Do studio monitors work well at home?

Near-field studio monitors are designed to be placed directly above the mixing console. They are equalized to eliminate the so-called "console bounce" effect. There is a dip in their frequency response to counteract the reflection from the console surface. If not used as intended, the monitor will sound overly distant and lacking in immediacy. This effect can be quite pleasant in that it gives the soundstage depth, but it is not accurate. If this is a concern, I suggest you consider a mid-field monitor. They are designed for free space positioning.

The primary reason that a speaker qualifies as a studio montior is its lack of personality. A well designed monitor is a professional tool aimed at letting the artist and engineer know exactly what the music sounds like. Accurate components often fair poorly in direct comparison to high personality products. Their lack of sonic signature can be mistaken for a lack a musicality.

Regarding workmanship, take a look at JBL LSR series, any ATC, Spendor or Tannoy AMS series. These are all well designed and well put together products that offer a very high level of sound quality.