Rachel, I guess it depends on your definition of 'modern'. If you want sleek and stark and contemporary, then this piece isn't for you. But I agree with Saratoga that to me this is very 'modern' for its time. It's beautiful as is (which is how I would probably use it if the veneer is good) but its not a priceless antique so it be changed up if that's your style and would go better with other pieces in your house to give it a new life. Either way it has soul that contemporary pieces lack in my opinion. It's a little piece of history and a statement about the industrial time it was created. Including the beautiful mirror.

Excuse my duh-ness but i'm having difficulty trying to follow whats going on here. Are these two photos an exact replica of your house and pool ? If not a hasty sketch with dimensions could help a lot. By kitchen wall do you mean the wall behind the bar ? And where is the pool wall ? Are you considering the covered area as being "inside" ? Sorry for all those questions lol Sometimes when you have a design problem you need to turn it inside out or on it's head. If you can't beat it maybe embrace it by making a feature of it : i.e. contrast by having the lightest colored pool surround and a great blue or tile inside and under the overhang, something that will echo the water color ? If you have a great covered area as in photo you'll most likely be spending a lot of time there and it could be soothing to be able to sometimes retire into a darker inside. In my book, 10M isn't small and also contrasting two floor colors doesn't necessarily make a space seem smaller and confined and may in fact even open it up. Could it be that you've thought yourself into a box here ? Sometimes one needs to give it all a good shake up and see how it resettles.

The blue is awesome (grey is too trendy)! The reason it stands out to you is perhaps because it's the only real colour there. Bring in the blue in a window treatment, a small appliance that sits on the counter, a pretty tray or area rug. Also, it is more appealing often if there are more than 2 colours - so right now you have a white and blue colour scheme - bring in red or orange or fushia - something from the other side of the spectrum (like you did with the yellow flowers but in a more permanent way)!

I think the brands you have listed are good! What colour were you thinking? How have you gotten the opportunity to import carpet? I hope it's not too expensive for you!