The popularity of "Flora and Fauna" continues to blossom in 2006 and evidence can be seen from Victorian fashion trends to coverings for the home. These budding botanical and animal looks are lending a fresh finish to ceramic tile; Tile of Spain branded manufacturers are using glazes and designs in the bright colors and contemporary patterns of "flora and fauna."

The patterns of today are departing from the antique roses on Grandma's china, with bigger and bolder twists on traditional prints or more dainty décor with exotic embellishments. For those who like to walk on the wild side, or like wildlife to adorn their walls, tiles are being spotted in leopard, leather and cowhide. Always on the cutting edge of design, the manufacturers from Spain are offering tiles to compliment designs that bring the outdoors in or incorporate elements like hair-on-hide furniture and zebra rugs.

Designers such as Gucci, BCBG and Isaac Mizrahi are coming up rosy in everything floral with watches, shoes and bedding - just to name a few. Whether it's preppy peonies, oversized floral upholstery, bountiful butterflies or the red coral craze, "flora and fauna" abound in fashion and interior design.

"The look of "flora and fauna" is everywhere - and the Tile of Spain branded manufacturers are a driving force behind the trend, offering fresh designs inspired by pop culture. By staying on top of what's current in fashion and design, the manufacturers from Spain continue to lead the industry in design and innovation," says Javier Soriano, Director of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion for ASCER.

Tile of Spain branded manufacturer Gaya presents the Garden Series, a 7.75-by-7.75" wall tile enlivened by retro inspired floral patterns. The Garden Series is offered in Yellow, Blue, Grey, Green and Pink. New from Peronda, a Tile of Spain branded manufacturer, the Emotions Series brings the outside indoors. Tropical lilies combine with 12.5-by-12.5" floor tiles and 12.5-by-23.25" wall tiles in shades of Aloe, Jazmin, Vanilla, Lavanda and Mandarina. Borders and decorative pieces are also available.

Tile of Spain branded manufacturer Venus Ceramica's Medusa Series gives the leopard look a new hue with tiles for the bathroom in Red Amour, Brown Hypnotic and Blue Feeling. Part of the Scandal Touch Collection, the Medusa Series presents floor tiles available in 13-by-13" with décor pieces in 9.75-by-19.75". Decorative borders of Medusa, Idol and Oh La La come in 1.25-by-9.75" and 2.25-by-9.75".

The Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturer's Association (ASCER) is the private organization whose primary objective is to support Spain's ceramic tile manufacturers and the industry as a whole by stewarding and promoting the Tile of Spain brand worldwide. A strong global leader in the industry, the Tile of Spain brand comprises 220 manufacturers concentrated primarily in the province of Castellon.

For more about tile produced in Spain, contact Tile of Spain Center at the Trade Commission of Spain, 2655 Le Jeune Road, Suite 1114, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Call 305-446-4387 or visit www.spaintiles.info.