Start by removing the coffee table, throw pillows, accessories on the tables, rug, and contents of the curio cabinet. Then think about color. Do you intend to stay in that neutral color family or would you like to inject a bit of vivid color? Once you’ve simplified the room and decided on a color scheme, I’d go shopping for a rug and then chairs. Have you found pictures of a room that inspires you? It may take time, but you’re completely switching from an Old World look, so add in pieces slowly.

NancyD is spot on. Culling the objects you have on disply will make the rom more inviting. Look for coffee table that aren’t trip hazards. Rotate the curios so not all displayed at once. Add some warm elements wth color and art on the walls, throws, pillows, etc.

apple pie yes the room you posted is lovely. I must keep the sofa and curio. we dont use this room as i have a family room so it is only used on holidays and with guest.

IMO the curio kills contemporary for sure . Fake flowers and greenery never work I don't think you need a coffee table at all if you add one more end table . Take away the very formal urn and stand add some more modern lighting since you need lamps anyway .As for chirs you are quite limited to size so maybe keep the ones you have but do differnt pillows in an interesting color or pattern. All the formal accessories need to go and IMO if you remove the curio a oversized piece of art on that wall would be awesome andset the tone for the new look of the space. That curio is grandma's way of showing off special items and if you want contemporary for get that idea. Maybe move the curio into a walk in closet use it for accessories and display a couple of those items in a DR or even in this room but one or two not the whole collection.

You mentioned contemporary and relaxed and in order to move away from its formality, I would look to replace all but the couch, curio (as you mentioned you wanted to keep, but would definitely edit), rug and cushions. Look for a more casual feel and hold off on chairs until you have a vision. If the room allows, I’d place the chairs opposite the couch for a more practical and warmer feel. If interested, provide a picture of the whole room and perhaps there are other options for another set up.

Do you have another place for the curio?

Apple pie no i dont

Maureen imposted a picture of the rest of the room as you can see it is not large and kitchen, dining and living room all open. Not really anynother place for the chairs and yes they cannot be too large,

That helps a lot! You definitely need a more contemporary living room and I think my original suggestions will work well and you may find you will be using it a lot more - a shame not to!

In order to lessen the impact of the curio, suggest large art to its left (and be sure to center) and on right, vertical prints and a floor lamp (no side table)

Here are some options:

Paint the curio white.

Replace the side tables with modern streamlined styles.

Paint the coffee table legs white or replace the coffee table.

Display one artwork on the coffee table at a time.

If your curio art objects are not likely to be broken by pets or people, your coffee table could display a different one every week for months. It's good to see the art objects you love up close and personal, especially those with complex design.

Add a lamp on the corner table.

Hang up the personal photos on a wall where you can see them.

Remove the Tuscan vases and stand.

Remove the artificial flowers and their holders.

Add a low vase with fresh flowers to the coffee table. A colorful blooming orchid or lush green houseplant in a cache pot would be lovely, too.

@dela115 - rearrangement of furniture might create the change you want & also create more room to change your chairs for a more casual / comfy seating. I agree with suggestions to remove glass tables - those, along with curio & decor items creates a very formal look. Will the sofa fit along the railing where the corner table, 2 chairs & table between them are? If yes, you suddenly have the very long window wall to add 2 upholstered comfy chairs with a usable side table between them. Your current side chairs are pretty - maybe they’d have a new home in a bedroom or down in entry? Understand the curio is a keeper & also agree with curating the contents differently than the current look. All that crystal, though lovely, adds to formal tone of the space. Suggestion is to remove all crystal, remove one shelf to create more space between the remaining three & rearrange the figurenes. I think the simpler & uncluttered display will really show them off. I like the idea of replacing the tuscan floor vase to left of cabinet with a larger piece of art to provide color & free up floor space.

Apple pie are you suggesting all glass tables to be replaced? painting curio is not something i know how to do. Would like to leave it as it is and work around it the best i can. thank you for all your help.

Any suggestion on an area rug. Add a color or not?

Not - if it will be the only color in the room. And, it’d be the last thing I‘d change after making some of changes suggested already first. I’d vote for soft color either way & extend it throughout the room with color in new chairs, art & pilows. Maybe also add some of the rug main color to kitchen / dining area to connect the rooms as they are now connected with pales & neutrals. FWIW I wouldn’t paint that curio cabinet - definitely would change out display as I’d suggested earlier.

I would like to change the accent pieces in dining room also as i dont think they do anything to compliment the area. Any suggestion would be appriciated.

Easy enough to do - same suggestions given for LR apply - remove all of the decor items to clear the slate a bit. The bit of dining / kitchen seen in pic shows lots of glass too - console, mirror …. I really think if you take the first step of clearing out curio of all the crystal & remove all decor items in both rooms it will make a difference in how you see the rooms. You can add color & softness to dining area with things like table runner & centerpiece.

Rather than attacking changes in a silo, suggest looking at lots of inspiration pictures to get a direction (and color combination). This will really help with decisions and in the end, result in a coordinated feel throughout the space. Consider a layered/casual look, as you mentioned you wanted a comfortable, contempory room.

I’d definitely choose chairs and tables first as they are harder to find and will set the style and tone. Rugs, cushions and accessories are easy to add at the end (don’t get tied to a rug especially at the onset). Good luck.

Just saw your dining room query. Again consider the entire space so suggest waiting until living room is completed. It really depends on budget as well. If you are heading towards a more casual feel, I’d replace buffet and mirror.