How do I make the apps/widgets view the default view?
You would need to install a custom Launcher.

A launcher is the application that you use to launch other applications. It is both the home screen (view with wallpaper) and launcher draw ("launchpad").

With Android you can install different launchers via the Play Store to suit your own needs.

For example AppDrawer (MIUI App Drawer) might be what you're looking for.