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.

I agree with lefty. Really think you should cut back the area. Even if you don't pave in the degraded area just plant it will look larger. Two levels shrink the space one level feels more like a room. Also I can tell the fence is your neighbors because the rails are facing your side. I would face the fence so that it looks better in your side.

There needs to be a rug and the thin lines of the legs of the furniture are not working with the wood floors. It makes them look insignificant. Also cut out the dark brown tones and chose some more refreshing colors.

Not hardly, lol. I just pulled that photo off Pnterest. My dog is a 90-pound Retriever. He is MacGregor, chaser of balls and cats, and destroyer of garden plants, lol!