Shoe Cabinet
You don’t want to track mud from the Amazon onto your nice Persian carpet! But a couple of slabs of heavy wood. Held together with dark, heavy iron piping as uprights, does the job to a T. Need more room? Add more tiers. As they say in England, simple as.
Bench
Whether you’re sauntering inside or rushing in, gasping for breath and barring the door, you need to sit and take a load off. Imagine a bench, with very large cogs on either end, holding a long seat of lovely, deep tuck-and-roll leather. And copper tubing as a backrest! Or repurpose an outdoor garden bench by adding a giant clockface in the back, ala The Time Machine.
Coat Hanger/Racks
Hang up your coat when you come inside! Were you born in the 19th century? The discriminating entryway will have dark pipes, with elbows pointing vertically, to use. Or a series of large cogs or gears, with hooks hanging down. A simple iron bar with giant logging hooks hanging down also works well. If a freestanding hall tree is more your style, add a set of antlers on top for an adventurous touch.
Door Knocker
So many door knockers, so little time! Actually, there’s plenty of time. Big brass octopi take first place in the running, followed closely by the regal lion’s head, snarling or otherwise. Bats, skulls, scarabs, Green Men, also have a look in. But what about a Jacob Marley ghost one? To scare the (ahem) Dickens, out of Scrooges!
Welcome Mat
Nothing says welcome like a mat that says Trap Door. Lots of maps with clock faces and gears, but how about a lovely representation of a Kraken attackin’ a ship! Right neighborly! What about an all-seeing eye, to let them know you’re onto their hijinks? Or to really strike terror, a welcome mat that’s also an Ouija board. Careful when wiping your shoes in case you summon a demon!
Welcome Sign
Lots of folks have signs that say “Welcome to the Smiths”, and we say stuff and nonsense to that. It’s time to hang out your shingle, let them know you’re open for business! A large wooden sign with gears and cogs and Victorian script that announces “Laboratory of…”, or even create a blue plaque that lets guests be aware that this is “the former home of Dr. Hecklooper, Developer of the Hydraulic Carrot Peeler”. Surround a wooden plaque with copper tubing and announce “Welcome to the Vapor Works”. The sky’s the limit!