I was in a similar situation (sold my small condo to move into my husbands house) and it was a definite challenge to merge our styles and our stuff!

We have two dogs and two cats so we mostly use indoor/outdoor rugs now for easy cleaning. I have this one from Target (Georgian Rectangle Patio Rug in gray and cream) and it has held up great. It's in our living room which leads to the back deck so the dogs are constantly tracking dirt through there, but spot cleaning with Resolve or other carpet cleaner does the trick. So don't be too afraid of lighter colors, if you get an outdoor rug you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

http://m.target.com/p/georgian-rectangle-outdoor-patio-rug-gray-cream/-/A-15191316

There are a lot of accent colors and pillows in the room, maybe try limiting to one or two colors, and keeping the walls in a neutral color (a warm gray or light blue/green). I like the colorful artwork but maybe let the artwork stand out by allowing the other furniture and accents to be more neutral.

If you're looking for a more masculine feel, you could add some leather (or faux leather) touches, maybe something like this ottoman http://m.target.com/p/large-faux-leather-storage-ottoman-black/-/A-16547771

We have a similar ottoman and leather parsons chairs in the dining room, they add masculinity and some texture.

Good luck and have fun! :)

Are you keeping the art on the walls?

Can we see a close up of the rug. It looks promising. Many youthful contemporary rooms with Persian rugs.

I would consider a rug with stripes - which should work with the graphic art. And a creamy yellow wall color.

It doesn't seem to have much natural light, so I'd try and stay simple and light. Something like this for rug? BM Elmira White for walls. Still masculine, yet modern and refined.