Look into Proacs.
I owned the Response 2.5. Tremendous transparency, inner detail and an overall musical presentation. Good dynamics and weight for such a slim and elegant package. I had them in a large room and the bass was shockingly big. Check the S'phile review. If memory serves, Fremer thought the same:
http://www.stereophile.com/loudspeakerreviews/196proac/Never heard it, but I suppose the smaller Response 1.5 would be similar but with less bass output. A pair is up on AG now, but based on where I bought and sold my 2.5s, I think his price is probably too high.
The 2.5 can be had for around $1500 used.
Both the 1.5 and 2.5 are rear ported, so tight wall placement may be problematic. They were replaced by the D15 and D25 respectively. I believe these have downward firing ports, possibly making them better for your situation. Models D18 and D28 are even more recent models and are side vented, but used prices might be outside of your budget.
All Proac models are done in gorgeous wood veneer cabinets. The style is modest, almost Shaker-like in their utilitarian simplicity, and completely non-flashy. Some may not like it, but I do, and my experience is that their asthetic and visual is almost universally loved by women.
See them here:
http://www.proac-loudspeakers.com/index.phpGood luck in your search.
