Lots of great ideas here!
I saw this thread popped up again, so I thought I'd report back on where this stupid idea ended up.
Unfortunately, SWMBO vetoed the "missile command" switch idea, and the "bozo honker" idea (air switch operated by a bicycle horn bulb sticking out of the wall) was terminated with extreme prejudice.
The industrial switch ideas were all extremely expensive (although some overpriced surplus could be found on fleaBay) and most were simply not compatible with a two-gang in-wall residential box.
She agreed to a different color switch, but as it turns out these are only available in boring white, dull beige, tepid brown, or dishwater gray.
After a bit of a search, I did find red switches were rare but available, although they were nearly $30 from the usual suppliers. A quick trip to fleaBay located a new red switch (somebody's surplus stock) for a more reasonable $5.99 shipped.
Sooooooooo... here's where we ended up after navigating the tepid straits of reality, taste, and affordability. A bit of a letdown, frankly:
I looked high and low for any other bright colors -- orange, green, blue, etc., but couldn't find anything. You can get some "decorator" switches in a few other colors and finishes, but they're all just as boring. I'm afraid that things are just very, very dull out there in the world of switches.
