Pretty much all the advice we were going to suggest has already been given - this is why we love Houzz so much! A full 'Houzz' of top notch advice :) The only thing we would say, in addition to good soil and planting with the seasons, is to keep on top of the weeds and make sure you're planting the right herbs/edible plants where the sun is right. Weed mats are a great option, and others swear buy mulch/grass clippings too! We have some garden items that may help - like trellis', frost covers, mulch mats, etc. Check out the garden solutions range here. Also, here's a short post about the benefits of having shade in the garden. We're excited to see how your garden goes! Please share progress shots with us!

Before replacing your curtains as this can be quite expensive for such a large window, if they are in good condition, add a band of extra fabric to the bottom in what ever suits you, your existing curtain track can then be moved up to the ceiling for good looking full length curtains without the large round eyelets, could save you a lot of money, I would look at replacing/removing the sheers cheers

I love linen.com.au have similar as does Etsy. I searched French ticking doona.

nothing wrong with cream gutters as long as they don't leak but consider a stained timber pergola to match the decking and, unless you want to leave furniture on the deck and sit out there undercover you need relatively small sections of sheeting that only shelter the front door and lets light through but doesn't overheat and cook the heads of someone waiting at the door!..one of the light coloured Polycarbonates like Lazerlite Suntuf comes in 2-3m length and two sheets will cover a section about 1.5m wide but check the flatter profiles like Greca (not shaped liked corrugated iron) as it can be laid much flatter and still shed water away from the house and you can check samples and colours at the major hardware stores