A good way to gauge things it to drop the drain into place with no putty. See how the drain flange sits in the sink, you'll be looking for that same picture when you are done. I usually make a snake from plumbers putty and set that in place. Drop the drain into place. Compress the putty by pushing the drain down with my fingers. Then I thread the nut on the bottom. Hnad-tighten first, then moving in with a wrench. When you hit resistance, then you need to pay attention. Look at the drain up top. It should essentially be as it was when you dry fit it. If there is a washer or gasket on the underside, make sure it's in full contact or evenly compressed. With the drain looking good on top and the nut compressing the gasket on the bottom, you're in good shape. If you go hand tight plus another half turn or so, you'll be in good shape. Watch for leaks and snug it more if needed.

I am so pleased to see all of your comments, and to hear that it might be doable. I now have lots of avenues to pursue. Palimpsest, I forgot to include that there are about 5 accent tiles in addition to the listello that have the same accent rust flower. I can't cut out those tiles. If painting does not work, I could cut out the listello and find a matching size replacement. Luckily, I have one sample listello piece that I can experiment with. Thanks all! Carol

I've found lots of neat metal basket- and tray-type things at Goodwill, garage sales, and such. They have good airflow around all sides and bottom, since all have at least little feet. I can leave them out in the rain, and some I can bottom water with the pots in the container. (I clean them all first.) They are all different sizes and shapes, and not particularly space efficient. But I do really like the added character they provide for places & times I have the space. :-) Here's one I particularly like the color of (I added green chicken wire, that I had laying around, to the bottom so it's steady for smaller pots): Here's one that's super steady for the right size pots. The outside holes are about 2.5in/6cm, and the center is bigger. I would love to find more of these. Anyone have any idea what it is? I took a few pots out so you can see better -- it opens like a clam shell and has a latch to close it, as you can see up front. For tiny pots, I use egg cartons:

You might be able to have the glass top replaced, you'll need to call appliance repair shops and ask. As far as fixing that top, if it's yours, put a dab of silicone on it and start saving for it's replacement. If it's a clients, you're not getting out of it that easy.