Yes, I have tried linen but have never liked it to wear or anything else. The natural messy look and texture doesn't suit me nor do I like the feel of it although I do have a mid-century chair covered in lemon-lime linen. I like it on some other people and I can understand why some people like it but personally adore the crisp shiny sensual feel of thick sateen sheets ... luuurve the feel so much. Not sure why one has to be better than the other, they are very different and suit different people. A previous boyfriend loved them so when he stayed over he asked me to go shopping with him to buy something similar. Whenever I visit the States I buy myself another set of them or a new duvet set ... they tend to have them in high thread, brighter colours and interesting designs there while being affordable at reasonable prices for the quality.

Love those curtains! Tell us your secret shopping place? To bring back some masculinity to the room I would have a bluish quilt that comes from a blue in the curtain and the rest of the bedding white with big plump white reading cushions on top.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/584659594/black-and-white-pillow-cover-black?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_d-home_and_living-home_decor-decorative_pillows&utm_custom1=09f38e0d-fbcf-47d4-9bb9-413b894da886&gclid=CjwKCAjw3cPYBRB7EiwAsrc-udw3zeIf3QS66urLdqwbI7xoVKV2ARV1fbrBd_yYsNBX7a64PmfR7xoCA3AQAvD_BwE https://www.zazzle.co.uk/black_and_white_geometric_pattern_custom_monogram_lumbar_cushion-189954464782038403 Hope this helps.

The second link you provided shows box (buxus) plants. I have them in sun & in shade & they seem to be fine in both. I give them a trim to shape them once or twice a year. They’re fairly pricey to buy as a larger plant & unfortunately lots of people have problems with a disease called box blight which can kill the plants off. I tend to buy them as very small plants & they fill out after a few years. There are other plants you can use that are similar for topiary - I’m sure someone on here will be able to recommend some. Hostas (shown on Sonia’s first photo with the red tree) are great for shade although I’d recommend keeping them in pots as slugs & snails love eating them.