Can't you just get rid of it?

"Renovate" is a broad term. What's the extent of the reno "? Kitchen ? A layout change ? Floors ?

It appears someone already may have done work. Hence an island with support columns?

You can tear it all out to the studs and posts, paint, or german schmear.

I don't think the dark beams are helping, perhaps begin with painting those.

Nobody can advise what made the supports , arches, necessary and nobody knows what you are trying to achieve or how far you plan to go . Not to mention you're showing one area.....not an entire first floor. Need a lot more info, but especially your goal and plan aside from "clean, bright, modern."

If that's all structural, other than remove, you could cover it all up, encase it in drywall. Painting won't get rid of the heaviness it brings to the room. I have to assume you got a super good price on such an overwhelming feature--that you don't really care for. yikes.

That’s never going to be light bright and modern. Remove the stone, get rid of all arches, and paint everything else bright white.

Sorry but if modern is the aim then that all has to go along with the arches.

All of the beams may need recladding if the stone is removed. It has a significant thickness. This is the tail end of a string that when pulled, unravels the whole entire house. I'd suggest hiring a good designer to create an overall plan for the home. Viewing only one issue at a time is going to be the most expensive patchwork, chasing your tail, option.

Changing the basic nature that is built into this home's very being is not a budget project. If you have a low budget, the best option is to fall in love with it's rustic charm! It is very lodgelike, and warm and friendly. That's a big bonus over many of the sterile and cold looks that have dominated recent popularity!

Thank you. I appreciate the time you took to reply. I am definitely trying to create a full house plan, so please let me know if you have any recommendations for designers who could possibly help on this project. I've spent quite a bit of time pulling together Pinterest photos and product samples, but I'm open to all professional opinions.

Also, I should clarify my initial comments. I'm trying to modernize the house, not turn it into a modern house. This house was built in the mid-2000s, and I am planning to paint all of the walls, doors, trim, replace the wood floors/tile/light fixtures, fans, hardware. I am attaching a photo which shows the basic direction I was planning to take. I used a two-part bleach on the beams, and I would be able to lighten the wood without painting the beams (if desired).

The stonework has stumped me. One of my friends is a realtor, and he recommended potentially removing the countertops and cabinets between the arches to have a more open space into the kitchen. I'm still in touch with the home builder, and he confirmed the arches near the kitchen are indeed load-bearing.

Again, please let me know if you have any recommendations for designers who could help build a comprehensive plan 👍

You are in over your head. You need to research your LOCAL area for designers. Talk to friends whose homes you admire, Google locally, talk to builder of the home, or even the architect for that home. Go first, to a bank. You will need them : ) I fear.

Forget online for these Pros. You need someone on the site, and frequently.