Have you tried Googling "topiary trimming guide" or another similar search phrase? You might run across what you are looking for that way.

Shutters sound like they would be a great addition to your new almost at the beach house. Is it an open concept? If so while you can change things up a bit you'll want to repeat some element and ensure that everything looks great together. Even the rooms you're thinking of putting drapes in might benefit from shutters or wood blinds for both looks and light/privacy control. Also be aware of how these windows will look from the outside. When choosing fabrics look at your existing furniture for inspiration or a piece of existing art or if buying new furniture think about the windows as you do. Everything in the room ties into each other. Ideally you would have swatches and samples of every finish in the room from flooring to window coverings and everything in between including wall colour, area rugs, bedding ect to help make your final decisions easier.

Pressed metal splashbacks are so rare! This is the first photo I've seen with a splashback like this and I'm really enjoying it.

I love our island bench in the mornings - I have 4 kids, 3 of which are teenagers, and the morning rush to get out to school is chaotic. The kids all come through to the kitchen at different times for their breakfast, which I have set up on the bench, and they can just grab what they want, sit on a barstool and gobble it quick. Then it's just the kitchen bench that needs a good clean after breakfast. don't have to worry with the dining table. Evening meals are a different story though, I believe families should sit down together at the dining room table.