I happened across a site called arcbazar.com that allows you to propose an architectural design competition for your project with a cash prize for the author of your favorite design. Architects, architectural students, and designers can register on the site to participate in these competitions. Anyway, I thought it might be a useful way to get some ideas for a garage with a little more architectural merit than I can muster. Here are some renderings from the two designs that I liked best. I thought they generally had some helpful ideas.
(Click any of the images to open a full-sized version)
Design #1
On this design, I really liked the use of landscaping to tie the garage in with the facade of the house:
More images from design #1 (Click to show)
Design #2
I really liked the idea of the all-glass garage. Unfortunately, I need the garage to conceal tools and occasional car maintenance so it was not practical for my needs. I neglected to mention those requirements in the description of the project, so that is largely my fault.
More images from design #2 (Click to show)