After switching to a stainless steel desk in my home office a few years ago, I’ve been keeping an eye out for a simple leather desk pad – the perfect all-in-one combination of soft writing surface, a mousepad that stays put, and a winter-morning remedy for a freezing-cold tabletop. Surprisingly, it was difficult finding something that didn’t look like it belonged in your dad’s accountant’s office. Thanks to the gentlemen at Gear Patrol and Jeff Carvalho, I came across the idea of using a big cutting mat. It checks all of the boxes listed above, and adds a nice graphic touch to the desktop.