I also have a 25+ year old second fridge that works like a charm. My 9-year old Kenmore however, had already crapped out on me twice, and was making threatening noises again when I got rid of it. I'd already lost two full loads of food in the past. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice ... and all that.
The truth is, they don't make appliances like they used to. Deliberately. There are too many computer components now. I'd already replaced the "motherboard" in that fridge. Seriously, a motherboard.
As for the new kitchen table and chairs, it's the first "new" set I've had since I got married.
And let's be honest, just like my Purchasers, I like "pretty, shiny things". I am ridiculously frugal sometimes, but when I open the purse strings, I open them big time.
I know you're not asking me to justify myself, and I don't feel compelled to do so. I like nice things. Hubby likes me to have nice things. I deserve them. (Yes, I do have that high of an opinion of myself.) I think everyone deserves nice things. The interpretation of what constitutes "nice things" is what varies from person to person.