I think you would be delighted with Axiom speakers, and that "mixing" brands in two different rooms would not give you any adverse results. Many people find the Axiom sound to be similar to Paradigm.
The risk is that you'd start liking the Axioms better
Without a sub, the M3ti would be a terrific choice for that application. I have M60's in my main listening room, but am planning to put M3's in the kitchen when I can afford both them and the zone 2 amp to drive them.
BrenR and 2x6spds are both forum regulars that own M3's and can attest to their sonic character. They're not *tiny" boxes, though. So check the dimensions if that is a critical element.
With the 30 day return policy, you can't really lose. I don't imagine shipping on a pair of the smaller Axioms would be very expensive even if you decided to return them. But my hunch is that you would compare them favorably to your Atoms.
