Rather than buying an empty lot and building her modern green dream house, architect Annette Wiley took her existing 50s-era tract home in Corona del Mar, Ca and remodeled it (always the greener option)....

Wiley's remodel took 14 months and now the home boasts Energy Star appliances, a xeriscaped yard, rooftop solar panels, and natural cooling. See 10 more photos of Wiley's beautiful home at LATimes.com.

Now we want to see the before pictures ...

(Images: Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)