"El problema con muchos diseñadores ahora es que intentan hacer que todo sea demasiado moderno. Lo quitan todo."

Sometimes, in the world of design, there's a tendency to strip things down to their bare bones. The quote is pointing out that modern designers often go too far in making things sleek and minimalist. They remove so much that they risk losing the essence or functionality of what they're creating.

Picture this: you're in a beautifully designed, ultra-modern hotel room. Everything is white, the furniture is minimal, and there are almost no decorations. It looks clean and chic, but you start to notice some practical issues. Where do you hang your towel? There are no hooks. Where can you put your toiletries in the bathroom? The sleek surfaces don’t have any space for your things. This is what the quote is getting at. By focusing too much on modern aesthetics, designers sometimes take away the practical aspects that make a space not just beautiful, but livable.

Let's dive into history a bit. This quote reflects a backlash against the extreme minimalism that became popular in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Designers like Dieter Rams and the Bauhaus movement pushed for simplicity and functionality, which were great. But then, as is often the case, some took it to an extreme. Think about Apple's design evolution. The earlier iPods were simple yet user-friendly. Over time, though, some users felt that newer products sacrificed too much usability for the sake of sleekness.

Take the example of a home kitchen. Imagine a kitchen with no upper cabinets—just open shelves. It looks modern and airy, but where do you store your dishes? And what about the dust that settles on the open shelves? This is a real-life example of design that looks good in a magazine but might not work as well in everyday life. The practicality is somewhat compromised for the sake of aesthetic minimalism.

So how can you apply this wisdom in your own life or work? Balance is key. If you're designing a space, product, or even an outfit, remember that function should always accompany form. Ask yourself: does this look good? But also, does it work well? Will it meet the needs of those who use it? By keeping the end user in mind, you can avoid the trap of over-modernizing.

Picture a family moving into a new home. They love the look of modern design but also have young kids. They decide to go for a minimalist living room, but they make sure to include plenty of storage options. The sleek sofa has hidden compartments, and they choose a coffee table that doubles as a toy chest. It's stylish, but it’s also practical. This way, they maintain a clean look without sacrificing the functionality needed for family life.

Ultimately, the message here is about finding that sweet spot. Modern design can be beautiful and functional, but it shouldn’t lean too far into minimalism at the expense of practicality. Think about what you need from a space or object, and let that guide your design choices. And remember, sometimes it’s the little details—those things that make life easier—that bring the most joy.