Tracery, originally curved and crossed lines made of stone, was used in church windows during Gothic times. These days it is cut more from timber or metal. Traditional tracery always had glass inserts.

If you have a room that needs a focal point, customize your cabinetry with tracery. Depending on the degree of difficulty, the cost is often similar to a solid wood, raised-profile cabinet door.

In this setting, the opaque glass behind the lovely circular timber pattern has two purposes: It hides all the bits and bobs the homeowner doesn't want the world to see, and it makes the tracery visually pop.

Fretwork on cabinetry can sometimes be confused with tracery. Fretwork is an interlaced decorative design, carved into a solid background or cut out. Unlike tracery, fretwork doesn't usually have glass inserts.

Originally fretwork was in a grid and lattice design. These days we see many different designs, from patterns that copy the rectangular Greek fret to more intricately intertwined patterns. The cost depends on the design — using MDF and painting the unit yourself can lower the cost.

Like tracery, fretwork is cut using a fretsaw, coping saw, jigsaw or scroll saw. Some larger cabinet companies use laser-cutting machines.

Traditional muntins are timber or metal strips that hold and divide panes of glass in a window or door. Diagonal muntins are called diamond muntins.

Decorative muntins are used more as an overlay. One piece of glass replaces the solid door face, and the muntins sit on top of the glass. This tends to be a more cost-effective approach to the traditional muntin style.

Muntins work well if you need more light or want to show off precious objects. Adding cabinet lights will enhance the muntins.

Embellishments on cabinetry can make a lovely room feel even more special. Leather, metal and even glass can be used to step a look up a notch.

This dressing room has timber drawers with a recessed profile. The simple rail and stile design looks beautiful alone, but with the leather strapping, you instantly know a gentleman uses this room.

The glass fronts on the high doors and cupboards have leather strapped in the muntin style. This is an intelligent way to link them with the drawers, giving the cabinetry balance.

Decorative mesh on cabinet doors turns an old-fashioned practice into a thoroughly modern look. In the 1800s, mesh or gauze was used to keep meat and other perishables cool and free of flies. These days a huge array of decorative mesh is available. Woven mesh has wires woven alternately over and under one another. Welded mesh is a grid formed of wires that are fused together where they join.

Mesh comes in mild steel, galvanized steel, brass and stainless steel. Various thicknesses can be supplied, but most companies specify minimum amounts, so be careful about costly waste. Get your cabinetmaker to order samples so you can see the pattern up close.

Profiles are cut out using a router bit — a straight or shaped rotary cutting tool used to cut or shape materials. There are numerous types of router bits, and not all cabinetmakers use the same ones. If you want a custom profile not offered, the bit can be manufactured to exact specifications — but be aware that custom bits can cost hundreds of dollars. However, this could be money well spent if you are doing a whole kitchen.