French toast, French fries, French bread: actual French inventions, or simply attempts by Americans to blame their carb-induced obesity on old-worlders?

That’s a toughie. As you ponder, take a gander at Leonor Mataillet’s pillows — bona fide French creations that won’t add inches to your waistline.

Inspired by Mataillet’s time in India, these hand-sewn and silk-screened accessories will jazz up any old sofa. The Kerala pillows feature garlands of flowers on a backdrop of linen, while Piece of Happiness features colorful silhouettes.

The beauty of Mataillet’s pillows comes from her innate ability to bring together contrasting elements, whether she’s combining bright colors and a white background or silk and wool.

That certain je ne sais quoi will surely fill you with joie de vivre as you sip your aperitif in your salon.

See? Your French is improving already.

Available at Hot!, 593 Valencia Street, at 17th Street (415-863-8143).