Here are some more pics

Agreed to keep the wood untouched. The photos seem quite warm and inviting.

And as you can see it is connected to the kitchen and dining area. I'm also contemplating refinishing the kitchen cabinets, altho they're brand new. And I'm not sure what kind of table to get for the dining area. My initial plan was to paint all the trim white to get the contemporary look. Also, we're probably going to change the fireplace area to a more contemporary stone/brick look instead of the slate (something like this: http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/a4/89/2f/a4892fe482d60907f436a70e41215369.jpg.

Beautiful home. Doesn't look like a log cabin at all. Your home is all about those gorgeous windows. You're right to do something with fireplace. I would keep windows uncovered as much as possible. You could lighten up the room with more cloth furniture. The furniture you have is nice, but has hard edges. Maybe a pretty picture in foyer to replace the wood mirror and a soft looking rug.

Thank goodness you have lots of windows! Get some rugs in light colors

Make sure the colors you choose for rugs and upholstery don't have pinkish cast to clash with cherry wood. Keep toward grays, greens and blues.

Those windows are gorgeous. Is that your furniture or the previous owners. Stay away from wooden furniture. Use upholstered pieces.

Thanks for the suggestions! I love that rug and actually have been wanting a grey living room but thought it wouldn't match with all the wood, do u have examples of how I can incorporate a sofa and window shades in those colors? The furniture in these pictures are the former owner's.

Add some rugs to break up the wood floor too. You can make this look great.

That is a nice rug. You'll want use colors that compliment the outside nature colors.

All men love wood. Paint it when he goes to work:)

That's a fantastic space! (and I, like you, prefer a contemporary look)

If you want the space to look less reddish, use as little wood as possible in your furniture - the seats you have now add to the reddish colors of the space. Stick to cooler colors as @leelee suggested. I actually think creams and whites will work great in that space. Keep the rug.