Is darker better in this photo?

While selecting photographs for my upcoming Vineyard Light book, I came across this shot of a work bench at the Yalumba winery's barrel making shop in southern Australia. The tools, old photograph and warm rich colors make it look as if it could have been taken 100 years ago. But I found my eyes grabbed by the almost white seat cover and the pile of stuff near the neon green safety jacket. Light areas attract a viewer's eyes. Since these areas are simply distracting, I darkened them.

What do you think of the photograph below? Is darker better for those light distracting areas?