This may be an earlier design element than Bruce wants; In the US some of the early colonial front doors have their outer faces patterned with an excess of nails. Nails were quite valuable so it's a demonsration of the prosperity of the owner.
As I understand it this is an adornment adopted at a time when all or most window glass (and other architectural hardware)in the "new world" was imported.
I'd like to see what you come up with as I'll be doing the same thing sometime this summer...
I have Jack Sobon's classic hall and parlor standing wrapped with a huge 4ft by 8ft hole where a front door needs to go.
