John Grafe - Proprietor and Master Painter

Affenhaus proprietor John Grafe leads a team of home decorative specialists in the design of your home. Grafe is a professional working artist with more than 25 years of experience in faux finishing painting and interior design consulting. Yet his career began in fine arts.

Apprenticed in European craftsman system

After graduating with distinction from the Ontario College of Art (OCAD), Grafe worked as a professional graphic artist, creating backdrops for Jim Henson Productions before turning to interior design. He gained his considerable faux finish skills by apprenticing under a European craftsman system.

More than 25 years experience

For more than 25 years, Grafe has painted and designed the interiors for private residences, faux finished showrooms and four-star hotel lounges such as Zoë’s Lounge in the Fairmont Château Laurier. He formed Affenhaus Design in 1998 and leads a team of fine artists, faux finish painters, photographers and fine craftspeople.

Fine art sales

Grafe draws from his fine arts background outside of home design. He is also an accomplished fine artist, illustrator and arts curator who has organized art shows for the Ottawa International Animation Festival. For examples of Grafe’s artwork, and other artists who he represents, visit our Fine Art sales section.