Hygge Life – Embracing the Art of “Hygge” in Vail and Beyond
Hygge Life Embraces HYGGE (hoo-ga), the Danish art of creating joy & coziness in life’s everyday moments with their shop’s collection of cozy European home goods
by Sarah Mock
Tucked in the Rocky Mountains, beneath Vail’s majestic ski slopes, lies an oasis that invites visitors to slow down, unwind, and embrace a simpler, more meaningful way of life: Hygge Life.
Hygge, a Danish term with no direct English translation, describes a mood of coziness and contentment, often found in life’s simplest moments, like sipping hot cocoa by a fire, sharing a home-cooked meal with friends or reading a good book on a snowy evening.
The Origins of Hygge Life: Showroom and Cafe
Hygge Life is the brainchild of Alexandra Gove and her husband Koen van Renswoude. What started as a small online shop in 2016 has bloomed into a brick-and-mortar sanctuary that seamlessly combines the timeless principles of hygge with the rustic charm of mountain living. This year, the couple welcomed son, Luc into their lives. Deepening their connection of family ties to Vail.
The café, which began five years ago, was designed to complement the showroom by providing a screen-free space to slow down and enjoy a cozy, hygge experience. Serving coffee, tea, and locally baked pastries, it invites visitors to relax inside or on the patio, said Gove. Over time, Hygge Life has expanded its offerings, adding interior styling services, gifts, and more.
At its core, Hygge Life’s showroom offers a thoughtfully curated selection of home goods – ranging anywhere from plush sheepskin rugs and handwoven blankets, to minimalist Scandinavian furniture and ceramic tableware. Gove’s carefully curated selection offers the tools to bring a sense of tranquility into everyday life.
“Hygge isn’t just for the winter months or for when it’s cold outside,” Gove said. “It’s a mindset that you can bring into every season, into every aspect of your life. Through our passion for design and hospitality, we have found that well-crafted furniture and decor can help to cultivate this more attentive, intentional perspective.”
To Gove and Van Renswoud, Hygge Life is not just their everyday business but a way of life. Their hope is to inspire others to embrace the slower, more intentional moments of life, especially in a world that often feels disconnected from time to time.
A Space for Community and Connection
“The heart of hygge is about connection… connecting with yourself, with others, and with the environment around you,” Gove said. “In a place like Vail, where adventure is all around, Hygge Life gives people a chance to pause, reflect, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.”
Beyond being a boutique, Hygge Life fosters a sense of community. The couple have intentionally designed the store to be a gathering place, hosting hygge-inspired workshops, events, and pop-up dinners that bring people together in celebration of slow living. These gatherings are centered around creating moments of warmth and joy—whether it’s learning how to craft the perfect charcuterie board, joining a candle-making workshop, or experiencing a farm-to-table feast with friends new and old.
Looking to the future, Gove hints that “Hygge Lodge, a boutique hotel, may be on the horizon.” For now, though, becoming parents has been one of their greatest joys, alongside nurturing new ideas for Hygge Life. Hygge Life owner’s plan to continue providing high-quality products and hosting special events within the Vail community.
“Hygge Life has become a destination in the Vail Valley,” Gove said, “We love creating a space and offering that is welcoming to everyone in our community.”
Bringing Hygge into Your Home
If you can’t make it to Vail, Hygge Life’s online shop brings the essence of coziness directly to your doorstep. From handcrafted candles and textured pillows to Danish furniture, Alexandra and Koen carefully source products that blend function with beauty, allowing anyone to create their own hygge-inspired sanctuary.
Over the past seven years, the shop has undergone two expansions, adding interior styling services, clothing, jewelry, and more to its carefully curated collection, which continues to attract both locals and tourists.
Hygge Life gives you an experience centered around warmth, comfort, and the beauty of intentional living. For those seeking a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of mountain life, Hygge Life is the perfect cozy retreat.
Looking to create memories? Check out the infamous Sauna Saturdays offered during the winter months.
Hygge’s pop-up December Holiday Market is a local favorite. Check out their website for their next amazing event. You can sign up for Sauna Saturdays and find out more about their dining events here:
ps… How to pronounce, hygge? “hooga”
41149 US Hwy 6, Avon, CO, United States, 81620
photo credits: Hygge Life, HollyGoSpritely Media
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