diff --git a/overlays/vscode-modernized/default.nix b/overlays/vscode-modernized/default.nix
index 1bdc2e6..e066a29 100644
--- a/overlays/vscode-modernized/default.nix
+++ b/overlays/vscode-modernized/default.nix
@@ -54,6 +54,11 @@ EOF
           # Smoke-test styles. Remove later if you want.
           cat >> /tmp/vscode-modernized-inline.css <<'EOF'
 
+/* Modernized dims inactive icons to 20%; let the theme control contrast instead. */
+.monaco-workbench .part.activitybar .monaco-action-bar .action-item.icon:not(.disabled) {
+  opacity: 1;
+}
+
 /* Nix smoke test: these should be very visible */
 .monaco-workbench .part.sidebar,
 .monaco-workbench .part.auxiliarybar,
@@ -97,4 +102,4 @@ $css
 in
 {
   vscode-modernized = injectModernized prev.vscode;
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}