We have a kitchen that was last remodelled in 1980 (we just bought the house in the past few years). The cabinets are solid wood and are gorgeous and look impeccable. I would prefer a different color and there are some relatively minor style changes I’d prefer to them, but I feel horribly guilty getting rid of the cabinets because they are in such nice condition. So yes, I’d say solid wood are worth it.

Not OP, but bumping as we're starting the kitchen design process.

For a small kitchen, I would absolutely splurge on higher end custom cabinets. I squeezed a lot more out of my small space by having custom products made than settling for standard sizes. But did use plywood boxes as I needed frameless to maximize storage space. Not as sturdy but the ease of use and space was worth the trade off.

We elected not to combine our kitchen and dining room in our DC row house and got custom wood cabinets. The design functionality of custom was worth it; I have a huge amount of storage. We did tiger maple with a warm cherry finish so the wood looks "satin-like" from the tiger maple grain. It was pricey but it was worth it and has held up extremely well for 15 years. I had done white wood cabinets from cabinet discounters before in a prior house renovation and while I love white kitchens, I found that the white finish chipped and wore down quickly on the most heavily-used drawers and cabinets (silverware and glasses, e.g.).

For a small kitchen, I would absolutely splurge on higher end custom cabinets. I squeezed a lot more out of my small space by having custom products made than settling for standard sizes. But did use plywood boxes as I needed frameless to maximize storage space. Not as sturdy but the ease of use and space was worth the trade off.

Wood-Mode Cabinetry

I got solid wood cabinets Brighton from Cabinet Discounter- you definitely can tell that they are solid and heavy. I do have some maple white shaker cabinets (some are slab quarter sawn oak) They are much nicer than a builder standard, and much nicer than the IKEA ones I have a the beach. If it is a small kitchen, get nice ones.

I’ve seen some beautiful kitchens that use braemar cabinets; their shop is in old town Alexandria.

You cam do things like maple cabinets stained cherry to help bring the cost down and keep the color you like (maple costs less than cherry)

If you’re willing to put in some sweat equity, the high end RTA cabinets are amazing and extremely cost effective. (Some installers will build these, some won’t. Ymmv.)

Barker, Sherrs, Cabinet Authority (Conestega) all have fantastic products.

White with black countertops is very trendy right now. Definitely don’t do high end cabinets and choose that. I have midrange white cabs and soapstone and I like it but already feel like it’s trending out. (I know people will say it’s timeless but it’s also very 2022).

I am very happy with my kraftmaid cabinets. Spending another $30k wouldn’t have increased my happiness.

Not sure why ikea is so popular on this site, especially since not every contractor will want to deal with the assembly etc of ikea . Mainline kitchen design has some comprehensive reviews of various brands. I’d suggest going to a kitchen design shop in your area or reaching out to a contractor/design build firm.

If you are getting white cabinets, there's no need for you to get solid wood cabinetry. Get any old box and opt for wooden doors. The IKEA+Semi-handmade combination is very popular.

Solid kitchen cabinetry is likely to not be cost-effective. It'll last a long time, but is heavy, expensive, and less moisture-resistant than alternatives which can look just as nice and are functionally equivalent for all practical purposes. Spending the extra money for solid wood will gain you bragging rights, but little else of actual value. Since you presumably have a generous budget, focus on upscale, useful, features like soft-closing drawers and cabinet doors, internal sliding shelves, and other functional upgrades which will benefit you daily. Maybe consider under cabinet LED lighting, too, which can make a smaller space look brighter and maybe a little less cramped.

You typically want plywood or MDF boxes and solid wood veneers on doors because solid wood is subject to warping through steam and other kitchen activities. This is what I've heard, I can't say I know firsthand.
You'll see this a million times on this forum but unless you're going high end custom, your best bet is Ikea plus one of the special door vendors. The choices between those price points aren't that titillating and require waits. If you do want to splurge, work with a carpenter on an entirely custom design.
Aside from cabinetry there are other ways to splurge on your kitchen.
1) high end appliances are $$$, plus paneling them if you choose
2) solid brass faucet and door knobs and handles, plated in whatever finish you want
3) high end countertop definitely looks expensive - special granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone
4) luxe pendant lighting
To me kitchen is foremost about function. If you need to spend money relocating sinks and stoves then do so. Even a midrange ikea kitchen with layered lighting, nice appliances and pretty countertop, plus accessories (towel, utensil containers) will look very lovely. Plus nice appliances and solid faucet/knobs are a joy to touch and use daily.

Our kitchen is small so I'd like to splurge on high end, quality cabinetry. Unless I can find beautiful wood, I'm going with white with black countertops. I'm a buy forever kind of person who doesn't remodel unless cabinets are falling apart and non functioning (which is the current state of our kitchen).

Any recommendations for solid, long lasting cabinetry? Or - talk me out of it - could I find something solid and long lasting in a more mid-range price point?