Sometimes home audio speakers are used as recording monitors. Deutche Grammophon, as an example, uses B&W 801's for the job.
The pro audio world has monitors of all sizes, types and prices just like home audio speakers. I think it is fair to say that you will usually get more speaker for the money with pro audio but you will get some pretty ugly speakers too. They aren't designed to fit your decor. I happen to use recording monitors made by Tannoy for my surround speakers. They perform very well. But they don't have grills in front of them and they are painted. They aren't horrible but they aren't as nice a piano black or walnut home audio speaker. They would make fine main speakers also as long as you supported them with a subwoofer and could stand looking at them.
Some of the recording monitors are nothing short of spectacular. Check out the Genelec line, as an example. They sound as good anything made anywhere. They aren't cheap, however, and they sure aren't pretty.
Some of the sound reinforcement speakers can sound pretty good too. That's what you hear at the movie theater. They could be Altec or Klipsch or JBL usually with horn drivers. I use Electro Voice speakers for my performance rig. They sound Terrific. But they are covered with carpeting and have handles. Not the thing for the living room.
I think for the sake of room decor I would suggest you stay with home audio speakers. Obviously the range of available products is amazing with products to fit anyone.
