. Cheaper than purchasing new.

Keep the dining table, but change out the chairs to something like this.

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Orchids chandelier - by Galilee Lighting, contemporary dining room · More Info

Galilee Lighting -modern lighting fixtures, pendants & contemporary chandeliers · More Info

Living Room · More Info

Transitional style might be an easier reach for you than contemporary and is still a great design option.

Monarch Beach 2 story Home · More Info

Thank you so much for your comments!

Consider selling some of the "really-not-convertible-to-contemporary" pieces on Craig's List. Maybe the Chinoiserie TV cabinet, the dining set, light fixtures and accessories. I think the leather sectional is more versatile than you think, but if you are really tired of it, I'd suggest a chaise sofa with a reversible chaise that makes changing out arrangements super easy for you. I'm a fan of this Jane Loft one but the color is not as enduring as you need - they have others.

Gus Modern Jane Loft Bi-Sectional Sofa, Velvet Midnight · More Info

Davenport Bi-Sectional, Urban Tweed Truffle · More Info

Jane Bi-Sectional Sofa, Urban Tweed Ink · More Info

I have been selling things and am continuing to do so. Thanks for your wonderful advice. I agree we should change the paint to a cooler tone and the other tips you gave as well. For the sofa, we want a bit more seating than a chaise gives which is hard to find these days.

Changing the light fixtures and removing the plants and things on the ledge over kitchen cabinets would help modernize. When we bought our new house in 2001 I too was into the Tuscany feel and had everything in gold, red and green tones. I had a lot a extraneous decor/wall things I removed that made a big difference. I have had pretty good luck selling things on craigslist.

Thanks for letting me know about your product. I never heard of it before. However, for this house I will not be replacing the flooring, at least not at the present time.

I love your tile floors and I think you just need a few changes. I would change out the light fixtures. They are very Mediterranean so choosing something a bit more streamlined like Beverly's option would look great. Also Beverly's chair option would look great as well. Keep the table just grab some new chairs. Is painting an option? I would use a lighter warm neutral as the one you have now is reading very yellow. Take down the plants above the cabinets, the flowers and candles above the fireplace and the piece above the mirror in the kitchen. To modernize without changing anything permanent, just de clutter and streamline your furnishings. Your drapes look custom so instead of changing those change out the rod to something more simple.

Thank you for your great tips!

Ofcourse! Have you made any decisions yet? Please keep us posted!

I have sold a few things already and hoping to sell more. I took down most everything over the kitchen cabinets and the drapes and will change out some art pieces for modern abstracts once I have purchased new furniture. Will figure out the paint at the end of the process of going from very warm to very cool decor. It is quite a process since everything I own is mediterrian style. Thank you.

Agree with RugKnots and others. Taking down all the plants, candlesticks, wall decorations, etc, is the first step. Contemporary and modern styles are clean and uncluttered, and de-cluttering won't cost you anything. In fact, it will do the opposite- sell that stuff. You've received great suggestions here, but obviously a complete turnaround in style is a big project. Let us know how it turns out.

Cynthia that's a great plan. What type of furniture are you looking for?

A sectional suites us because we lounge and like the roominess and comfort. We are looking at contemporary with track arms, low back with comfy cushions in white, off white, cream or gray, metallic shag rug, wood & chrome cocktail table, leather chair for the corner with chrome arms and still trying to figure out what to do on the wall with the TV and what to do with the fireplace. Anyway, that's what I am thinking now. Also thinking about a glass dining table and grey leather chairs for my travertine table by the kitchen and a couple of new chandeliers. The problem I am facing is that my bathrooms have all been redone some years back in a less contemporary design and I don't want to totally redo them. They aren't too heavy -- actually very pretty so that will be on the back burner.

Do you know any really good decorators that don't charge an arm and a leg?