Shelly,
1. I've had a simliar pair of Ascends (sold them here, can't remember exactly what they were now but I I think they were an older version of the 170s) and liked them quite a bit. They're big for desktop use as you've noted. I replaced them with 12L actives oddly enough.
2. I've also had the NHTs, although not the the current version. I liked them, but they're definitely a wee bit bass shy. The ugly part is 100% in the eye of the beholder. I liked them but replaced them #3 for no good reason.
3. I currently use a pair of JBL Control 1X's and like them a lot. From an aesthetics point of view they're very utilitarian but not ugly IMO and I think they sound pretty good.
4. The speaker that has intrigued me for a while and what I wish I could try in the office is the Focal SIB. I think they can be had for ~$400 a pair new and I think they're quite attractive.