Located on the ground floor of a new commercial building in a developing area of downtown Fredericksburg, VA; this new 4,650 sf Mellow Mushroom offers an eclectic dining experience that combines features of a deconstructed warehouse with art elements and found objects. Organized around a large cast-in-place concrete serpentine bar, the guest experience starts at the main entrance where a set of reclaimed doors are combined with stained glass panels to create a one-of-a-kind first impression. A custom hostess stand made of dimensional lumber—sandwiched together and painted—creates an organic sculptural element that sets the tone for the space. Serving as a backdrop for the entire restaurant, a large mural painted on site by artist Michael Brock is a colorful focal point that includes cultural elements unique to the area.

Also at the entry, a white oak "boardwalk" wraps the wall and guides guests through the restaurant, curving through the space in a way that mimics the shape of the bar. Flooring changes reinforce this flow, with hexagonal tiles in the bar area interwoven with the oak planks. The curving bar is fronted with painted dowels and electric conduit, a further expression of the found object approach while enhancing the fluidity of the shape. Overhead, warehouse windows are collaged to create a defined area for the bar, elements of which are duplicated in the custom bar shelving. Leather light fixtures complete the rustic, industrial look.

As the boardwalk continues through the space, custom tables made of construction-grade oriented strand board (OSB) are painted bright colors and topped with a smooth epoxy finish. A row of custom OSB banquet seating is separated from the kitchen pass with standard concrete breeze blocks, customized with painted interiors. The adjacent kitchen pass is sheathed in corrugated metal, painted with a lenticular technique so that the form appears as different colors from either end of the restaurant. Overhead, organic corrugated cardboard light fixtures contrast with repurposed industrial warehouse lights, adding to the layers of design. The crowning element of this space is an assembly of antique letter light fixtures and a custom painted bust of Uncle Sam—reinforcing the Mellow Mushroom brand. The boardwalk continues through the main dining area, terminating at the carry-out station. In this area, large circular dining tables are fabricated from wagon wheels with mechanical gears inset into epoxy. The large light fixture is assembled from industrial warehouse pallets sandwiched with globe light fixtures. The custom piece is wrapped in electrical cords to form an "M."

An adjacent patio dining room offers all-season dining and access to the bar, separated by an operational sliding partition. The enclosed patio was an addition to the building, and a stamped concrete floor delineates the spaces. Colorful red tile on the perimeter is a backdrop for multi-colored chairs and wood tables. Natural light floods the space through operable windows, allowing for fresh air during warm weather.