Trish,
The cabinets you had from 1979 would probably be very high end if you purchased them today. I remember mine being hardwood inside and out. Today, that could easily add another $20 grand+ (seriously) to an average sized kitchen. Many would opt not to have that expense.... so cabinets like that aren't routine anywhere anymore.
I have visited a number of high end homes, where no expense is spared in the kitchen or elsewhere. Some kitchens cost as much as my whole house did and they were fabulous.
I also attended a few very high end plumbing expos with a custom contractor I knew, where the stuff I saw was internationally gathered and blew me away.
Most beautiful and amazing TOP quality things I ever saw!
Our homes here are good ones, but overall not high end in the details.
I guess that's why God made Rubbermaid liners, for drippy people like me- He's so smart!!!
