WHEN IT COMES TO HOME AND GARDEN DESIGN, OCALA HAS STYLE. Lots of it. For the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of capturing Ocala’s innate sense of style through the creation of The Style Book, Ocala Style magazine’s first-ever book publication.
Call me biased, but I absolutely love the finished product. The Style Book is dedicated to the place we love and call home—Ocala. We’ve filled every page with inspiration. And some of that inspiration is for your home.
Our room-by-room chapters offer hundreds of visual tips and practical ideas. Even better, The Style Book gives new meaning to one-stop shopping. At the end of each chapter, you’ll find a customized resource guide of businesses and services, making your home projects easy, accessible, and just a phone call away.
No book on style would be complete without a little star power and we have plenty. Carolanne Roberts, my dear friend and Southern Living’s travel editor, sets the stage with her poignant observations of how Ocala and Southern style go hand in hand. Also, I had the chance to interview actress Jane Seymour and HGTV stars Candice Olson and Paul James who shared their public and private passions for homes and gardens. Their answers were funny, touching, and surprising.
For me, the best part about this project has been working with so many talented individuals—numerous writers, editors, graphic artists, and photographers, as well as the production staff, the sales team, the designers, and, of course, the homeowners—to make this dream a stunning reality. The Style Book is a beautiful collection of their creativity and dedication.
So why a book?
Because Ocala Style Publisher Kathy Johnson wanted to produce a one-of-a-kind publication, something that would celebrate all that’s special about Ocala’s homes—and the people who live in them. Her intuitive vision and unwavering support gave life to what you now hold in your hands.
Now it’s your turn. I hope you enjoy, page by page, this celebration of my favorite subject—home.
Sincerely,
Amy Mangan
Editor, The Style Book
