It doesn't only apply to the home page, but the box at the top of every page is gone and the text is left-justified. I personally don't like it for the color contrast, but it's also probably because I'm so used to the old appearance.
The previous change has been restored to the previous version. It was likely a bit of code that got inadvertently deleted.
And concerning the apparent aesthetics, I'm sure the rest of the icons on the home page are being revamped for consistency, but the configuration is probably staying the same for DSiPaint (as opposed to the 3DSPaint layout).
Again: I like the shiny effects. I also like that "Buy T-Shirts" Was changed to "Treats and Goodies" with a new icon, the new Settings icon, the new Back icon (below), the new chatroom icon, and the new thing at the top of the blogs page.