“During my previous apartment search, I had an extensive list of desires,” shares Clara Goebel, 27, resident of Zurich, Switzerland. “However, following a breakup, there’s a certain urgency that makes it hard to be selective.” Yet, after the end of her relationship, Clara received some unexpected good news. “By chance, a woman living nearby was searching for a larger space, while I was in need of something smaller,” she explains. “We ended up swapping our apartments with the consent of our landlords.” Below, she reflects on living independently, summer swims, and the importance of visiting a museum’s gift shop…
DINING/LIVING AREA
Wolfgang Tillmans poster: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Denmark. Table: Thonet, “belonged to my parents,” similar. Dining chairs: Thonet, similar. Pendant light: Gubi. Tablecloth: similar. Ceramic cups: Ceramore, “gifted by a friend,” similar. Vase: Hübsch, similar. Candle holder: Hübsch, similar.
On adapting to living alone: My former partner and I cohabited for most of our eight years together. We also had a kitten, whom he eventually kept, so transitioning from our little family to solo living was quite significant. In those first few days, my mind wandered from ‘Why do I have so much space in this bed?’ to ‘Did he actually take the stapler without asking?’ I never found a piece of wisdom that made the breakup easier, but my mom and friends helped me feel understood. My mom assured me of my strength and prepared meals while I rested on the couch. My friends were incredibly patient as I revisited the same topics repeatedly, but I valued their honesty when they finally said, ‘Clara, let it go’ after I mentioned it for the fourth time.
C’est La Vie poster: Landesmuseum Zurich, Switzerland. Map: “my grandparents.” Curtains: Toast, similar. Wool rug: Ferm Living. Sofa: Bolia, similar. Bookshelf: Muji SUS Shelving, similar. Lamp on floor: “My grandfather’s from the seventies.” Standing lamp next to sofa: Artemide. Mobile: Flensted. Coffee table: similar.
On reading for relaxation: My profession is in data science, and after a day spent looking at code, I relish curling up with ordinary books. I’ve got novels, art books, and hand-annotated Bavarian cookbooks from my grandma. I adore visiting Calligramme, a bookstore in Zurich run by a 90-year-old, chain-smoking lady with a feline companion.”
On appreciating good lighting: Swiss winters can be quite dark, so I cherish a well-placed lamp. Most of my lights are sourced from thrift shops or IKEA, but I recently treated myself to a Gubi pendant for above my dining table. It was an expensive purchase but felt very mature.
On channeling the wisdom of ancestors: My grandma, a music and literature teacher, inspired me with her independence. In the 1940s, she requested to sleep apart from her husband. My granddad had just a bed and desk in his room, while her space was vibrant with yellow fabric, white furniture, and lovely designs. It encapsulated her personality! In this new phase of my life, I’ve embraced her spirit.
BALCONY
On weekend traditions: For my birthday this year, I received a subscription to a local newspaper from my lovely aunt. Every Sunday, I eagerly check my mailbox, extract the paper, and spend an hour absorbing the articles with my coffee.
KITCHEN
Chairs: “my parents, from Thonet,” similar. Mid-century cupboard: “thrifted from Vintagelounge Bern, similar. Crate: Hay. Dish towel: Ferm Living, similar. Painting: Clara. Butter candle: Merci.
On hosting dinners with a twist: I adore inviting friends over for dinner and drinks. Given my lack of culinary skills, I usually host and curate a playlist while one of my best friends takes charge in the kitchen. The last gathering featured a dish with burrata, roasted grapes, honey, walnuts, and olive oil. It was delicious, and I genuinely believe I could recreate that dish next time.
On museum recommendations: When I encounter an exhibition that resonates with me, I pick up a postcard from the gift shop. I keep them in a box, almost like constructing a personal museum of pieces that touched me the most. Exhibition posters also serve as excellent decor — they are typically well-designed and reasonably priced.
On maintaining connections: Living by myself has added a new dimension to my friendships. My ex was my emergency contact, but now that role is filled by a close friend. When loneliness strikes, I find comfort in background noise. Recently, I discovered an old radio and have started listening to morning news segments. Alternatively, I tune into my neighbor’s music — the walls aren’t thick, and he enjoys playing it loudly, but thankfully we share similar tastes.
On unexpected joys: I impulsively booked a trip to Paris after finding incredibly cheap train tickets post-Olympics. While at the Merci concept store, I discovered a butter-shaped candle that brought a smile to my face. Resting atop my books is an old photo of my mom when she was young and worked as a nurse.
BATHROOM
Crates: Hay. Towels: OYOY. Small lamp: “my grandmother’s.”
On entertaining friends: This summer, three women I met during a university exchange in Singapore visited for a week. They hailed from Germany, the Netherlands, and Boston. It was a tight fit, and our shower drain clogged three times due to all our hair, but we had the most wonderful time catching up.
BEDROOM
Bedding: La Vie, similar. Floral pillow: HK Living. Striped bed skirt, Etsy. Rug: Hay. Bookcase: La Redoute. Chrome candle holder: Stoff Nagel. Letter R: Thrifted, similar. Photograph on the floor by the bed: Amelie Niederbuchner (#8). Poster above bookcase: Henry Moore Foundation. Chair: “my parents,” similar.
On a nomadic upbringing: I was born just north of Zurich. At six, my family relocated to Boston due to my dad’s job and remained for five years. I’ve always enjoyed packing my bags and have since lived in Marseille, Singapore, and London. A few years ago, I returned to Zurich for work. Compared to a city like London, it’s quaint, but it feels like home. My parents even chose my name to honor the city; my middle name is Regula, after Zurich’s patron saint.
On summer dips: Zurich truly shines in the summer. We have numerous badis, which serve as bathhouses along the river and lake. After a day of work, many enjoy a refreshing dip. The Frauenbadi, a women-only bathhouse, is among my favorites. During weekends, I relish visiting a café—particularly Si o No, Café du Bonheur, or Café Plüsch, as they offer ideal street-side seating for people watching.
On personal routines: In this apartment, I have genuinely loved establishing new habits – my habits in my space. My building is surrounded by pine trees, and I deliberately arranged my bed to view one upon awakening. Morning runs past the community gardens, relaxing hot showers with open windows for a cool breeze, and lighting a candle on my bedroom windowsill while I braid my hair at night — these small rituals bring me joy, known only to me.
Thank you immensely, Clara, for sharing your wonderful space with us. We appreciated the glimpse inside.
P.S. More home tours available, including a vibrant Connecticut family residence and a Brooklyn apartment full of DIY projects.
(Photos by Clara.)
**Uncover a Peaceful Swiss Apartment Crafted for Post-Breakup Restoration | Cup of Jo**
Breakups are inherently tough, often leaving people feeling emotionally exhausted, exposed, and in dire need of a nurturing environment for healing. While time and self-care play crucial roles in recovery, the space in which one heals can significantly impact the process. Imagine a tranquil, meticulously designed apartment nestled in the Swiss Alps, where each element is tailored to promote calmness, self-reflection, and ultimately, self-discovery. This encapsulates the vision behind the “Post-Breakup Healing Apartment” in Switzerland—a haven meant to uplift the spirit and mend the heart.
### The Vision: A Haven for Emotional Restoration
The concept of a post-breakup retreat may seem unconventional, yet it’s based on a growing awareness of how our environments influence our psychological and emotional well-being. Post-breakup, many feel a desire to withdraw, contemplate, and sort through their feelings in a place that feels safe and inviting. This Swiss apartment was intentionally crafted for that very purpose.
Situated in a serene village by Lake Geneva, the apartment serves as a sanctuary from the chaos of everyday life. The guiding design principle is straightforward: foster an atmosphere that stimulates introspection, relaxation, and emotional repair. By integrating natural elements, minimalist aesthetics, and thoughtful design, the apartment aims to help visitors reconnect with their inner selves and find comfort during a trying time.
### The Aesthetic: Where Minimalism Embraces Comfort
The apartment’s design represents a seamless blend of minimalism and coziness, with every detail meticulously chosen to facilitate healing. Its interior is awash with natural light, courtesy of ample windows that showcase stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake. The calming color scheme—gentle whites, warm beiges, and serene grays—fosters an ambiance of peace and expansiveness, encouraging guests to breathe and release tension.
The furnishings are simplistic yet inviting, featuring soft seating, comfortable throws, and natural materials like wood and stone. The living area is curated for contemplation, boasting a cozy reading corner beside the window and a collection of books focused on mindfulness, self-love, and personal development. A petite fireplace adds warmth and intimacy, offering a cozy setting for quieter evenings spent journaling or enjoying a cup of tea.
The bedroom is a restful retreat, featuring a lavish king-sized bed dressed in organic cotton sheets. The room is deliberately free from distractions—no television or electronics—to motivate guests to unplug from the external world and concentrate on their personal transformation. Soft lighting and blackout curtains ensure a restorative night’s rest, which is vital for emotional healing.
### Nature as a Healer: Embracing the Outdoors
A standout feature of the apartment is its close tie to nature. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, the Swiss Alps amplify the apartment’s therapeutic potential. Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in outdoor activities—be it hiking scenic trails, meditating by the lake, or simply lounging on the balcony and enjoying the view.
Research has shown that spending time outdoors can alleviate stress, enhance mood, and foster emotional recovery. The apartment’s location allows visitors to experience these advantages first-hand. The crisp mountain air, the melodious chirping of birds, and the sight of snow-capped mountains instill a sense of tranquility and a reminder that life continues, and healing is indeed achievable.
### Mindful Amenities: Tools for Nurturing Wellness
Beyond its calming design and natural setting, the apartment boasts various amenities aimed at bolstering emotional wellness. A fully-equipped kitchen invites guests to create nourishing meals, featuring an emphasis on wholesome, plant-based ingredients. A selection of herbal teas, recognized for their calming effects, is also at hand to aid guests in unwinding.
The bathroom serves as a luxurious getaway, complete with a deep soaking tub, essential oils, and natural bath salts meant to enhance relaxation. Guests are provided with a guided meditation app and a curated selection of soothing music to support mindfulness and help maintain grounding throughout their stay.
For those who find solace in creativity as a healing method, the apartment is stocked with art supplies, journals, and sketchbooks. Whether it’s penning down thoughts and feelings or crafting something beautiful, visitors are encouraged to tap into their emotions through artistic expression.
### A Tailored Experience: Customized for Individual Needs
What distinguishes this Swiss apartment from other retreats is its customized approach to healing. Prior to arrival, guests are invited to share their personal preferences and emotional requirements with the host. Based on this information, the space can be tailored to forge the most supportive atmosphere possible.
For instance, if a guest is navigating a particularly tough breakup, the host can offer extra resources such as guided meditation sessions, therapy referrals, or even a specially-curated playlist of uplifting songs. Should a guest desire solitude, the host will ensure their visit is as private and uninterrupted as needed. Conversely, if a guest seeks connection, arrangements can be made for local activities like yoga classes, nature excursions, or other communal experiences.
