From a personal experience, my wife moved the treadmill to a spare bedroom on the second floor of our last home. The home was only 6 years old. Anyway, the master bedroom was on the other side of the house. That thing was SO loud, it would wake me up when she worked out in the morning. The vibration, when she jogged, rattled the things on the walls. Since you live in a duplex, your neighbors may have concerns?

A book with beautiful photographs that might help you to get off the "decorating treadmill" is No Compromise Decorating by Lynette Jennings (2004). It is an insightful look into the decorating mistake many of us make: compromising what we really want for a trend or a quick fix. Here is an excerpt: "Always celebrate the connection of your home to your life; don't apologize for it, and don't compromise. Home isn't a look, it's a feeling. A place where memories are made and legacies are formed. That said, why would we for one second hesitate to make choices based on anything but what our heart desires? Why would we even for an inkling be distracted by a new product display, a neighbor's comment, or a 'dream home' featured on TV or in a magazine other than for the inspiration it provides? Call it conviction, stubbornness, determination. To eliminate the pressure. The fear of decision. To dig for the courage to live how and with what makes us happy. That's decorating without compromise." Life is too short to compromise. Surround yourself with colors and objects that bring YOU joy.

Haha GreenDesigns! We actually did watch that film on the recommendation of a real estate agent we worked with on the house we 'almost' bought. Now THAT would have been a money pit. Gorgeous old Victorian. GREAT condition and location but it had lead and that would have meant crazy reno costs if we ever wanted to redo the kitchen, bathroom, anything basically! We have a toddler so decided to pull out of the deal after inspections. I had forgotten the old lady from the film actually! Thanks for reminding! Still looking around. We won't be buying it without a proper home inspection which will cost us of course but we'll have a good idea of what we're getting in to and if still think its worth the hassle. Are home inspectors able to give ball parks for the work needed to bring a house up to date at all?

You should be fine, we deal with this all the time in older neighborhoods where houses dated back to the 1900s and never had an issue with the basement ceiling height when applying for a building permit. Your best bet is to talk to a local building department and tell them you have a 19020's home with a ceiling height of such n such and if you're ok with finishing your basement.