I see that all the time here in the Wash. DC area. I've known several people who spent $100k on just a kitchen, and some that spent up to $150k! They are all very proud of them and gleefully explain how it cost so much because they wanted it to be "nice." One paid $40k alone to convert from electric to gas cooking and having the gas line brought in. Shockingly there seems to be no lack of contractors who are happy to cater to their desire to spend that much...
I don't understand it -- upon buying my house I got the very old kitchen plus three bathrooms gutted all the way down to the studs and sub-floor and completely renovated by a great contractor, for about $28k. That included replacing the plumbing, electrical, appliances, tubs, showers, everything. I don't think their $100 - $150k got them anything better, we have all the same bells and whistles (granite, stainless steel, fancy cabinets, ceramic tile, etc.). They just paid more and consider it a status symbol that they did so.