Are you set on keeping the dirt area for your puppy or are would you consider container gardening? Does the area get a lot of sun? My first thought is there is alot of brick already between the facade of the building and that two story portion shown. But the herringbone paver layout is great. If it were my home I would probably take that Trex decking and extend it over in to the dirt area at an angle and then use pots to make my garden. Really great pots that you can move around and change by adding colorful plants when the season permits and then I would invest in really nice outdoor furniture to make the space. I see you have a small teak table and with a good powerwash it can be made to look new. Then add some outdoor chairs and hang a piece of outdoor art on the brick and that would be a great start but definitely start by just getting rid of all those odd plantings. It will be a lovely retreat. Good luck.

Wishbone style chairs look nice with that style table. http://allissiasatticdesign.com.au/products/rodin-cross-leg-dining-table These resin chairs are stackable. Lots of different designs out there in resin chairs. http://www.zizo.com.au/Capri-Arm-Chair-WARW1025.html http://www.zizo.com.au/Ibiza-Arm-Chair-WARW1026.html

re the floor, what about garage matting tiles, as in photo attached, but lay them in a groovier pattern, perhaps a chevron or 60's pattern, if leaning towards MCM. It may not be any dearer than the cost after getting a tiler in, if laying tiles? Also, you can take them out to clean them if need to and change the look whenever you feel the need!

https://www.mimosaoutdoors.com.au/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwN_Cm67a5QIVRh0rCh2CjAlgEAAYASAAEgLgXPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds