Papyros looks like it is heavily inspired by Chrome OS, which brings me to my next point. Using Chrome OS and some other distros with minimal, modern interfaces (GalliumOS, Cub Linux, Solus) has modified what I think works best as a UI. Chrome OS provides you with the basics, then gets out of the way and let's you work, as opposed to being clunky and obtrusive and too robust. It mostly works (so far) with minimal hangups, notifications, updates, and bloat. It looks pretty smooth and slick, too.
Obviously, Chrome OS has shortcomings and limitations, which leads me to try out other Linux distros/DEs with similar interfaces but more customization that can function as a full Linux operating system. I know my eventual Linux resting place is a tiling windows manager, but I have to finally settle upon a distro before I get there.
When I step back and think about, what do you actually need in a basic home desktop setup that works for most of us? You want it to work well, be familiar, and easy to use, but at least offer some customizations for the more discerning user. You want easy access to your apps, files, settings/utilities, open windows, and additional software. And you want all your media to frickin work out of the box. That's pretty much it.
Most of us would be perfectly fine with a Chrome OS type of system with a tad more software choices, rather than jacking around with Windows or paying out-the-ass for a Mac. The main impediment to this scenario is our familiarity with what we've used all our lives, and lack of willingness to just take a week or two to adjust to a slightly different user interface. But whatever, we're human.