i chose them because i wanted to have shading done with secondary colors (green, purple, orange), a yellow highlight (for the sun) and a red shadow (because hot shadows being an object forward)
That's good to know. It's interesting because some people say shadows should use more blue, but you say use more red. I never would have thought to use red but it really grows on me after a few looks.
other materials :
there is deviance within all materials, but in general:
metal, glass, water = high shine and reflection
leaves, polished stone, wet wood = some shine, little reflection
grass, rough stone, dry wood = little shine, little reflection
Thanks for your edit. Do you think you could give me any more pointers? You can do anything and I'd love it, but I'd really like to see what you would do with the door. Any suggestions?