Today's web is bloated. The average website downloads megabytes of JavaScript, sets up intricate build systems, and requires thousands of dependencies just to display a few paragraphs of text and a couple of images. We have traded simplicity for abstraction.
Why Vanilla HTML/CSS?
Returning to plain HTML and CSS is not an act of regression; it is an act of refinement. A site built with clean semantic markup is instantly accessible, incredibly fast to load, and survives the test of time. It requires no server-side compilation, no package updates, and can be hosted for free on almost any platform.
Design by Subtraction
When you strip away glows, gradients, shadows, and animations, what remains is typography and spacing. By using a single high-quality typeface (like Inter) and a disciplined spacing grid, you can create a layout that feels balanced, modern, and intentional. Black text on a white background provides maximum readability and puts the focus entirely on the content.
The Ultimate Developer Experience
Building a site this way is incredibly liberating. When I want to add a blog post, I write an HTML file, add it to the directory, and update the list. There are no dev servers to start, no dependencies to update, and the site works perfectly on any device, from a modern workstation to a vintage terminal browser.