Why does Petr Mikel of Mikel Joinery name his tables after stars?

Some people say that furniture is just a thing, an object. Petr Mikel sees it differently. For him, every table, chest of drawers, or door is a piece of a story. The story of a tree that grew for decades in the Beskydy forests, of hands that slowly shaped it, and of a family that will use it for decades to come.

Mikel Carpentry is not a factory. It's a small workshop in Hutisko-Solanec in Wallachia, surrounded on all sides by the Beskydy Mountains. That's where Petr gets most of his wood. In the workshop, you won't find robots or automated lines. He works with a colleague, at most two assistants, which is why every joint, every edge, every detail bears his signature.

That's why Petr's furniture is "alive" and changes with time. It gets scratches from cutlery, wine stains, fingerprints from children's hands, and will witness dinners, homework, and night games. Petr sums it up like this: "I don't make furniture for a year. I make furniture that will outlast you."

Petr Mikel answers

Why do you name your tables after stars?

The tables are named after stars because each piece has its own story – just like stars. Nothing happens instantly. Trees and stars had to evolve into their current form. And that's why my tables bear the names of stars and constellations.

Why don't you just sell finished pieces from a catalog?

Because each of our pieces is original, and we don't want to go in the direction of mass production. We prioritize quality over quantity.

What is most important to you in production?

Attention to detail. Refining every detail to originality and, of course, selecting high-quality high-altitude material. Thanks to it, the density (hardness) of the wood is higher and better quality.

What material do you like best?

Definitely walnut wood 😉

Do you ever plan to switch to mass production?

Definitely not. My dream is not to sit in an office and just deal with orders. I want to create and work with my own hands as long as I can 👌

Why should someone choose you?

Because my heart beats for quality, not quantity. Every piece that leaves our workshop is created with respect for the material, the craft, and the person for whom it is intended. We fine-tune every detail to the last millimeter – from the first cut to the final finish. It's not just about a table. It's about functionality, design, and the feeling that remains every day you use it. And Mikel Carpentry? Today, it's not just a name. It's a brand of honest work, quality, and timeless design.

Summary

Petr Mikel is not just a carpenter. He is a man who, in a small workshop at the end of Wallachia, gives trees a second chance and people a piece of something greater than just furniture. This is where originals are born, which have a soul, names of stars, and a long life ahead of them. If you are looking for a piece that will not just take up space but will tell a story – your story – then you are in the right place.