A prototype dream bath, designed for Sarah Ferguson and with her help, is a beautiful private spa, a haven of pure relaxation. The Duchess of York, once married to England's Prince Andrew, second son of Queen Elizabeth, is a mother of two and an international spokeswoman for Weight Watchers.

For her, bathroom luxury means a huge free-standing tub on its own platform, a doorless walk-in shower big enough for two — with a sizable bench — and a comfortable chair to relax in after bathing. She worked with interior designer Ingrid Leess to outfit this display bathroom with everything she would want in a pampering retreat.

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The free-standing soaking tub is deeper and longer than standard. It sits on a tub base, as opposed to legs.

(ENLARGE)

Two console sinks beneath mirrored medicine cabinets make this design comfortable for sharing. A towel radiator sits outside the all-tile open shower.

(ENLARGE)

Below, a built-in bench extends between adjustable sprays on two walls of the shower stall. Inset into ceramic tile walls are glass tiles in stripes. Nearby, a towel hangs on a wall-hung towel warmer, available in electric or hydronic models.

Editor's note The following is part of an occasional series of excerpts from "The Bathroom Book: The Ultimate Design Resource for the Home's Most Essential Space" (Filipacchi Publishing, $29). Look for more excerpts in upcoming issues of Home & Garden.

Although the duchess had an extensive wish list, Leess brought her design talent to bear. To complete the picture, the designer added a 26-inch television that disappears behind mirrored glass when not in use, plus a drawer refrigerator as part of a fully stocked refreshment center. The toilet and bidet are in their own separate space, behind a discreet pocket door.

In this hypothetical wonderland, the duchess would lounge on a Queen Anne-style armchair with decorations by interior designer Katherine Stephens and wood finishing by James Matar. Three shades of wood stain, plus a special walnut wood finish and clear lacquer, define the chair. A small table, decorated in the same stains, patterns and motifs, completes a soothing setting for an after-bath tea beside an expansive picture window.

Leess wanted a serene feeling in a sophisticated space. The duchess' preference for shades of blue motivated the choice of Italian tile in the shower. Her sense of whimsy prompted Leess' use of a wallpaper with butterfly motifs in the toilet compartment. As the duchess wanted high visibility for most bath essentials, Leess placed colorful towels — some all cotton, some made of a very soft bamboo fiber/cotton mix — on open shelves. Two wall-hung towel radiators make the display beautiful.

Because of the duchess's traditional leanings, the design team chose recessed-panel cabinets in pale maple, with leaf and flower accents etched into door borders. The cabinet hardware has a rustic brass finish. Extending the room's subtle natural theme, 24-by-24-inch Italian floor tiles that look and feel like bamboo complement a luscious leaf-patterned wallpaper.

Overall, the balance of hidden and seen bath essentials adheres to the duchess' admonition "No clutter, please." To broaden the appeal of the space, however, Leess added contrast — sconce lights, mirrored cabinets and console sinks with a decidedly contemporary look. There are shelves for toiletries — both open and tucked behind glass doors — and plenty of closed cabinets to keep items out of sight. Between the shower and the toilet compartment stands the bath's main storage unit, a massive piece of furniture with seeded glass in some upper doors. There is shelving for towels and beauty aids, plus drawers and closed cabinets. Another cabinet shares space with the toilet and bidet, making that room even more practical.

In the supersize shower, the tile resembles a waterfall of blues, according to the designer, who collaborated on the many tile choices with Kevin Mashia, in consultation with the Italian Trade Commission/Ceramic Tiles of Italy. All the design team's decisions were made with an eye to realizing the duchess's vision of luxury. To put it another way, the space has a definite feminine feel to it.

Ask the experts

I've fallen in love with the look of stand-alone claw-foot tubs. Are there any special plumbing requirements or concerns involved with installing them?

As long as the bathroom has plumbing to accommodate a tub, any concerns regarding claw-foot or other free-standing tubs should be minor. Everything needed to convert from a built-in to a free-standing tub is readily available, and a professional plumber should know how to make the conversion. Although plumbing access from the floor is preferable, free-standing tubs can take faucets that run from the wall. Before making a buying decision, wise shoppers will have a professional check out their bathroom plumbing and advise them about their options.