I personally don't think the Thiels are bad looking speakers at all. I like the pyramid-esque shape of them, but for a room of my size they do become the focal point. I have a floorplan of the room on my system page if anyone cares to look at it.
Personal tastes aside, let's go on these assumptions:
1.) Monitor speakers (or slim good-looking floor standing speakers) will be easier to work into this particular room.
2.) I will spend $1,000 on the speakers.
3.) I would like something detailed and transparent with body, I realize it won't have the "Thiel" sound, and I am open to enjoying a new kind of sound.
4.) Looking for lots of value for the money.
-Dusty