i think fresh coat of paint would be a first good step, especially painting those beams into a brownish color- you can google :paint beams brown living room"... changing the lights into more of a yellow tint would make it nice as well.

https://cdn.homedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/beams-living-room-design.jpg

https://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2013/09/10/829d1ffe3352.jpg

https://www.homestratosphere.com/living-rooms-exposed-beams/

with these, IMO the furniture you have could go with that.

To go modern, I wouldn't paint anything brown or use yellow lights. Greys, whites, black and LED's. New ceiling fan (Emerson or Minka Aire?) Remove small frames, items on mantle and urns (?) near fireplace. Current furniture appears to be Craftsman inspired, so some of that can be used depending on the sofa you buy. I remodeled a "Mediterranean" into modern and I really really like it and I think you have a wonderful space that will transition to modern well.