The good part is that you can change the startup page on Chrome and set a default homepage. Here's how to make it happen.

I can confirm that my Google Chrome now has the new design. I have no idea when the change happened, but Tom’s Hardware indicates it rolled out to many Chrome users in December. Animation shows ...

Set Google as the default search Customize Chrome Sign in with a Google Account Remove any New Tab page extension. You need to set Google Search as the default search to make the Customize Chrome ...