I guess I mean, I could do a "target" on its side like the two contests mentioned but 1. its been done 50,000 times so you won't get any points for originality, I'm not really sure why the first wouldn't "work" for you - are you afraid your clientbase wouldn't "get it" or something?... 2. How would you suggest working in anything home related? At least in a simple, clean, modern style that has good symmetry, etc...
maybe if you have a look at some examples of what is considered some of the best identity work around today & put those two contests outside of your mind for a moment then maybe you'll come back to one of these... take notice of how these logomark play into their brand name in the majority of these...