“When I was looking for an apartment before, I had a long wish list,” he says. clara goebel27 years old, living in 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“It belonged to my parents.” resemble. Dining chair: Thonet, resemble. pendant light: fearful beauty. table cloth: resemble. Ceramic cup: Theramore“A gift from a friend” resemble. vase: Hybsch, resemble. Candle holder: Hybsch, resemble.
Regarding adaptation to living alone: My ex and I lived together for the majority of our 8 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. It was given 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: MUJI SUS shelf, resemble. Floor lamp: “My grandfather’s one is from the ’70s.”
About reading for relaxation: I work in data science and 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 calligramA bookstore in Zurich run by a 90-year-old chain-smoking woman with a cat. ”
For shining light: Winter in Switzerland is pitch black so I love a good lamp. Most of my stuff is from thrift stores or IKEA, but I recently splurged and bought some. Gubi pendant on my table. It hurt my wallet, but it made me feel like an adult.
C’est la Vie poster: Zurich Cantonal Museum, Switzerland. curtain: toast, resemble. sofa: Boria, resemble. Standing lamp next to the sofa: artemide. cell phone: Frenstead. coffee table: resemble.
Regarding channeling to 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 the weekend ritual: For my birthday this year, my lovely 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
Wooden box: hay. Dishcloth: Ferm Living, resemble. Illustration: Clara. Butter candle: Merci.
For 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.
Regarding museum advice: Once you find an exhibition you like, purchase a postcard 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. in Merci concept storeI found this butter shaped candle It made me smile. Above the book is a photo of my mother when she was young, working as a nurse.
bathroom
Wooden box: hay. towel: Oyoi. Small lamp: “Grandma’s”.
If you’re hosting a friend: This summer, three women I met during 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 all over my hair about 3 times, but I had a great time catching up.
bedroom
bedding: Ravi, resemble. Floral pillow: hong kong living. striped bed skirt, Etsy. Lug: hay.
About 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, resemble. Poster on the bookshelf: henry moore foundation. Host: “My parents.” resemble.
About summer swimming: Zurich is especially beautiful in the summer. There are many badisa public bath located along the river and lake. Many people take a dip after work. of FrauenbirdiOne of my favorites, reserved for women. I love going to cafes on the weekends. especially Shi-o-no, cafe du bonheur or Cafe Plush Because the seats on the road side are perfect for people-watching.
Regarding personal preferences: In this apartment, I am having a lot of fun establishing new routines – my routine of my 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. Going for a run in the morning in front of the community garden, opening the windows to let in a cool breeze in the evening and taking a hot shower, braiding your hair before bed and lighting a candle in your bedroom window. It’s nice to have small rituals like this. No one knows except me.
Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful space. Clara. 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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