I like your idea of planting a mixed shrub and perennial border and that you are looking at ornamental foliage that will contribute to a long season of interest. I do the same thing myself, and find it much easier care for as well as providing structure and interest in winter.

However, to my mind the cons on barberries outweigh the pluses, having grown up with them in the yard (a bit east of you on the east side of Cleveland.) The thorny branches catch blowing leaves and trash which the prickers make difficult to remove comfortably, and I don't find them particularly attractive for the 5 months of the year that they don't have leaves, unlike many other plants that add interest in the winter.

While Golden Ruby is supposed to have fewer fruits than many other types of Japanese barberry, it still is supposed to have some, and so will contribute to the whole invasives problem in OH. I also have stopped planting low-growing reddish leafed plants, though I still grow taller ones, because I find that the low red foliage blends into the background of mulch or dirt. Taller red-leafed plants don't have that issue and shorter green, silver or gold plants don't have that problem either.

If you ask for suggestions along with what requirements you have, what the light and soil are like, and a photo of the area, you may find that you get a range of suggestions of wonderful plants from which to choose.