A Stage for Life – Made by Storey

Words by Camille Khouri
Photography by Tim O’Connor, Dave Kulesza, Timothy Kaye, Shannon McGrath, Peter Bennetts

Creating a ‘stage for life’ is the ethos behind luxury engineered timber flooring supplier Made by Storey. It is a simple yet poetic aspiration that drives every facet of the business, from the design of the product to the final installation process, which has led the company to work closely with architects and designers to develop bespoke solutions.

Made by Storey proudly pushes design boundaries, keeping abreast of new colour and texture trends while striving to exceed the highest international standards when it comes to the technical aspects of its products. As Co-founder and Director Damir Dzuzdanovic says, the idea of creating a ‘stage for life’ means that each Storey floor is the basis for what makes a house a home. “Being a design-conscious brand means we have the opportunity to work really closely with architects and interior designers in creating new colours, textures and different finishes,” he says. “As a company, we are all about innovating and developing new products, and where a lot of that inspiration comes from is through working with our interior designers and architects in creating special and unique designs.”

Alongside Damir, Co-founder and Director Theo Perdikis has a keen eye for detail, which puts him in good stead for ensuring the quality of each of the company’s projects. Theo is meticulous about the level of care taken in every step of the delivery of the flooring, from the cutting of the boards through to the end result. “Every job has its challenges when we’re installing our flooring,” he says. “That’s why we specialise in what we do. It’s crucial that every board is laid in a formation where that line is dead straight.”

Clockwise from top left: Co-Directors of Made by Storey Damir Dzuzdanovic and Theo Perdikis. A home in Brighton featuring Saloon floors. A residence in Hawthorn featuring Biscuit floors.

Made by Storey not only supplies and installs the flooring but will also clean and apply a protective coating to the boards so that they are not damaged by tradespeople who come in after the floor is laid. “The advantage of using Made by Storey is the years of experience we have with our timber and the communication we have with architects and builders to have a fluent and clean process from start to finish to ensure their vision is outlaid in the property,” says Theo.

Made by Storey seeks to prioritise the health of people and planet. The company uses formaldehyde-free timber, in consideration of those who suffer from allergies. In terms of sustainability, engineered flooring uses less timber than solid wood to create a strong and lasting floorboard, lessening the ecological footprint of Made by Storey’s range of engineered flooring products. The timber used to make Made by Storey boards is also FSC certified, which means it comes from well-managed plantation forests, furthering the sustainability of the product.

“The advantage of using Made by Storey is the years of experience we have with our timber and the communication we have with architects and builders to have a fluent and clean process from start to finish to ensure their vision is outlaid in the property,” says Theo.

With such a focus on the bigger picture, combined with an extensive range of colours, textures and finishes and strong commitment to achieving the vision of architects and designers, Made by Storey has established a reputation as not only a sought-after supplier but a true collaborator on residential and commercial projects. After all, says Damir, “it’s through working closely with the industry that we’re able to realise our own potential, setting the stage for rich and fulfilling lives.”

An impressive array of architects and designers grace Made by Storey’s client list, including KUD, Adam Kane Architects, and Chris Connell Design to name just a few. Notably, in Chris Connell’s Armadale Residence custom Made by Storey joinery and timber panelling was created using French oak in the subtle, lustrous Cloud colour. A custom solution was also created for Barwon Heads House by Adam Kane Architects. Made by Storey worked closely with Adam Kane and colour specialists Scanlan & Makers to devise the precise tone of each hand-finished board that lines the walls and ceiling. Similarly, in the JARtB House by KUD, Made by Storey products are used on ceilings as well as floors, and the project also includes a brass nosing detail on the stairs.