tamaltree, There are a few types of wood that don't take paint well. Heavy oily woods, like teak are the kind I mean. Most other kinds of wood will, so long as it is dry, clean and has a slightly rough surface for the paint to adhere to. If you are not a professional or an advanced amateur, don't try for the lacquer. It is toxic and highly flammable. Is that the information you were after?

Depends on what effect overall you want -- hot tropical feel (oranges and reds) or a bit more toned down? You can take inspiration from pictures of gardens with lime green heuchera or sweet potato -- often paired with chocolatey purple, silvery greens and blues.

example: winding staircase, source internet Little modification need to be done for entrance lobby opening, where you could accommodate a shoe rack and the complementary vertical wall can act as a amazing entrance decor wall wall in Kerala style heavy color play or texture/wall cladding with brass mural.. by doing this you get space to mount TV unit and a good space for sofa arrangement (make sure sofas are light as the space is less to accommodate baggy sofas), staircase can be made in the shape shown in sketch plan, with marble finish on the foot steps (or as per interiors), space in the bottom of staircase next to master bedroom wall can be utilized for chest of drawers or a tall furniture, make sure the staircase bottom part to be casted smooth in finish.

living/dining/kitchen it's an open layout like in one of the images. the ceiling is uneven so we are planning to get it fixed with re-plastering. I might not be able to get a skilled painter in my budget to get the textures right, so I thought by just applying a coat of cement I wouldn't need a very skilled worker and also get the industrial look.