“When I was looking for an apartment before, I had a long wish list,” says Clara Goebel, 27, from Zurich, Switzerland. “But after a breakup, you’re pressed for time, so you can’t be too picky.” But after her partner’s relationship ended, Clara heard a bit of great news. “Coincidentally, the woman who lives up the street was looking for something bigger, so I needed something smaller,” she says. “I ended up swapping apartments with my landlord’s permission.” Below, she talks about living alone, swimming in the summer, and why you should definitely stop by the museum’s gift shop…
Dining/living area
Wolfgang Tillmans Poster: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Denmark. Table: Thonet, “Parents’,” as well. Dining chair: Thonet, similar. Pendant light: Gubi. Tablecloth: Same. Ceramic cup: Ceramore, “Gift from a friend”, as well. Vase: Hybsch, similar. Candle holder: Hübsch, similar.
On adjusting to living alone: My ex-boyfriend and I lived together for most of our eight-year relationship. We also had a kitten and he ended up keeping it, so it was a big transition from living with a small family to living alone. For the first few days, my thought was, “Why does this bed have so much space?” “Did he really pick up that weird stapler without asking me?” I couldn’t find any advice that would make the breakup easier, but my mom and friends made me feel accepted. He gave it to me. My mom told me I was tough and made dinner while I napped on the couch. My friends were very patient with me when I tried to think of the same thing three times, but the fourth time they said, “Clara, please stop dwelling on that.” I also appreciated your honesty.
Map: “My Grandparents” Wool Rug: Ferm Living. Bookshelf: Same as MUJI SUS shelf. Floor lamp: “My grandfather’s one is from the ’70s.”
About reading to relax: I work in data science, and I like to read a regular book after staring at code all day. I have novels, art books, and a Bavarian cookbook that my grandmother annotated by hand. I love visiting a bookstore called Calligram in Zurich. This bookstore is run by a 90-year-old chain-smoking woman with a cat. ”
About glowing lights: Winter in Switzerland gets dark so I love a good lamp. Most of mine are from thrift stores or IKEA, but I recently bought a Gubi pendant to display on my table. It hurt my wallet, but it made me feel like an adult.
C’est La Vie Poster: Zurich National Museum, Switzerland. Curtains: Toast, similar. Sofa: Boria, similar. Standing lamp next to the sofa: Artemide. Mobile: Frenstead. Coffee table: similar.
On channeling elders: My grandmother was a music and literature teacher and I was inspired by her independent spirit. In the 1940s, she asked her husband to sleep in a separate bedroom. My grandfather’s room only had a bed and a desk. Her room, on the other hand, was covered in bright yellow fabrics, with white furniture and beautiful patterns. It was just… her! I tapped into her energy in this new chapter of my life.
balcony
About my weekend ritual: For my birthday this year, my wonderful aunt bought me a subscription to the local newspaper. Every Sunday, I open my mailbox, pull out the newspaper, have a cup of coffee, and spend an hour reading every article.
kitchen
Crate: Hi. Dishcloth: Ferm Living, similar. Illustration: Clara. Butter candle: Merci.
About Dinner with a Twist: I love inviting people over for dinner and drinks. I have two left hands in the kitchen, so I usually just serve my house, put it on a playlist, and have one of my best friends take over the cooking. Last time, my friend made a dish with burrata, roasted grapes, honey, walnuts and olive oil. It was so delicious that I think I’ll be able to make it next time.
Museum tip: Once you find an exhibit you like, buy postcards from the gift shop. I keep them all in boxes. It feels like I’m building a personal museum of the pieces that speak to me the most. Exhibition posters will also be a great decoration. They usually have good graphic design and are not too expensive.
On feeling connected: Living alone has brought a whole new depth to my friendships. My ex-boyfriend used to be my emergency contact, but now he’s a good friend of mine. If you live alone and feel a little lonely, the noise around you can help. Recently, I dug out my old radio and have been listening to the morning news. Or listen to your neighbor’s music. The walls aren’t very thick and he likes to play loud music, but luckily we have similar tastes.
About Surprise and Delight: After the Olympics, I booked a trip to Paris on a whim because train tickets were ridiculously cheap. At the Merci concept store, I found a butter-shaped candle that made me smile. Above the book is a photo of my mother when she was young, working as a nurse.
bathroom
Crates: Hi. Towel: OYOY. Small lamp: “Grandma’s”.
About hosting friends: This summer, three women I met on a university exchange program in Singapore came to stay for a week. They are from Germany, the Netherlands, and Boston. The chaotic tightness clogged the shower drain about 3 times with all my hair, but I had a great time catching up.
bedroom
Bedding: La Vie, similar. Floral pillow: HK Living. Striped bed skirt, Etsy. Rag: Hey.
About my peripatetic childhood: I was born north of Zurich. When I was 6 years old, my family moved to Boston because of my father’s job, and we stayed for 5 years. I have always liked to pack and since then I have lived in Marseille, Singapore and London. A few years ago I returned to Zurich for work. It’s small compared to cities like London, but it feels like home. My parents named me after that city. My middle name is Regula, the patron saint of Zurich.
Bookshelf: La Redoute. Chrome candle holder: Stoff Nagel. Letter R: Thrifty, similar. Poster on the bookshelf: Henry Moore Foundation. Host: The same goes for “my parents.”
About summer swimming: Zurich is especially great in the summer. There are many badi, which are bathhouses located along rivers and lakes. Many people take a dip after work. The women-only Frauenbaadi is one of my favorites. On the weekends, I love going to cafes. Especially Si o No, Café du Bonheur, and Café Plüsch, as their streetside seats are perfect for people-watching.
Regarding personal preferences: I really enjoyed establishing a new routine in this apartment, a routine in my own place. My apartment building is surrounded by pine trees, so I intentionally positioned my bed so that I could see the pine trees when I woke up. I go for a run in front of my community garden in the morning, I take a hot shower in the evening with the windows open to let in a cool breeze, I put my hair in braids before I go to bed and light a candle in my bedroom window. It’s nice to have small rituals like this. No one knows except me.
Clara, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful space with us. We loved peeking around.
PS Other home tours include a colorful Connecticut family home and a DIY-packed Brooklyn apartment.
(Photo provided by Clara)
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