If the FP is not wood burning, cut logs to fit and treat them for insects. If your FP burns wood then don't treat them and plan to use.

I like several of the ideas presented, including the deck, assuming it won't face West while receiving evening use. Depending on circulation/traffic patterns, a couple of chairs with a small table between could be nice. All of my other ideas were landscaping related, since I love gardening, and think it's plenty fun all by itself, lol! <3 A small accent tree (6'-10' tall & wide) without invasive roots would also be really nice -- or a circle of tall, colorful hollyhocks (sorry, I always think of hollyhocks when I think of farmhouses) -- maybe surrounded by short, cascading herbs/plants in raised planters/containers. I wouldn't necessarily center the tree; it might look good off to one side, framing a view from inside the house. In addition to the tree, if you wanted to add a water feature of some kind (old fashioned water pump inspired, maybe?), it would fit better in the space if the tree wasn't centered. Do y'all have any hummingbirds in your area? Plants that attract hummers and butterflies are always awesome right outside windows. You could use shepherd's hooks with hummer feeders, too. Or, depending on which direction it faces, I'd consider a pergola bridging the gap between the bedroom and porch. If it faces North, then I'd skip the pergola, to allow maximum sunshine into the window. You could grow a controllable vine (max height of 20'; no roots/shoots/tendrils that will work their way into your house's structure) up the pergola's legs and over the top of the pergola's roof. I'm partial to roses, myself, but you could use other climbing plants that are more compatible with whatever "modern farmhouse" means to you/your area. :-D

Hello Bee, Happy Holidays to you and yours. I put together a 3D rendition with some suggestions for this space. I went off of the pictures and a 15' x 20' room. I am uncertain about the placement of the doors in the room and the size of the wall so please understand that I am throwing out my best guess. Most of all this is just meant to be suggestions and possibilities only. The actual placement of the furniture can be fine-tuned if we get some additional measurements. Also, I know that this is not in keeping with your MIL's style but it is only the furniture placement that is being suggested, not the style or colors. In the rendition you will find: 2 swivel chairs that seat two people. One couch that seats 4 people One floor lamp One large coffee table that can double as a game table A banquette that can also be used to play table or card games as well as extra dining. One small service bar for snacks and beverages. Wall shelving for additional items. A large bookshelf/media/ game center. One 8' x 10' area rug. That is if your MIL decides to replace the carpet with something that holds up to high traffic and so on. Hope this helps. Best Wishes, MAE

Could you move the sectional up toward the fireplace just enough so it clears the bay window. By doing that, does the pink rug fit in the bay area? Consider putting cabinets under the windows. They would hold a lot of toys, games, trucks, dolls.