No amount of paint will change the style not sure why you bought such a traditional house if it was not your style. Now you will need to rip many things out to make it something different. The one where you have the TV doesn’t even accommadate the TV get rid of those and the fireplace surround and build something you like or better yet no bultins a nice TV stand on the one side and a matching stand on the other side with a fabulous piece of art above redo the fireplace surround in a more modern finish and leave all the rest .

How much money are you willing to spend? I agree with the above comments. I think if it were my house I would hire an excellent cabinet maker and window company and clean up the fireplace, removing columns and arches. I then would slowly and systematically move through the house removing all arches. Pretty anal because this would include the arches in your cabinets/shelves in the living room, windows through out the house, kitchen cabinets. Squaring up the arches will update your house giving it a more streamlined look. OR you could just go with the flow, maybe call in an interior designer, tell them what your likes/tastes are and work with what you have. Sometimes designing around things we are not crazy about bring about interesting fresh ideas.

@jan - yes the built in and Bar are connected with a hallway. Do you have a photo of what you are trying to describe? Maybe an example.

I’m really not sure of the neg comment below. I bought the home bcs it has beautiful bones and a lot can be done with it. And I also like the old world charm look. Not exactly looking to go modern. Why I bought such a traditional house was the question I was looking to answer @patricia.

Thank you @joy. That is also an excellent suggestion.

Came her for guidance.

I can't imagine what it would cost to paint all that but your beautiful home would be much lighter and brighter if you did. Can you paint it to match the ceiling beams so it contrasts with the White Dove?

@suzy. - the ceiling is very similar to the creamy white color. The posted pic is a few weeks old. My walls are now white dove.

I’m also thinking, is it possible to take out the built in around the fireplace and redo that part. Basically creating a separation of the tv built in and fireplace.

Also that silver tv stand has to go too, I know. It’s just a matter of taking it out.

We stained our 1989 ashy blond oak built-ins to a darker color, but yours are currently so beautiful, I don't think I'd change them. There's already so much painted surface area and painted trim/millwork, I personally think the stained cherry wood is a nice visual break. Gorgeous house!

I was suggesting a brighter white for the built-ins. I thought about removing just the fireplace wall but I don't think it will work. You might be able to remove everything except the built-in to the left of the fireplace. That one could keep the existing finish without overwhelming the space.

I would agree with T B. Your cherry wood built ins are gorgeous already. I would at least live with them a while before you decide to paint them.

I also like the cherry wood. Perhaps you could line the back wall of them with wallpaper. I would get a peel&stick, or similar so you aren't committed, or damaging the wood.

I wouldn't do that grey that is your inspiration color or any grey on those cabinets as I think they will look dated in no time flat and I don't think that color is going to compliment your wood flooring.

Could you post a photo of the wall to the right of the fireplace. I'd like to get a better feel of these cabinets as to how they relate to the fireplace.

And is that your furniture in the photos?

So just to add, wall colors are white dove. Bar area walls/section is revere pewter. Pls ignore wooden stools.

Cherry wood is nice but I’m really yearning for a lighter, fresher look.

I will Work on answering all the other questions now. Thank you so much everyone

@ted - wall to the right is a bookshelf

Love this look.

Thanks for the photos as it helps puts the room more into perspective.

Would you consider removing all the cabinetry and then re do the fireplace surround? The only reason I'm asking is that 1. it feels from the photos, it may feel different in person, that the cabinetry is over taking the room and they don't see to really fit the room. 2. that the style of the cabinets look dated and painting them is not going to change that 3. you have so many architectural elements (ceiling, window arches, etc) going on that you don't need these big boxes in the room. I think they don't compliment the other elements.

If you were to get rid of the cabinets, re-do the fireplace facing I could really see the other elements in the room working with the wall molding like you show in that photo. I think it could take it to the next level where painting or staining the cabinets is not going to do that.

@ted. I am liking this idea. I don’t really care so much for them. Maybe I can use it else where if I can save some of it. But I want a old world charm of a room wth perhaps a nice big vintage rug. Gold, a little black and creams. I would love to visualize what you are thinking.

Where would the fireplace be placed? And the tv? I would prefer to keep tv in center. But I’m willing to make other changes as necessary.

I love the rooms that Summer Thornton does and many times she adds molding to the walls. Take a look at her site as you might get some inspiration as she does a great job of mixing design elements and by what you are saying, I think that might be what you are desiring?

https://www.summerthorntondesign.com/

Here are some of her rooms

This one might be a bit more traditional than you desire but its fresh looking for traditional

Video Tour: Palmolive Building Remodel - Summer Thornton Design · More Info

Wilmette Historical Home - Summer Thornton Design · More Info

Wilmette Historical Home - Summer Thornton Design · More Info

And she is not afraid of color! But see how she mixes and it looks great.

By Project Archives - Summer Thornton Design · More Info

Masonry fireplaces and chimneys are constructed on-site from stone or brick and mortar and are part of the homes structural design. Typically, these fireplaces and chimneys are built as the house is built.

If this sum up your fireplace, your fireplace stays where it is and then we need to figure out the furniture layout including the TV from there.

I think the first thing you have to do is decide whether the cabinets stay or go before we get to far into it.

Start by removing the columns from the built ins and see if that is enough.

If not...

I’d paint it gloss black, or very navy or very dark green. But I like a bold statement. I might stain them a black first but if that wasn’t enough, I’d go high gloss DARK. Then your TV disappears and any artwork you hang and any books or shelf decor would POP!

I love it. Thank you very much for her info. Very inspirational.

Removing the built ins is what I want to do!! Any idea on cost of this kind of project? I also wonder if there Is a way to somehow get the room to become more rectangular in the process of removal. For ex if that fireplace was refaced to the center as well, would I be able to make the room rectangular as opposed to having that odd shape where the fireplace now sits.

@groveraxle - thank you for the depiction. :). Yes the columns are so unnecessary:(. I can see how painting or staining will make no diff now. It just doesn’t cut it. Thank you for showing it to me this way. Now I really don’t want to paint it. Removal is what I see.

Time to get a contractor in to give you an idea of cost and he can answer your questions regarding the room shape and fireplace. And even show him photos of the wall molding if that is what you are wanting to do. And when the contractor gives you an idea of the cost, add at least 10% more. And then circle back to here and we can go from there.

How important is the bar area to you?

OMG! Some one will want those bookcases, they should pay you for them and there shouldn’t be a removal cost.

@ Lidia - wouldn’t that be nice!!! :)

@tedbixby - I would love to move that bar (update it) to another part of the room. If I really can!! This room is/was supposed to be the formal room, to the left side within the room is an empty nook, but imagine this can ask turn into a lounge/bar area with nice seating, lighting, etc.
Of course, this will have to happen in steps. But I would like to understand what it is that I want and what is possible with these spaces.

If you keep them, definitely consider removing the curves & columns. I would go paint for sure. Staining will be a major production & very complicated to get the color right.

That's edge to edge carpet inset in hardwood, .............make a hardwood decision now too. If you want the glam? Lose the raise hearth. Fill in the carpet area with hardwood to match the rest. : Hip bone, thigh bone, and one thing leads to another lol

I just want to say your house is STUNNING, and it looks like you're in a gorgeous setting, too! Make the changes you want, but I hope you don't let the things you currently dislike detract from your enjoyment of your home as is, right now!

Painting the woodwork would definitely increase the upkeep required, so there's that. If you're just bored, maybe paint the walls, get some new art, new lighting, etc?

If you want to paint the built-ins, paint them in the same color/finish as the other trim in the room. Since this looks like it's a TV/media room, I wouldn't remove them. Painting them will help them recede and be less obstrusive.

Sara- I noticed you don't have any photos in your Idea books. You might start looking and adding photos of ideas that you like as that should help give you a clearer idea of what you want to achieve. And it will probably be many photos of elements rather than just one "magical' room.

If I were you, I'd get a contractor in just to pick his brain (and it will also be like an interview for you too to see if the two of you are a good fit) to see what could be done regarding the room shape and fireplace and a general cost as both of those things will drive what can be done with the rest of the room.

On the other side of the bar is that ceiling higher?

Will you need to get new furniture for this space?

@ Leslie - I’m moving towards removing it altogether. ESp the tv built in.

As for the fireplace, I’d love to update it!

@ted - yes you are right. I need to do start adding to the idea books.

I will also contact a few contractors to see what they say.

On the opposite side of the bar ?

I took some more pics this evening. Pls disregard rug, it’s not here to stay. As far as the couches, they will stay for a couple more years. Table needs an update or a I can change.

.

I did that as a pano but it’s not how congested it really looks.

Agree the entire thing feels heavy and massive for the look you want.

I think the best thing for you to consider, is a skilled interior designer in your area. A clear idea of what you want in a feel for the house. Do some very significant research on both, knowing that a good designer will have the trades necessary at her finger tips.

A "community" of ideas here, can get you thinking to be sure, but in the end, you will benefit greatly from a one on one situation.. Consider every aspect, such as do you even want the bar area, or do you need something else? Even dedicated wine storage or something?

Your best plan, is a PLAN with one on one help. Take your time, and do your homework. Start with that "inspiration" idea book. And the PRO on site.

To design and decorate in haste, is to REPENT at leisure : ) Do it once to love it.

@ Jan - thank you Jan. I agree and will do that. The ideas that have been offered really did open up my mind, am thankful for that.