Here's something I pinned a while back - maybe it will spark some ideas for you.

I'd keep heavy stuff low, in drawers and cabinets under the counters.

Put lighter stuff, both useful things and decorative things, on the shelves. Maybe get some pretty baskets and put your dish cloths in one, recipe cards in another, pretty decorative bottles...

Or you could paint the backs of the cabinets a lovely color then display your nicer white items in front of them. There are many examples online.

Your kitchen sound fabulous, I believe you can use all three options, and even mix in some of your white corelle. I'm around your age and I like to see objects I love, so just choose what appeals to you and what your might find useful. Also, if they are open shelves, I'd choose something that's fairly easy to clean. My advice is to study some of the pictures on Pinterest, sometimes it's not what's on the shelves, but how they are arranged that adds to the beauty. I'd love to see pictures of your new kitchen!

My shelves are not open or white, but I do display vintage Fiestaware, along with other pieces that I like, in my glass cabinet. It lights up too. I'm a sucker for Fiesta...it's addicting.

I used to be able to find seconds in Marshalls but haven't in a very long while.

I can't think of a better option for open white shelving...plus I use my vintage pieces alongside my contemporary newer pieces and they work very well.

I actually think some colored melamine would be a good idea. While Fiestaware would be pretty, I wouldn't want to be grabbing it off off a shelf often (I have RA and several fused vertebrae, too).

A basket for colorful towels or napkins. A couple of cute bins for spices and oils, since the shelves flank the stove. Maybe some miscellaneous jars for rice/beans/etc.

You can also use some of your Corel up there, but maybe place a colorful plate or platter behind each stack to brighten it up.

You're kitchen sounds lovely. Please post pictures when you're finished :)

I like your idea #3. I like to find things organically that appeal to me. I also prefer color that is muted. Here is a photo of my idea. Just a thought...

Here are the pitchers, which are a very nice shape.

I have open shelving and glass-front white cabinets as uppers in my kitchen. My everyday white dishes are displayed, as well as glass pieces that I use. As accents I have pewter and brass pieces. I think any sort of aged metal is pretty in open shelving. In addition, many antique and flea stores here in the Midwest have an abundance of Depression glass in a variety of colors that may be appropriate (and useful), while not too heavy, in your kitchen.

I love my fiesta ware. It is a bit on the heavy side, but I love that it can go in the oven. I love the idea of mixing fiesta ware with other pieces.

First I would find a few patterned pieces that really float your boat and make you smile every time you look at them. This could be either random things or perhaps Polish pottery, Deruta style (from Italy), Talavera (from Mexico), or something anonymous. Then, I would pick a few colors from thos special pieces in Fiesta Ware to coordinate.

I have quite a few pieces of Deruta and I am trying to limit myself to 3 colors of Fiestaware. My cobalt and scarlet coordinate well and the lemongrass I just wanted. All 3 of these go well together (although the Lemongrass does not complement the Deruta). The nice thing with the Fiesta ware are the options for supplemental things such as fruit bowls, buiollon (sp) bowls, ramekins, etc. I admit, sticking with 3 colors or a limited color range could be difficult (the plum is really, really tempting me). If you do purchase Fiestaware, only get it on sale. It is frequently about half off at Kohls. The MSRP is rather ridiculous.

I think you have some great ideas. I agree with the others that while Fiestaware is colorful, it's so heavy.

I think your idea of the melamine dinnerware is a good one for every day items. Frontgate/Pottery Barn all have really pretty colorful melamine dishes that I thought were nice and they're very lightweight! Plus, they're all on sale now since it's the end of the season.

Maybe you can intermix some Fiestaware on the upper shelves to mix solids with patterns. I really like your inspiration photo, and the pattern on the bowls reminds me of a melamine pattern I've seen.

gosh i never thought i'd get so many responses so quickly and every one
has great ideas
i love all the pics and will probably go ahead with something from almost everybodys comments
i also have open shelving on 3 sides of and island so every idea is welcome
i haven't looked at frontgate for melamine, but i have checked pb and
i'll stay on the lookout for the kohl's sale items
relieving the fiesta with baskets and other items seems smart too
i am so excited to get to work on it now
thanks everyone!!