4. White marble countertops. Cararra marble and Calacatta marble are the two that really stand out in classic kitchens. In fact, marble countertops are often the focal point of a classic kitchen. Even though many homeowners know there are maintenance issues with marble, they can't resist its beauty. 5. White subway tile. It really doesn't matter what size, though the classic is 3x6. It can be glossy, crackle, beveled or square edged, handmade or machine made, or even in white marble. If you're looking for a twist on the classic, try a 2x6 or 2x8 or 2x4 — the proportions can really change the look of your kitchen, as can the grout color. 6. Simple door styles, not too modern, not too ornate. Another aspect that defines this look is the cabinet door style — often either a simple shaker door or a shaker door with a bead moulding. You don't see a lot of raised panel doors (of the sort often found in traditional kitchens) or flat-panel doors typically seen in modern kitchens.