Alaina,(posted 9151 days ago)Your question is a very good one. I am an Architect in Florida. When I was 16 I set up a darkroom in my house. My mother would not let me build one so I used her laundry room. I bought an inexpensive 35mm enlarger, a few 8x10 trays, a developing tank, and several other accessories.
My mom gave me two shelves within the cabinets to store all of the items. I would set the enlarger on the dryer and developing trays on the washing machine. I would place towels on the floor at the door so that light would not get in. I had a small lamp with a red darkroom bulb attached.
It was great fun. I took pictures for out High School Yearbook and Newspaper. I went on to study Architecture and Fine Arts at the University of Miami. I took several photography classes in college and used the Universities darkroom.
I now have a dedicated 9'x12' darkroom that I built in my home. I have taught my son to develop and print film and he really has fun with it. He attends the University of Florida. My daughter will be 16 in November. She is taking her first photography class in school this coming year.
If you have any other question I would be happy to answer them.
Mike