This is region-specific in my experience. Around here, smooth walls and knockdown ceilings are the norm, and I think they look fine.

We wanted smooth ceilings but my builder wouldn’t do it. So we paid $800 extra for ”knockdown” texture which isn’t smooth, but so much better than the included, sharp sharp/pointy texture. I love how it turned out.Our walls are smooth. I agree with @anj_p, it seems different parts of the country have different norms for wall/ceiling texture. Here is a pic of our knockdown ceilings

Haylo33, thank you for the pic! Your ceiling looks great. That knockdown looks way better than the knockdown they do around here.

I would prefer ceilings be smooth too, and would pay the extra to get them that way, even if I had to wait to do something else at a later date.

Exactly as per @anj_p: Region-specific.

I think it is a personal preference as well as regional. I can't stand knock down texture. Reminds me of hotel rooms. Most I have stayed at have the knock down texture. Just my personal opinion. If you like the knock down then go with it.

I would do a light orange peel on the ceiling with the smooth walls. You won't notice the orange peel in most lights.